38 dwellings at Land At Redcar Drive, Stevenage

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing Cartref and building 38 dwellings, comprising 26 houses and 12 flats, with roads, parking and green spaces.

“Application: 24/00058/FPM Location: Land at Redcar Drive, Stevenage SG1 2EN Proposal: Demolition of existing property known as Cartref and erection of 38 no. dwellings with associated road, parking, green spaces and ancillary works.”

“PROPOSAL 3.1. The application seeks full planning permission for the comprehensive redevelopment of the site to provide 38 dwellings (a block of 12 flats and 26 houses) with associated roads, parking, green spaces and other ancillary works. The application was originally submitted by the council as applicant.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site included a former block of flats, public open space and mature perimeter trees beside Redcar Drive and Clovelly Way.

“SITE DESCRIPTION 1.1. The site comprises a former block of flats to the south-west and a large area of public open space, including mature tree belt around the perimeter, on the corner of Redcar Drive and Clovelly Way. The site is bounded to the north by existing residential properties off Symonds Green Lane and Eastbourne Avenue. To the south-west is Meadway Playing Field, a large public open space with sports pitches and a play area.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier decisions included permission for temporary site accommodation and three demolition applications, two refused and one granted.

“The road is set to undergo extensive changes to facilitate the urban extension on Land West of Stevenage, which will involve the construction of up to 1500 dwellings. 2. RELEVANT PLANNING HISTORY 2.1. The relevant planning history for the site is set out below. Reference Description Decision 12/00234/FP Change of Use of land and buildings from residential to temporary site accommodation (offices and storage) together with community meeting room.”

Officer report

What residents said

Residents raised concerns about traffic, access, flooding, security, construction, loss of green space, trees, habitat, noise, pollution, overlooking and infrastructure.

“The material issues raised in the representations are summarised as follows: • Integrated swift bricks should be secured via condition; • No pedestrian/cycle path from new estate heading south/south-east towards Woolenwick School and the train station; • Access to the six houses off Symonds Green Lane is very narrow, and would surely be safer off Redcar Drive; • The site, especially the corner near the roundabout is prone to flooding, hopefully the development has made…”

“Suggest a mini roundabout be installed at the junction of Eastbourne Avenue and Clovelly Way; • Construction traffic should not use Symonds Green Lane; • The retention of as many trees as possible and the ancient hedgerow alongside the footpath from Symonds Green Lane is heartening to see; • Loss of green space; • Surely more appropriate brownfield sites in town that could be used; • Access to the new housing is in the wrong place and will add to existing congestion; • Loss…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The planning officer presented the application, and members received answers to questions submitted before the meeting.

What members discussed

Members discussed the site layout, access, connectivity, landscaping, the community garden, parking, remediation, affordable housing and education funding.

“In response to questions submitted by Members before the meeting, the Officer confirmed that: • A windfall site was a housing site not allocated within the Local Plan. • The development would be for sale, except for the affordable units which would be retained by the Council. • All dwellings would have direct access from the street to gardens, allowing for cycle storage within gardens.”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was granted subject to conditions and a section 106 agreement covering affordable housing, management, employment, education funding and highway works.

“48 • An appropriate trigger for s278 off-site highway works That delegated authority be given to the Assistant Director for Planning and Regulation, in consultation with the council’s appointed solicitor, to agree the wording of the s106 agreement.”

Minutes