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

Report of the Corporate Director (Public Protection, Planning and Governance) on the erection of second floor extension to create 8 x 2 bedroom apartments following part demolition of existing building and removal of ground floor social club (D1).

The application site is located at the junction of The Common and Wellfield Road, north of Hatfield Town Centre, an area that was to be redeveloped.

The application had been presented to the Development Management Committee because it has been called in by Councillor G.Hayes on the following grounds:

“I wish to call this in for the following points. This application does nothing to assist the regeneration of the town centre and enhance its vitality and viability. The design is based on the current out of date building and not the modern up to date look we expect from our developers. This is against our D1 policy. It cites flat roof buildings around it however these are out dated buildings in desperate need of modernisation. Instead the developer should look to the residential building next to it with a modern fresh look with a pitched roof. With that in mind a 2 story pitched roof would be more in keeping. Because the developer states the materials used will reflect the existing building again it will look outdated.

The proposal is in Zone 1 however the nearest bus hub is located at the train station for this reason 1.5 spaces per dwelling should be used as there is no on street parking on this road for significant amounts of time. If this is not acceptable then a 1 car/car free purchaser legally binding agreement should be enforced and supported as per our guidelines. Plans do not show a dedicated disabled space with side access for a wheelchair. The development goes against policy TCR20 as it is removing leisure facilities and not providing an alternative. I and the public would expect as a minimum all conservative councillors to declare a financial interest in this proposal as they are all members of this club and would benefit by this. Then they should leave the room. Leaving a minimum quorum to complete the business. To sum up this is an outdated development that will do nothing to enhance our town but will serve to keep it looking tired for many more years.”

The applicant had submitted amended drawings on 5 March 2019 to address concerns raised by Officers and Councillor G.Hayes.  Following re-consultation, Councillor G.Hayes confirmed that the amendments did not satisfy the original reason for the call-in.

Members expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed design and the missed opportunity to develop this sight in harmony with the proposed redevelopment and regeneration of Hatfield Town Centre.

Mr S.Rackham (Agent) spoke in support of the application.

Councillor G.Hayes (Ward Member) spoke against the application reiterating his concerns regarding the poor quality of design of the proposal which would be out of keeping with the proposals outlined to redevelop Hatfield Town Centre.

Following discussion, it was proposed by Councillor P.Shah, seconded by Councillor S.Elam that the proposed development represented poor quality design and failed to take the opportunities available for improving the character and quality of the area and the way it functions and

RESOLVED:

(5 voted against, 2 abstentions)

That planning permission for application 6/2016/2153/HOUSE notwithstanding the Officer’s recommendation for approval be refused for the following reason.

That the proposal represents poor quality design and fails to take the opportunities available for improving the character and quality of the area and the way it functions contrary to paragraph 130 of the National Planning Policy Framework and Policies D1 and D2 of the Welwyn Hatfield District Plan 2005.

(Note: The six Conservative Members withdrew from the Council Chamber with Councillor M.Larkins in the Chair)