Issue - meetings

The Head of Planning and Building Control recommended that in respect of application 3/22/1613/OUT, planning permission be granted subject to a legal agreement and subject to the conditions set out at the end of the report.

The Principal Planning Officer set out the planning policy context and summarised the relevant district plan policies. She said that the application should be assessed against the key aims of the NPPF and other relevant district plan policies.

Members were advised that the principle of redevelopment of this site is established with strong policy support spanning several years. The Principal Planning Officer summarised the planning history and presented a series of plans and elevation drawings relevant to the application. She set out the full details of the application and talked in detail about the proposed layout and recreational space.

The Principal Planning Officer said that Hertfordshire County Council was satisfied with the proposed parking arrangements in a highly sustainable location. She said that the decision by Network Rail to retain the railway sidings had resulted in these being removed from the development area. A new hybrid application had been submitted for the rest of the site, with an increased density with an uplift of 100 dwellings to 743 residential units.

Members were advised that there was an increased height to most buildings and the principle of the increasing density and building heights was endorsed by the revised master plan for the area.

The Principal Planning Officer detailed the proposed housing mix for the full housing application. She explained that the details of all external materials would be secured by condition with sample boards displayed on site. Members were advised that there was no car parking proposed for the commercial space.

The Principal Planning Officer detailed the viability issues in respect of the proposed affordable housing provision and set out the heads of terms of the Section 106 legal agreement. Members were advised of the issues relevant to the planning balance in respect of the application.

The Principal Planning Officer concluded her presentation by referring Members to the recommendation detailed in the report, and by referring Members to the late representations document. Graham Oxborrow and Paul Dean addressed the committee in objection to the application. The Committee asked questions of the speakers in objection to the application.

David Bridges, Erin Futter and Simon Dunlop spoke for the application. They were asked questions by the Committee.

Councillor David Bower addressed the Committee on behalf of Bishop’s Stortford Town Council.

Councillor Watson (Chair) proposed, and Councillor Hill seconded a motion that, in accordance with paragraph 6.5.6 of the constitution, the committee deviate from the speaking arrangements in paragraphs 6.5.2 to 6.5.5, to allow Councillor Goldspink to address the committee in addition to the local ward Member.

After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – that in accordance with paragraph 6.5.6 of the constitution, the committee deviate from the speaking arrangements in paragraphs 6.5.2 to 6.5.5, to allow Councillor  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32