157 affordable homes at Land On Campfield Way, Letchworth Garden City

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing existing buildings and building 157 dwellings with roads, landscaping, open space, parking, drainage and infrastructure.

“Redevelopment of site comprising demolition of existing buildings and provision of 157 dwellings; associated roads, landscaping, open space, car and cycle parking provision, drainage and infrastructure works and all associated ancillary works (as amended)”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because 157 homes, all affordable, would provide significant benefits that outweighed the identified heritage harm.

“In accordance with the NPPF and NHLP policies the proposals are considered to result in ‘less than substantial harm’ that the proposals will have on the designated heritage asset and its setting, but that the public benefits of the delivery of up to 69 net increase in homes of which 100% will be affordable housing, is sufficient to outweigh the harm. This matter weighs greatly in the planning balance.”

Officer report

What people said

Residents objected to losing historic buildings and raised concerns about housing, design, green space, access, infrastructure, ecology and construction, while others supported redevelopment.

“Loss of unique and historic buildings, which have retained their original form, materials and appearance • Loss of the bungalows which are historically and culturally significant for residents of Letchworth • Concern that people will be losing their homes • Suggestion that the buildings should be listed, and proposal to retain one bungalow for historic preservation either on site or off site • Buildings should have received better maintenance and if they had would not…”

“Concern over the closing up of one of the two existing accesses for safety of residents where the vehicular access is reduced and the number of homes increased • Concern about access to the site by emergency vehicles • Concern from local Head Teachers regarding the closure of the footbridge during the construction period which would cause timetable problems for students who walk between school sites during the school day • Lack of services and infrastructure to provide for…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A public supporter, member advocates, the applicant’s representatives and officers addressed housing quality, residents’ return, construction, parking, biodiversity and the footbridge.

What members debated

Members recognised the difficulty of moving residents but considered the scheme well planned, with a net gain of 69 affordable homes, while discussing bungalow retention.

“The following Members took part in the debate:”

“The scheme appeared well thought through and the Applicant had engaged with local partners. • Whilst some residents were understandably concerned about moving home, overall, this scheme delivered a net gain of 69 dwellings, 100% of which would be affordable, which was desperately needed across the district. • It would be difficult for some residents who had lived on this site all their life, but it was a suitable proposal to upgrade the site.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee granted planning permission subject to a satisfactory legal agreement, delegated healthcare contributions, and the report’s conditions and informatives.

“Councillor Nigel Mason proposed to grant permission subject to the conditions and informatives as set out in the report. This was seconded by Councillor Emma Fernandes.”

“RESOLVED: That application 24/00326/FP be GRANTED planning permission subject to:”

Minutes