Two one-bedroom flats at 107 Raleigh Crescent, Stevenage

What was proposed

An existing three-bedroom house would become two one-bedroom flats, with a two-storey rear extension, internal changes and parking.

“Proposal : Change of use of existing 3-bedroom dwelling to 2no. 1-bedroom flats following erection of a two storey rear extension, internal alterations and associated car parking Drawing Nos.: 2410-30-P-300; 2410-30-P-501-D; 2410-30-P-003-A; 2410-30-P- 100; 2410-30-P-101-C; 2410-30-P-200-A; 2410-30-P-201-C; 2410- 30-P-500-A; 2410-30-P-001-B; 2410-30-P-002-B;”

Officer report

The site

The end-terrace house is beside council-owned amenity grass with two mature trees, a garage block and residential streets.

“DC88 1. SITE DESCRIPTION 1.1 The application site comprises an end of terrace three bedroom dwelling in Raleigh Crescent. To the south is an area of Council owned amenity grass with 2no. mature trees; to the south-east is a block of garages, of which the one closest to the application site is owned by the applicant; to the west is the highway of Raleigh Crescent with residential dwellings beyond and to the north. 2.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Two earlier lawful development certificate applications for rear extensions were refused in January and March 2025.

“25/00122/CLPD Lawful Development Certificate (Proposed) for a single storey rear extension. Lawful Development Certificate Refused 13.03.2025 for the following reasons: The proposed single storey rear extension when measured from the rear of the house up to the edge of the external side walls would project more than 3m from the original rear wall of this end-terraced dwellinghouse.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

The highways authority raised no objection subject to conditions, while one representation raised parking concerns and said works had started.

“The application comes before the Planning and Development Committee as it was called- in by Councillor Wren owing to concerns regarding a lack of public and Councillor consultation, impact on trees, parking provision, bedroom sizes, and loss of amenity land. PUBLIC REPRESENTATIONS 4.1 Following notification of the application via letters to adjoining land owners, one public representation has been received from No.157 Raleigh Crescent.”

“CONSULTATIONS 5.1 Herts County Council as Highways Authority 5.1.1 The access gradient of 1:30 is acceptable but very close to a tree so a HCC tree officer will need to be involved with any new access arrangements. No cycle parking is shown, and this should be conditioned to be submitted. No details of EV charging are submitted, and this should be conditioned to be submitted.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A ward councillor opposed the application, and the senior planning officer responded on land ownership, housing need, amenity, trees and parking.

What members debated

Members discussed bedroom sizes, public land, early works, tree roots, parking near the footpath and whether a dropped kerb would be approved.

“The Senior Planning Officer concluded that the development would make a “small but positive contribution” to meeting the Borough’s housing need and recommended approval. During discussion, Members raised concerns about the risk of a developer proceeding with internal works before securing necessary approvals, particularly regarding parking provision.”

“Members noted that a dropped kerb would still be required for the proposed location and there was no guarantee this would be approved. Officers confirmed this point but advised that Hertfordshire County Council had reviewed the proposal and raised no objections.”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was granted subject to conditions covering plans, construction, parking, trees, access, storage, waste and climate measures.

“A recorded vote* was taken on the application and it was RESOLVED that planning permission be GRANTED subject to the following conditions and informatives:”

“Prior to commencement of development, detailed technical plans shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority in consultation with the Highway Authority, which show the detailed engineering designs and construction of the vehicle accesses/driveway gradients and associated highway works concerning the footway, dropped kerb, etc. in accordance with the hereby approved plans.”

Minutes