Agenda, decisions and draft minutes
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Contact: Email: Committee.Services@north-herts.gov.uk 01462 474655
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Members are required to notify any substitutions by midday on the day of the meeting.
Late substitutions will not be accepted and Members attending as a substitute without having given the due notice will not be able to take part in the meeting. Decision: Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Martin Prescott.
Having given due notice, Councillor Claire Strong substituted for Councillor Prescott. Minutes: Audio recording – 1 minute 26 seconds
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Martin Prescott.
Having given due notice, Councillor Claire Strong substituted for Councillor Prescott. |
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NOTIFICATION OF OTHER BUSINESS Members should notify the Chair of other business which they wish to be discussed at the end of either Part I or Part II business set out in the agenda. They must state the circumstances which they consider justify the business being considered as a matter of urgency.
The Chair will decide whether any item(s) raised will be considered. Decision: There was no other business notified. Minutes: Audio recording – 1 minute 43 seconds
There was no other business notified. |
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CHAIR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS Members are reminded that any declarations of interest in respect of any business set out in the agenda, should be declared as either a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest or Declarable Interest and are required to notify the Chair of the nature of any interest declared at the commencement of the relevant item on the agenda. Members declaring a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest must withdraw from the meeting for the duration of the item. Members declaring a Declarable Interest, wishing to exercise a ‘Councillor Speaking Right’, must declare this at the same time as the interest, move to the public area before speaking to the item and then must leave the room before the debate and vote. Decision: (1) The Chair advised that, in accordance with Council Policy, the meeting would be recorded.
(2) The Chair drew attention to the item on the agenda front pages regarding Declarations of Interest and reminded Members that, in line with the Code of Conduct, any Declarations of Interest needed to be declared immediately prior to the item in question.
(3) The Chair clarified matters for the registered speakers.
(4) The Chair confirmed the procedure for moving to debate on an item.
(5) The Chair advised that Section 4.8.23(a) of the Constitution applied to the meeting.
(6) The Chair confirmed the cut off procedure should the meeting proceed at length. Minutes: Audio recording – 1 minute 46 seconds
(1) The Chair advised that, in accordance with Council Policy, the meeting would be recorded.
(2) The Chair drew attention to the item on the agenda front pages regarding Declarations of Interest and reminded Members that, in line with the Code of Conduct, any Declarations of Interest needed to be declared immediately prior to the item in question.
N.B. Councillor Claire Strong declared her interest in Agenda Item 6, as Member Advocate Objector, and advised she would move to the public speaking gallery at the appropriate time in the meeting.
(3) The Chair clarified matters for the registered speakers.
(4) The Chair confirmed the procedure for moving to debate on an item.
(5) The Chair advised that Section 4.8.23(a) of the Constitution applied to the meeting.
(6) The Chair confirmed the cut off procedure should the meeting proceed at length.
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PUBLIC PARTICIPATION To receive petitions, comments and questions from the public. Decision: The Chair confirmed that the registered speakers were in attendance. Minutes: Audio recording – 4 minutes 26 seconds
The Chair confirmed that the registered speakers were in attendance. |
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REPORT OF THE
DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION MANAGER Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED: That application 25/03084/RM be APPROVED subject to:
A) The delegation of power to the Development and Conservation Manager to update conditions with minor amendments as required.
B) The inclusion of any conditions recommended by Hertfordshire County Council Highways.
C) The conditions as set out within the report, with the addition of Condition 4 as follows:
‘Condition 4:
Approved elevation dwellings which do not include a fourth (side) elevation detailing shall be mirrored to match the side elevation provided.
Reason: For the avoidance of doubt and to ensure a satisfactory appearance to the development.’ Minutes: Audio recording – 5 minutes 51 seconds
The Project Officer provided a verbal update on matters relating to Application 25/03084/RM and advised that:
· This was a Reserve Matters application following the granting of Outline Permission in April 2025 and was for up to 120 dwellings. · A supplement had been published which confirmed the final documents to be considered with this application. · A proposed additional condition was included within the supplementary document.
The Project Officer then presented the report in respect of Application 25/03084/RM accompanied by a visual presentation consisting of plans and photographs.
