Issue - meetings

REPORT OF THE SERVICE DIRECTOR – REGULATORY

This report asks Cabinet to positively recommend the approval of the Strategic Masterplan Framework for land to the north of Stevenage to Full Council.

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL: That the Strategic Masterplan Framework for North Stevenage, attached at Appendix A, is approved and adopted as a material planning consideration for relevant planning decisions relating to the site.

REASON FOR DECISION:  To facilitate the delivery of a strategic site within the Council’s adopted Local Plan. To accord with policy requirements of the Local Plan.

Audio recording 17 minutes 13 seconds

The Leader of the Council presented the report entitled ‘North Stevenage Strategic Masterplan Framework’ and advised:

·       Cabinet were being asked to positively recommend approval of this Strategic Masterplan Framework to Full Council.

·       This site was allocated in the Local Plan for development as a strategic site for approximately 900 homes. 

·       The policies of the Local Plan required the preparation of a Masterplan.

·       This Masterplan had been produced following approved guidance and the draft Masterplan had been subject to public consultation.

The following Members asked questions:

·       Councillor Ian Albert

·       Councillor Daniel Allen

In response to questions, the Strategic Planning Manager, advised that:

·       A statement of community involvement had been published on the website.

·       Key issues raised were around traffic impacts arising from the site, some objections to the general principles of the site and any impact on ecology.

·       Highways at Hertfordshire County Council had participated as part of the Council project team and their specialists were content with the movement framework set out in the Masterplan.

The following Members took part in a debate:

·       Councillor Daniel Allen

·       Councillor Dave Winstanley

Points raised in a debate included:

·       In line with the Housing Strategy, the Council must ensure the Local Plan was effective by building any housing developments that had already been approved as allocated sites.

·       To be mindful that any future housing developments were constructed to a high level of sustainability to ensure futureproofing of these sites.

Councillor Mick Debenham proposed and Councillor Val Bryant Albert seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL: That the Strategic Masterplan Framework for North Stevenage, attached at Appendix A, is approved and adopted as a material planning consideration for relevant planning decisions relating to the site.

REASON FOR DECISION:  To facilitate the delivery of a strategic site within the Council’s adopted Local Plan. To accord with policy requirements of the Local Plan.