Agenda item

Report of the Corporate Director (Public Protection, Planning and Governance).

Report of the Corporate Director (Public Protection, Planning and Governance) setting out an outline application for a residential-led development of up to 650 residential units, a two-form entry primary school, provision of six gypsy and traveller pitches, a new local centre (comprising retail and community uses), new vehicular access from Herns Lane, car parking, associated infrastructure and landscaping works with all matters except access reserved.

The site was formerly used as an aerodrome.  However, the airfield closed in September 2014 and the majority of the ancillary buildings have since been demolished.

The application had been presented to the Development Management Committee because this was a major application; it was a departure from the Local Plan; and was accompanied by an Environmental Statement.  The Committee had the proper authority conferred on it under the Council’s Constitution for making decisions of this nature subject to any statutory notification or Secretary of State call-in.  In this case the Council must notify the Secretary of State of its decision in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations 2011.

Mr S.Slatford (agent) spoke in favour of the application.

Mrs J.Quinton, an objector, spoke against the application which she considered to be premature ahead of the publication of the Local Plan.  The lack of an airfield at the location and the density of the housing on the majority of the site were substantial reasons why the development should not be approved.

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Councillor T.Mitchinson, spoke in support of the application and stated he welcomed the development of the site which would contribute to the Council’s five year housing supply.

Following discussion, it was proposed by Councillor H.Bromley, seconded by Councillor T.Lyons and

RESOLVED:

(12 voting for, 1 against)

That outline planning permission be approved subject to the satisfactory completion of a Section 106 Agreement securing planning obligations set out under paragraph 10.167 of the report and the agreement of any necessary extensions to the statutory determination period to complete this agreement; and:

a)    the following conditions; and

b)    notification of this decision to the Secretary of State in relation to the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations 2017 and authorisation to determine the application in advance of the adopted Local Plan.

Approved Drawings

The development/works shall not be started and completed other than in accordance with the approved plans and details:

REASON: To ensure that the development is carried out in accordance with the approved plans and details.

POSITIVE AND PROACTIVE STATEMENT

The decision has been made taking into account, where practicable and appropriate the requirements of paragraph 38 of the National Planning Policy Framework and material planning considerations do not justify a decision contrary to the development plan (see Officer’s report which can be viewed on the Council's website or inspected at these offices).