Issue - meetings

The Executive Member for Planning and Growth presented the recommendation, which was referred to in the Executive report of 8 February 2022. Councillor Goodeve said that the site already benefited from a masterplan and a hybrid planning application however, a combination of events had required a review including the decision from Network Rail to retain the railway sidings which had reduced the developable area.

Councillor Goodeve proposed that the recommendation in the Executive report be supported. Councillor Drake seconded the proposal.

Councillor Goldspink said the Liberal Democrat group were happy to support the recommendation. She said she was pleased to see the mention of step free access at the east side of the station which was important for residents in Bishop’s Stortford who could not use the stairs.

Councillor Haysey said that the developers that worked with the council on the masterplan were exemplary and listened and worked with the council’s vision. She spoke to developers and said that if they did not engage in a masterplan document, they were unlikely to get planning permission. She said that this item and the next item were two great examples of better developments by working with Officers, Members and residents.

The motion to support the recommendation having been proposed and seconded, was put to the meeting and upon a vote being taken, it was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED - That the Refined Masterplan Document for the Goods Yard, Bishop’s Stortford be agreed as a material consideration for Development Management purposes.

The Executive Member for Planning and Growth presented a report on the updated masterplan for the Goods Yard. She said that the site already benefitted from a masterplan and hybrid planning application however a combination of events has meant the plan needs to be reviewed. Of major significance was the decision by Network Rail to retain the railway sidings which had reduced the developable area.

The Leader of the Council commended the developer involved in the process for being fully engaged in the masterplan process.

Councillor Goodeve proposed, and Councillor Cutting seconded a motion supporting the recommendation in the report. On being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – To recommend to Council that the Refined Masterplan Document for the Goods Yard, Bishop’s Stortford as detailed in Appendix A, be agreed as a material consideration for Development Management purposes.