Employment building at Wiltron House, Rutherford Close, Stevenage

“Application No: 25/00221/FPM Location: Wiltron House, Rutherford Close, Stevenage Proposal: Demolition of existing building and construction of a new building for Use Classes E(g)(iii), B2 and B8 (flexible) including access, servicing, parking, hard and soft landscaping, and associated works.”

“Drawing Nos.: 02001 REV PL01; 03000 REV PL02; 03001 REV PL06; 03002 REV PL01; 03101 REV PL02; 03102 REV PL02; 03103 REV PL02; 03201 REV PL05; 03210 REV PL01; 03211 REV PL01; 03301 REV PL03; 03302 REV PL02; 250109MJ-1; POE_322_001 REV D; POE_322_002; 25006-MBA-EX-SP- DR-E-0001 PL2”

“The application site is located in an established employment location known as Gunnels Wood Employment Area in west Stevenage. The site is currently accessed via a private road from the south which leads onto Rutherford Close and Clovelly Way. There is a pedestrian/cycle link which runs along the western and northern boundary, which is lined by mature trees and vegetation which largely screen the site when viewed from Rutherford Close and Clovelly Way.”

“The site comprises a two-storey office building which is now largely unoccupied with remaining functions to cease later this year. Car parking is located to the south, west and north. The building also benefits from loading doors on the southern access which supports some existing HGV movements. Much of the surrounding area comprises employment uses located to the south, east and west. Residential dwellings are located to the north of Clovelly Way.”

“The proposal would contribute to modernising the employment floorspace in Stevenage, helping to address the identified shortfall in floorspace being delivered over the Local Plan period by redeveloping the site for the proposed uses. The building has been designed to create a high-quality frontage, particularly at the southwestern corner to provide a positive design feature overlooking the entrance to the site and creating an active frontage along Rutherford Close.”

“Having regard to the above, the proposal is considered to accord with the development plan when read as a whole. In the absence of any other material considerations which indicate that permission should be refused, it is recommended that planning permission be granted.”

“A recorded vote* was taken on the application and it was RESOLVED that planning permission be GRANTED the applicant having first entered into a Unilateral Undertaking to secure/provide contributions towards:”

“S278 Agreement (covering access works) • £6000 Travel Plan evaluation and support fee • Local Employment and Apprenticeships • Monitoring fee…”