The following Members asked questions:
· Councillor Ian Mantle · Councillor Ruth Brown · Councillor Tom Tyson · Councillor Dave Winstanley · Councillor Emma Fernandes · Councillor Louise Peace · Councillor Claire Strong · Councillor Val Bryant
In response to questions, the Project Officer advised that:
· The Outline Planning application established that pedestrian connection would be through the school, though it was unclear how this would work in reality. Otherwise, pedestrian and cycle access to the site would be via Right of Way 26 to the east. · There was a Masterplan document approved as part of the Outline Planning application. · Whilst this application pre-dated the Design Code adoption, this was discussed with the applicant throughout the process and has led to the inclusion of certain aspects to meet the Code, such as balconies installed on the apartment blocks and the provision of open spaces on site. · The design had not been presented to the Design Review Panel. · The highest building would be a maximum of three stories and would be located in the lower part of the site in the south. · The SUDs features were multi-use by design and would be an open play area when not used as SUDs. · There were a number of revised documents for this application as a high level of work had been put into ensuring the layout was appropriate. Therefore, whenever a site plan was updated in the process, a new, updated layout plan was produced. · Through the documents on the website, it was possible to see the development from the original plan to the plan presented at this meeting. · The site met tenant neutrality requirements and it would not be possible to distinguish between the housing types. · There were lots of high quality open spaces provided, with landscaping and tress to be planted, with input from Officers to ensure the scheme was of a high quality. · Sustainability had been dealt with in the Outline Planning application, and a statement from the Applicant had been provided as part of this. It was proposed that 4 solar panels would be installed on each house and that air source heat pumps would be installed. · The biodiversity requirements had been dealt with through condition and had been agreed with the North Herts Ecologist. · A Management Plan had not yet been submitted but was required as part of the S106 agreement. · There were bird and bat boxes installed on site and there would be further wildlife measures included around the site boundary. ... view the full minutes text for item 15. |
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25/03153/FP LAND TO THE EAST OF 2, WEST LANE, PIRTON, HERTFORDSHIRE, SG5 3RA REPORT OF THE
DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION MANAGER Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED: That application 25/03153/FP be GRANTED planning permission subject to the conditions and informatives outlined in the report of the Development and Conservation Manager.
Minutes: Audio recording – 47 minutes 36 seconds
N.B. At the start of this item, having previously declared an interest as Member Advocate objector, Councillor Claire Strong moved to the public speaking gallery.
The Principal Planning Officer advised there were no updates to the report, however clarified for Members that the application was for the retention of the existing hardstanding area, the gravel laid on site and proposed work for landscaping. The use of the site for a mobile home was not for consideration with this application.
The Principal Planning Officer then presented the report in respect of Application 25/03153/FP accompanied by a visual presentation consisting of plans and photographs.
In response to questions from Councillor Tom Tyson, the Principal Planning Officer advised that:
· A landscaping condition had been proposed and details of that, including hedge heights, would need to be agreed with the Applicant. · It would be difficult to impose a minimum hedge height, as sapling would need to be planted and would take time to grow. It would therefore not be reasonable to apply a condition on this aspect. · A condition could be included to impose a requirement to replace any trees which died within 5 years, but the size could not be conditioned.
The Chair invited the Member Advocate Objector, Councillor Claire Strong, to speak against the application. Councillor Strong thanked the Chair for the opportunity and provided the Committee with a verbal presentation, and highlighted the following:
· All previous applications for dwellings on this site had been refused. Previously a caravan had been positioned on the site, which was then provided a Certificate of Lawful Dwelling. · The previously small caravan has been replaced with a larger static home and the site has been cleared of shrubs at the front and gravel has been installed, which did not appear compliant with standards required for highways. · The site was outside of the village boundary and was situated between two larger properties, with views through to the fields beyond. · The hardstanding footprint was excessive and now ran from the front of the site through to the caravan at the rear. · There had been no continuous use of the caravan since the previous occupant died in the early 2000s. · If this was an application for a new dwelling, then an EV charging point should be included as required by policy. · The driveway appeared disproportionate to the site. · The street scene had dramatically changed through the works already carried out on site and this application sought to regularise the actions which had already been done. · The Parish Council, who were unable to register to speak at this meeting, did not feel this was appropriate for the village and had concerns over the Right of Way to the side of the site, the lighting situation on the site and over the proposed installation of a septic tank.
There were no points of clarification from Members.
The Chair thanked Councillor Strong for their presentation and invited the agent to the Applicant, Mr Tony White, ... view the full minutes text for item 16. |
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26/00403/S73 151C BEARTON ROAD, HITCHIN, HERTFORDSHIRE, SG5 1UB REPORT OF THE
DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION MANAGER Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED: That application 26/00403/S73 be GRANTED planning permission subject to the conditions and informatives outlined in the report of the Development and Conservation Manager. Minutes: Audio recording – 1 hour 26 minutes 05 seconds
The Senior Planning Officer advised there were no updates to the report, however clarified for Members that:
· This application was only to consider an extension of opening hours between 4-8pm on Sundays. · Whilst issues were acknowledged at a neighbouring business, this application should be assessed on its own merits and no objections had been received from Environmental Health. · The application was for a 12-month temporary period, before consideration of a permanent arrangement.
