Covered waste storage building at Stevenage Borough Council Depot, Stevenage

“Proposal : Erection of covered storage building for household waste Drawing Nos.: SKK4307/001 Rev B; SKK4307/101 Rev B; SKK4307/102 Rev B; SKK4307/104 Rev B; SKK4307/106 Rev B; SKK4307/002 Rev A;”

“THE CURRENT APPLICATION 3.1 This application seeks planning permission for the erection of covered storage building for household waste. The purpose of the outbuilding is to cover and contain household waste, with it being open-ended (three-sided) in nature to allow commercial waste vehicles unimpeded access.”

“DC88 1. SITE DESCRIPTION 1.1 The application site comprises the Borough Council Waste Depot, and is located on the north-western side of Cavendish Road, Stevenage. To the west of the site lies the A1 (M) Motorway, with primarily agricultural land beyond this, and to the north is the Meadway Playing Field. Directly to the south of the site is an electricity substation and gas stations which serve the electricity grid.”

“It forms as part of the wider Gunnels Wood Industrial Area with a mix of industrial, commercial and warehouse uses, with a two-storey office building serving the application site, and an outdoor waste area.”

“RELEVANT PLANNING HISORY 2.1 Under planning application 20/00692/FP, planning permission was sought for the “reconfiguration of existing waste transfer bays including replacement transfer bay enclosures and the creation of 1 no. additional transfer bay with associated enclosure”. This application was granted planning permission in January 2021.”

“A non-material amendment was sought under planning application 22/00679/NMA, which sought for a “non-material amendment to planning permission 20/00692/FP for Alteration of Glass Waste bay width from 6200mm to 7555mm.” This was agreed to be a non- material amendment in August 2022.”

“In terms of impact on residential amenities, the nearest residential properties are located 195m from the application site, the closest being Benoni, Symonds Green Lane. Due to the significant separation distance combined with the site already being in operation, it is not considered the proposal would harm the amenities of the nearest residential properties.”

“To conclude, the principle of the proposed development is acceptable as it would support the operation and maintenance of the Waste Depot. Furthermore, it will not have a detrimental impact on the character and appearance of the site, and nor will it detract from the exiting visual amenities of the street scene.”

“DC88 5.1.1 It has been considered that the proposed development is of a small scale and does not consequently have a significant impact on the safety and operation of the adjoining highway.”

“Hertfordshire County Council Minerals and Waste 5.2.1 The Waste Planning Authority welcomes the proposed development to help improve environmental management and operational efficiency at the Household Recycling Centre. Environment Agency 5.3.1 It is advised that consideration is paid to Section 6.1 of the ‘Non-hazardous and inert waste: appropriate measures for permitted facilities’ with respect to emissions control for enclosure within buildings.”

“PUBLIC REPRESENTATIONS 4.1 This planning application has been publicised by way of a site notice posted on the 24 th of December 2025, and neighbouring properties have been notified about the application via a letter. No comments or representations have been received. 5. CONSULTATIONS 5.1. Hertfordshire County Council Highways…”

“The Committee was advised that the purpose of the structure was to provide an enclosed environment for the storage of household waste to address pest control and meet environmental requirements. Elevation plans demonstrated that the proposed building would be similar in appearance and scale to the existing shed on site, with the new covered structure positioned adjacent to it within the identified storage area.”

“Members asked about how the waste was currently stored and what happened to it after it is processed at the depot. The officer explained that operationally it was stored within concrete containing walls, and that the proposed new structure would help address the new rules around storing food waste. It was noted that the member should contact the Waste Management Team for further information.”

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

“For – Councillors Julie Ashley-Wren, Stephen Booth, Robert Boyle, Peter Clark, Coleen De Freitas, Lynda Guy, Rob Henry, Claire Parris, Ellie Plater and Carolina Veres Against – 0 Abstentions – 0 Absent – Councillors Kamal Choudhury, Forhad Chowdhury, Akin Elekolusi and Nigel Williams…”