Issue - meetings
Appeals
Meeting: 24/02/2026 - Planning Control Committee (Item 137)
137 PLANNING APPEALS 
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To update Members on appeals lodged and any decisions made.
Additional documents:
Decision:
The Development and Conservation Manager provided an update on Planning Appeals.
Minutes:
Audio recording – 1 hour 48 minutes 51 seconds
The Development and Conservation Manager provided an update on Planning Appeals and advised that:
· One appeal relating to uPVC windows on a listed cottage had been dismissed, which was the second appeal for this type of development dismissed at this site.
· There were new appeals to report, including an appeal relating to the 280-dwelling development on Barkway Road, Royston.
· The appeal would involve a 6-day Public Inquiry commencing on 12 May 2026 and The Conservators of Therfield Heath and Greens had registered as a Rule 6 Party.
· The Appellant was challenging the five-year housing land supply of the Council and Officers may need to give evidence on this.
· A Planning Consultant and Barrister had been appointed to represent the Council at the inquiry, and a Highways Consultant would also be appointed soon.
· Members who voted against the officer recommendation were recommended to attend the Public Inquiry to set out their concerns with the application to the Inspector.
The following Members asked questions:
· Councillor Ruth Brown
· Councillor Martin Prescott
In response to questions, the Development and Conservation Manager advised that:
· Royston Town Council was a statutory consultee for the application and could make written submissions and attend the inquiry to speak.
· Members could also attend and speak at the inquiry.
· The inquiry would be held in the Council Chamber.
· The Inspector would give greater weight to evidence that had been subject to cross-examination from a barrister. However, it was uncommon for non-expert witnesses to be cross-examined in depth at an inquiry.
· The Inspector appointed to oversee the inquiry was Rekha Sabu.