The Senior Planning Officer then presented the report in respect of Application 26/00403/S73 accompanied by a visual presentation consisting of plans and photographs.
In response to a question from Councillor Louise Peace, the Senior Planning Officer advised that after the 12-month period, an application would be required to make the changes to the operating hours permanent. This would only return to the Planning Control Committee for consideration if it was called-in by a Ward Member.
The Chair invited the Member Advocate Objector, Councillor Ian Albert, to speak against the application. Councillor Albert thanked the Chair for the opportunity and provided the Committee with a verbal presentation, and highlighted the following:
· There were many high quality hospitality businesses in Hitchin, of which this was one, and given the current viability of the hospitality sector, this was not an attempt to prevent business. · There have historically been three businesses in this area of Bearton Road, with several attempts at other sites having been rejected. · It was sensible that this was a proposed 12-month trial. · The biggest impact would be on Brampton Park Road residents, which was where delivery vehicles parked to wait for orders. There was also a large amount of noise from kitchens, which it should be acknowledged the Applicant tonight was already taking steps to address at his premises. · It was proposed that only in house drivers would be used, but the business was available through JustEat and Uber Eats. This position needed to be clarified. · There was an increased risk to pedestrians. · Proposed Sunday hours would impact on residents right to private enjoyment, especially considering the cumulative effects in this area. · Mitigations should be put in place to reduce harm to residents where possible. · Whilst there were dangers of a precedent being set by approving this application, the inclusion of a trial period and delivery only service was welcomed. · Some further clarification was required around the rear door of the premises and whether it would only use in house delivery drivers.
There were no points of clarification from Members.
The Chair thanked Councillor Strong for their presentation and invited the Applicant, Mr Abdul Mummin, to speak in support of the application. Mr Mummin thanked the Chair for the opportunity and provided the Committee with a verbal presentation, and highlighted the following:
· He had attended the meeting with a hope that a small business would be given the opportunity to thrive in Hitchin. · Comments on the rear door have been looked at and acted on, with the door now ... view the full minutes text for item 17. |
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TPO00226 (2026) LAND AT MILL LANE (LONDON ROAD END) ST IPPOLYTS, SG4 7NN REPORT OF THE DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION MANAGER
To consider a Tree Preservation Order TPO/00226 (2026) - T1 Hornbeam, G1 3x Hornbeam, G2 3x Oak, G3 2x Hornbeam & 1x Sycamore, T2 Lime, T3 Oak, G4 5x Horse Chestnut, 3x Oak, 7x Walnut,12x Lime, T4 Field Maple. Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED: That TPO/00226 be CONFIRMED without modification. Minutes: Audio recording – 1 hour 52 minutes 03 seconds
The Tree and Landscape Officer presented the report in respect of Application TPO/00226 accompanied by a visual presentation consisting of plans and photographs.
In response to a question from Councillor Ruth Brown, the Tree and Landscape Officer advised that whilst not all the trees were in great condition, there was benefit in protecting them for 20 years and an application could be made to the Council in order to carry out any works required.
Councillor Nigel Mason proposed to confirm the Tree Protection Order and this was seconded by Councillor Ruth Brown.
The following Members took park in the debate:
· Councillor Ruth Brown · Councillor Val Bryant · Councillor Clare Billing
The following points were made as part of the debate:
· It was important to protect trees, so long as there was an option for necessary works to be carried out, if required. · Trees will be increasingly important to residents over the next 20 years in terms of well being a quality of life.
In response to a question from Councillor Claire Strong, the Tree and Landscape Officer advised that the Parish Council would have been consulted, but no comment had been received.
Having been proposed and seconded and following a vote, it was:
RESOLVED: That TPO/00226 be CONFIRMED without modification. |
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TPO/00228 (2026) LAND AT COLEMANS ROAD, BREACHWOOD GREEN, SG4 8PA REPORT OF THE DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION MANAGER
To consider a Tree Preservation Order TPO/00228 (2026) – T1 Oak, T2 Yew. Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED: That TPO/00228 be CONFIRMED.
Minutes: Audio recording – 1 hour 59 minutes 35 seconds
The Tree and Landscape Officer presented the report in respect of Application TPO/00228 accompanied by a visual presentation consisting of plans and photographs.
In response to questions from Councillor Claire Strong, the Tree and Landscape Officer advised that:
· The Council had been made aware of these trees following an application made for the site. · The Tree Protection Order had been requested by an Officer. · The Parish Council would have been consulted, but no comment had been received.
Councillor Nigel Mason, as Chair, proposed and Councillor Val Bryant seconded and, following a vote, it was:
RESOLVED: That TPO/00228 be CONFIRMED.
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