500-home neighbourhood at Land South Of A602/Land East Of Bragbury End, Stevenage

What was proposed

The hybrid application sought a spine road and accesses, plus outline permission for up to 500 homes, a local centre, open space and infrastructure.

“Full planning permission for the construction of the spine road, site accesses from the A602 and ancillary works. Outline planning permission for up to 500 dwelling units (including affordable housing and self-build plots), a mixed use local centre (Use Class C3, E and F2 space, public open and amenity space (including Children's Play), associated landscaping and ecological enhancement works, internal highways, parking, footpaths, cycleways, drainage, utilities, service…”

“THE CURRENT APPLICATION 3.1 The submitted application is a hybrid application with the majority of the proposed development being outline with some highway works which are covered by full detailed permission. The proposed development seeks full planning permission for the construction of a main spine road within the development, access points from the A602 and ancillary works.”

Officer report

The site and its history

The site lies beside the A602, railway, public houses, homes, trees, hedgerows, woodland, power lines and a flood storage reservoir, with no known planning history.

“The site is located at the southeasternmost point of Stevenage borough, forming the borough boundary along both its southern and eastern edges. The railway line defines the entire southern boundary, while The Three Horseshoes Public House directly abuts the eastern edge.”

“The A602/Broadhall Way runs in a northwest–southeast direction along the northern boundary and is subject to a 40mph speed limit, with a footpath on its southern side. The site is largely enclosed by mature trees and hedgerows, including internal field boundaries demarcated by hedgerows. A substantial woodland forms the southeastern corner of the site, while the western side contains more scattered tree cover and hedging.”

Officer report

Who addressed the committee

A planning officer presented the application, and the Team Leader presented photographs, the surrounding area and the proposed highway works.

What members discussed

Members questioned biodiversity loss, transport, unresolved drainage, sustainability, unexploded ordnance, healthcare, education and how site levels would be managed.

“The Committee considered the appraisal section of the report and questions were raised regarding the biodiversity and ecology lost due to the proposed development. Officers advised that the development would result in a loss of approximately ten habitat units on site, but the required biodiversity net gain would be achieved through off-site units in accordance with national regulations.”

“Members were also informed that Hertfordshire County Council had requested contributions towards secondary education but had not identified a requirement for primary education contributions at this time. It was further noted that the development would also be liable to pay Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) contributions, which could support wider infrastructure including education.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee granted permission subject to safeguarding conditions and obligations covering affordable housing, education, transport, sports, employment, management and monitoring.

“A recorded vote* was taken on the application and it was RESOLVED that planning permission be GRANTED subject to the imposition of suitable safeguarding conditions, the detail of which would be delegated to the Director of Planning and subject to planning obligations to secure/provide contributions towards: • Affordable housing - provision of affordable housing to be secured on site, with the final proportion, tenure mix, and delivery mechanism to be agreed through the S106…”

“Authority would be given to the Director of Planning and Regulation in consultation with the Chair of Planning Committee, to amend or add to the suggested draft conditions set out in this report, prior to the decision notice being issued, where such amendments or additions would be legally sound and most effectively deliver the development that the Planning Committee has resolved to approve. These suggested conditions are as follows:”

Minutes