The Planning Control Committee of North Hertfordshire Council met on Thursday 20 June 2024 to discuss two significant planning applications. The committee approved both applications, which involved changes to listed buildings in Baldock.

The George at Baldock, Hitchin Street

The first application discussed was for The George at Baldock, located on Hitchin Street. The application, referenced as 24/00181/FP, sought to partially change the use of the building from a large restaurant to a smaller restaurant, a cheese and wine bar, and four accessible hotel rooms. The committee approved the application, noting the following points:

• Viability of the Restaurant: The existing restaurant space was deemed too large to be viable. The proposed smaller restaurant size attracted firm interest from operators.
• New Commercial Unit: The cheese and wine bar had a prospective operator ready to lease the space.
• Hotel Rooms: The addition of four accessible hotel rooms was seen as a positive use of the space, providing accommodation for those with mobility issues.
• Heritage and Conservation: The conservation officer found the internal alterations and the addition of two rear windows acceptable.

Councillor Willoughby raised concerns about the loss of commercial space and the potential impact on the town centre's viability. However, the committee decided that the benefits of bringing the building back into use outweighed these concerns.

31 Hitchin Street, Baldock

The second application, referenced as 24/00537/FP, involved the change of use of a former restaurant and bar at 31 Hitchin Street to two residential units. The committee approved this application, considering the following points:

• Unsustainable Commercial Use: The venue had been subject to several changes in ownership and was deemed unsustainable as a commercial entity due to its location and limited footfall.
• Licensing Issues: The premises had significant licensing restrictions, making it difficult to operate as a bar or restaurant.
• Residential Surroundings: The building is surrounded by residential properties, making it more suitable for residential use.
• No Public Objections: There were no public objections to the application, and the conservation officer did not find significant communal value in retaining the commercial use.

Councillor Willoughby argued that the venue could still be viable as a commercial space, especially with the upcoming growth in Baldock. However, the committee found that the change to residential use was more appropriate given the current circumstances.

Additional Information

The committee also noted the planning appeals tracker, which included updates on recent appeals and decisions. Notably, the committee was informed about a potential public inquiry regarding a residential development at Reespring in Baldock, which had been refused due to insufficient affordable housing provision.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the Public reports pack and the Decisions document.