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Issue - meetings

Appeals

Meeting: 23/07/2026 - Planning Control Committee (Item 36)

36 Appeals pdf icon PDF 11 KB

To update members on appeals lodged and any decisions made.

Additional documents:

Decision:

The Principal Planning Officer provided an update on Planning Appeals.

Minutes:

Audio recording – 58 minutes 49 seconds

 

The Principal Planning Officer provided an update on Planning Appeals and advised that:

 

·        There had been 3 appeal decisions received, with 2 relating to Lutyens Cottage being dismissed.

·        The Barkway Road appeal was allowed following the Public Inquiry. However, the associated costs application was refused.

 

The following Members asked questions:

 

·        Councillor Val Bryant

·        Councillor Clare Billing

·        Councillor Emma Fernandes

·        Councillor Claire Strong

 

In response to questions, the Principal Planning Officer advised that:

 

·        The Barkway Road inquiry demonstrated the level of precision expected by barristers and could inform Member training.

·        The Barkway Road site now had outline permission supported by a unilateral undertaking.

·        The developer would still be required to pay financial contributions.

·        The Inspector found no unreasonable behaviour, so the Council did not have to pay the legal fees of the appellant.

·        The Council would still be required to cover its own costs of the Inquiry.

·        Reserved Matters applications were expected.

 

The Principal Planning Officer further updated Members:

 

·        Two further appeals had been received, one relating to Benslow Lane, Hitchin and one for 36 dwellings at Senuna Park, Ashwell.

·        The Ashwell appeal would proceed with written representations.

·        The Ashwell application had been recommended for refusal and had four reasons for refusal.

 

In response to a question from Councillor Claire Strong, the Principal Planning Officer advised that the ‘Fast Track’ procedure was simply a quicker process for the Inspectorate to consider smaller appeals.