9 dwellings at 66 Park Lane, Knebworth

What was proposed

Reserved matters were sought for nine dwellings, including their appearance, landscaping, layout, scale, internal access, parking and amenity space.

“Reserved matters (appearance, landscaping, layout, scale and internal access) for the erection of 9 dwellings with associated landscaping, parking and amenity space pursuant of outline permission 23/02946/OP granted 19.06.2025.”

Officer report

The site

The site surrounds and lies behind an existing home, includes lawn, garages, sheds and woodland, and is reached by a gravel track.

“The application site comprises land surrounding and to the rear of Martlets, No. 66 Park Lane, Knebworth. The site is neighboured by KB1 to its northern and eastern boundaries, a site allocated for development in the Local Plan 2011-2031. The total land within the red line measures approximately 0.8 hectares in total area.”

“The site is within the Knebworth Settlement Boundary. No heritage assets are present on site and at present, the site comprises the residential curtilage of No. 66, featuring a large lawn area, garaging, storage sheds and woodland. Access is provided by an existing gravel track off Park Lane.”

Officer report

Earlier permission

An outline permission allowed up to nine dwellings, with access approved and the remaining details reserved for later approval.

“23/02946/OP - Outline planning application for the erection of up to 9 dwellings (all matters reserved except means of access). – Conditional Permission…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposed homes and landscaping were considered acceptable in planning terms and compliant with relevant policies.

“The external materials proposed is a red multi-brick for the walls and a red-brown plain tile to the roof. These materials are considered to be acceptable and reflect the materials used on dwellings in the vicinity, which include a mix of red and buff coloured brick, as well as render, along with brown and red plain tiles. As such, the reserved matters for appearance, layout and scale of the proposed dwellings are acceptable in planning terms.”

“The proposed extent, siting and layout of hard landscaping is considered to be acceptable and would comprise a traditional materials pallet, complementing other developments within the district. The provision of a dedicated footpath is welcomed to the eastern side of the roadway. The extent of driveways areas is considered acceptable and would provide scope for visitor parking to each dwelling together with parking provision for residents.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The parish council and consultees raised no objection, while environmental health and archaeology recommended conditions and highways requested advisory notes.

“Parish Council: No Objection. Requests consideration and application of Neighbourhood Plan Policies.”

“Hertfordshire Highways – Does not wish to restrict grant of permission. No objection subject to advisory notes.”

Officer report

Neighbour comments

Two neighbouring representations asked questions about swift bricks and suggested changing their locations.

“2x Representations received. Raises queries relating to Swift Bricks and recommends alterations to their locations.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Development and Conservation team presented the application with plans and photographs, and the Development and Conservation Manager answered members’ questions.

What members discussed

Members discussed permitted development restrictions, biodiversity, acoustic fencing and tree protection, and one member described the scheme as good overall.

“Class E permitted development related to outbuildings and Class F to permitted development related to hardstanding. It did not mean works could not be conducted on these areas, but permission would be required from the planning authority. This had been included to protect the existing trees on the site. • There would be some Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) from this development, and these had been outlined in the documents submitted as part of the application.”

“As part of the debate, Councillor Ruth Brown noted that this was overall a good scheme, with PV panels, air source heat pumps and large plots.”

Minutes

The committee decision

The committee granted permission subject to the report’s reasons and conditions, with revised wording for the contamination condition.

“RESOLVED: That application 25/01658/RM be GRANTED planning permission subject to the reasons and conditions set out in the report of the Development and Conservation Manager, with an amendment to Condition 6 as follows:”

“In the event that contamination not identified in the ground investigations to date is found at any time when carrying out the approved development, it shall be reported in writing immediately to the Local Planning Authority. An investigation and risk assessment shall then be undertaken by a competent person, in accordance with BS10175:2011. A written report of the findings should be forwarded for approval to the Local Planning Authority.”

Minutes