Community hub at Land Off Andrew Close, Shenley

“EXECUTIVE SUMMARY & SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATION 1.1 The application seeks planning permission for the erection of a Community Hub and associated infrastructure provision. The application is submitted by Griggs and Shenley Parish Council. The parish council would use the hub as the parish office and the building would also be available for community uses.”

“The application is submitted jointly by Griggs and Shenley Parish Council for the erection of a Community Hub and associated infrastructure provision, including vehicle parking, footpaths, cycle storage, bin storage and landscaping.”

“The relevant planning history is set out below. The site once comprised a reserve site for a primary school as part of the Porters Park development. The school was no longer required, so the site has been in use as publicly accessible open space, which is leased to the Shenley Park Trust.”

“Reference number Description Date and outcome TP/86/097 5 Phased development to provide a mixed development of housing, retail and light industrial accommodation with vehicular access to black lion hill together with 45 acres of landscaped public park and buffer whilst retaining the listed buildings at Shenley Hospital. February 1989 Permission subject to/linked to Sect 106 TP/05/064 1 Provision of football and basketball facilities.”

“There may be other locations for the hub The location of the hub is supported by the Shenley Neighbourhood Plan. The council must assess the application before them. It will spoil the parkland This is considered in the Principle section of the report. Loss of habitat This is considered in the Ecology section of the report. Lack of parking This is considered in the Highways / Parking section of the report.”

“A planning site notice is not required in this case, as per the adopted Statement of Community Involvement. Reduction in privacy for neighbouring dwellings This is considered in the residential amenity section of the report.”

“In response to member questions, Officers explained that a community management plan was in place that would cover local use arrangements.”

“It was proposed by: Councillor C Myers, seconded by Councillor A Kaza that the recommendations as set out in the report be agreed. For: (11 total) - Councillors M Allen, M Amron, G Briski, R Georgiou, C Gray, M Handley, A Kaza, D Lambert, C Myers, S Quilty and P Richards Against: (0 total) - No votes Abstain: (0 total) - No votes Total votes cast: 11”

“RESOLVED that planning permission be GRANTED for the erection of a Community Hub and associated infrastructure provision. 375.4”

“No development shall commence until a Construction Management Statement has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Thereafter the construction of the development shall only be carried out in accordance with the approved Plan: The Construction Management Statement shall include details of: Construction vehicle numbers; Access arrangements to the site; Traffic management requirements; 4.”

“Travel Plan The development hereby approved shall be carried out in accordance with the measures and objectives set out in the Draft Sustainable Travel Plan (EAS Transport Planning Ltd, August 2025). Within 3 months of first use of the Community Hub, a Full Travel Plan shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.”