The Planning Control Committee of North Hertfordshire Council met on Thursday, 13 June 2024, to discuss various planning applications and appeals. Key decisions included the approval of a new Sainsbury's local store in Hitchin and the refusal of a housing development in Baldock due to insufficient affordable housing.

Sainsbury's Local Store in Hitchin

The committee approved the planning application for a new Sainsbury's local store at The Anchor, 84 Cambridge Road, Hitchin. The decision was made despite concerns raised by local residents and Councillor Daniel Wright-Mason about increased traffic, potential security risks, and the impact on local businesses. Mr Gagandeep Singh, Mr Neil Dodds, and Mr George King spoke against the application, highlighting issues such as traffic congestion, noise pollution, and the potential negative impact on Purwell Meadow. However, Mr Jake McLeod, speaking in support of the application, argued that the development would protect the long-term future of The Anchor public house, create new jobs, and include ecological enhancements. The committee imposed conditions on the store's operating hours and lighting to mitigate these concerns.

Housing Development in Baldock

The committee refused the planning application for a housing development at Land East of Rhee Spring and Orwell View, Royston Road, Baldock. The application proposed 42 family homes, but concerns were raised about the insufficient contribution towards affordable housing. The Development Management Team Leader explained that the viability assessment concluded that it was not feasible to increase the affordable housing units. Despite this, the committee decided that the proposed development conflicted with Local Plan Policy HS2, which aims to meet the district's affordable housing needs.

Other Applications and Appeals

• Holborn Farm, Dane End, Therfield: The committee approved the planning application for a new dwelling at Holborn Farm. The decision included conditions to address concerns about bat conservation and sustainable energy measures.
• Friends Green Farm, Friends Green, Damask Green Road, Weston: The committee granted temporary planning permission for the continued use of buildings for a motor business at Friends Green Farm. This decision was made despite objections from the Parish Council and Councillor Steve Jarvis, who argued that the development was inappropriate for greenbelt land.
• Appeals: The Development and Conservation Manager reported that two planning appeals had been dismissed. The committee also discussed the recent decision by the Secretary of State to overrule the inspector's refusal of the Wymondley Solar Farm application, granting planning permission due to the benefits outweighing the heritage harms.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the planning minutes 21 March 2024 and the planning Minutes 11 April 2024.