Lawful development certificate at 467 Archer Road, Stevenage

“Proposal : Lawful Development Certificate (Proposed) for internal alterations to dwelling and alterations to fenestration.”

“DC88 6 SITE DESCRIPTION 1.1 The application site comprises a two storey, terraced property within a predominantly residential area of Stevenage. It is located on the western side of Archer Road, within Radburn style cluster of homes. 7 RELEVANT PLANNING HISORY 2.1 Planning application 99/00235/FP had sought permission for a ‘single storey front extension’, which had been granted in August 1999.”

“Planning application 24/00408/HPA had been submitted to confirm that prior approval is not required for a “single storey rear extension which will extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by 4.65 metres, for which the maximum height will be 4.00 meters and the height of the eaves will be 3.00 meters”. A decision issued in July 2024 confirmed that prior approval is not required.”

“Therefore, following an assessment of the proposal, it has been determined that it accords with the criterion set out in Schedule 2, Part 1, Class A of the Permitted Development Order. Therefore, the proposed works do not require planning permission…”

“DC88 and would be classed as permitted development. Given planning permission is not required, the Council cannot legally assess the proposed development against the Council’s adopted Local Plan (2019) or relevant guidance on design as defined in the Design Guide SPD (2025).”

“The internal alterations to the floor plan (once the development as per the application 24/00408/HPA has been built) are not considered to constitute development as defined by the act referenced in paragraph 6.1.3. The application form states that these alterations are to accommodate two separate rooms for up to two potential lodgers, with the applicant to remain in the home.”

“The Government has released the following regulations as per their website, whereby renting out rooms to 2 or less people in a dwelling as a resident landlord (buildings occupied by owners) would not constitute a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). https://www.gov.uk/rent-room-in-your-home/houses-in-multiple-occupation.”

“10 CONSULTATIONS 10.1 As this application is a lawful development certificate under in Schedule 2, Part 1, Class A of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (England) Order 2015 (as amended), there is no statutory requirement to consult any consultees. 11 RELEVANT PLANNING LEGISLATION & ASSESSMENT 6.1 Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (England) Order 2015 (as amended).”

“Members sought clarification on whether the footprint of the property would be altered as part of the current application. The presenting officer confirmed that prior approval on the extension had previously been granted in 2024 to enlarge the property. The Officer advised that the current application related solely to internal alterations and did not propose any changes to the approved footprint.”

“For – Councillors Julie Ashley-Wren, Stephen Booth, Robert Boyle, Peter Clark, Coleen De Freitas, Lynda Guy, Rob Henry, Claire Parris, Ellie Plater and Carolina Veres Against – 0 Abstentions – 0 Absent – Councillors Kamal Choudhury, Forhad Chowdhury, Akin Elekolusi and Nigel Williams…”

“A recorded vote* was taken on the application and it was RESOLVED that the Lawful Development Certificate is issued subject to the following conditions:”

“2 Following an assessment of the proposal, it has been determined that it accords with the criteria set out in Schedule 2, Part 1, Class A of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (England) Order 2015 (as amended). Therefore, the proposed works do not require planning permission and would be classed as permitted development.”