Issue - meetings

RESOLVED: That application 18/01154/OP be DEFERRED outline planning permission to allow a review and update of the submitted Transport Assessment in order to address the cumulative impact of recent housing development in Hitchin on the road network and provide more detail of transport mitigation measures.

Audio recording – 40:34

The Senior Planning Officer advised that one further late representation had been received from a resident, which questioned the access to the site.

The Senior Planning Officer presented the report in respect of application 18/01154/OP supported by a visual presentation consisting of photographs and plans.

The following Members asked questions:

·         Councillor David Levett

·         Councillor Michael Muir

·         Councillor Nigel Mason

·         Councillor Sean Nolan

·         Councillor Dave Winstanley

In response to the questions, the Senior Planning Officer and Oliver Sowerby, representative from HCC Highways Authority advised:

·         The Highways Authority considered the Traffic Assessment provided as acceptable. The proposed application would not have a significant impact on the roads and the junction capacity was acceptable.

·         A full length of palisade fencing would be included by the railway line to prevent trespassing as a reserved matter.

·         £3.3million in developer contributions would go towards sustainable transport and priorities that the Highways Authority had identified in Hitchin.

·         The Transport Plan included the pinch points on Woolgrove Road, with the possibility to introduce a shuttle working system underneath the railway bridge.

·         The 30mph speed limit on Stotfold Road would be extended to a suitable distance, and there was an in-principle commitment to reducing speed.

·         The Highways Authority had assessed the capacity and the development would not have a severe impact on the roundabout at Cambridge Road.

The Chair invited Neil Dodds and Richard Wilcox to speak in objection of the application. Mr. Dodds and Mr. Wilcox thanked the Chair, gave a verbal presentation and advised:

·         The land allocated for the site was taken out of the Greenbelt, which would mean countryside and wildlife habitat loss.

·         There was a large amount of vehicle traffic around the site, and the proposals would increase air pollution further and decrease air quality.

·         The road infrastructure was not suitable to support the proposed site and pavements under the railway bridge are narrow and not sufficient for cyclists and mobility scooter users.

·         The proposed primary school would deliver extra capacity for pressures generated by other housing development areas, not this site.

·         There were no key services on the Walsworth side of Hitchin, with a considerable distance to the nearest amenities.

·         This would result in the residents of the proposed development being heavily car-dependent, in conflict with sustainable transport goals.

·         The increased Hitchin population would put pressure on Lister Hospital and local GP services.

·         The Traffic Assessment provided was outdated, with most data collected five years ago.

·         Proper infrastructure needed to be in place to support the proposed development and current residents of Hitchin.

Councillor Val Bryant commented that the Section 106 education money for Pound Farm meant the catchment areas would be moved over, which meant pupils would go to the nearest schools in Hitchin.

The Chair invited Councillors Elizabeth Dennis and Daniel Wright-Mason to speak in objection as Ward Members for Hitchin Walsworth. Their verbal presentation included:

·         There had not been much community engagement with the current residents and the new developer, which was a concern.

·         Collison Close had  ...  view the full minutes text for item 85