The Development Control Committee of Hertfordshire Council met on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, to discuss several planning applications and proposed changes to the council's constitution. The committee granted planning permission for two children's care homes in Hemel Hempstead and recommended amendments to the council's constitution to align with a new National Scheme of Delegation for planning decisions.

Children's Care Homes Approved in Hemel Hempstead

The committee approved planning permission for two applications to change the use of residential properties to children's care homes in Hemel Hempstead.

Catkins, 125 Green End Road, Hemel Hempstead

Planning permission was granted for the change of use of Catkins from a C3 dwellinghouse to a C2 children's care home for up to three children aged between 7 and 18 years old. The property, owned by Hertfordshire County Council, will be managed by their Children's Services department as part of a strategy to increase local residential provision for looked-after children.

Despite numerous objections from local residents citing concerns about highway safety, parking, residential amenity, and the character of the area, the committee was reassured by the Head of Children's Commissioning and Brokerage, Veronica Bennett, and the Local Member, Councillor Adrian England. They highlighted the council's commitment to providing high-quality, local care, the integration of such homes into communities, and the rigorous oversight by Children's Services and Ofsted. The committee was also informed that the proposed alterations to the property were minor and would not detract from its residential character. The decision was made by a majority vote.

Oakview Lodge, 349 Chambersbury Lane, Hemel Hempstead

Planning permission was also granted for the change of use of Oakview Lodge from a C3 dwellinghouse to a C2 children's care home for up to three children aged between 7 and 18 years old. This application also faced significant opposition from local residents, who raised concerns about highway safety, parking, noise, disturbance, and the cumulative impact of care-related uses in the area.

The committee heard from Nicola Catlin and Gerald Lane, local residents, who detailed concerns about traffic, parking, and the potential for noise and disturbance. They argued that the operational model of a children's home, with 24-hour staffing and shift changes, would generate more activity than a typical family home and that the site's access arrangements were inadequate. Veronica Bennett, Head of Children's Commissioning and Brokerage for Hertfordshire County Council, spoke in support, reiterating the council's strategy to provide local, family-style care and highlighting the rigorous assessment and oversight processes in place. Local Member Councillor Andrew Williams also spoke in support, noting that the property was suitable and that the proposed use would integrate well into the street scene.

Members discussed the concerns raised, particularly regarding highway safety and parking. While acknowledging the residents' points, they were reassured by the Highway Authority's assessment that the traffic impact would not be significantly dissimilar to the existing use. The committee also noted that improvements to the driveway and sightlines could be explored. The application was approved by a majority vote, subject to four conditions, including a restriction on the number and age of residents.

Proposed Changes to the Council's Constitution

The committee considered a report on proposed changes to the council's constitution to align with the new National Scheme of Delegation (NSD) for planning decision-making, which was due to come into force on 31 October 2026. The NSD mandates which planning applications must be delegated to officers and which can be referred to committee.

The report explained that the NSD would categorise applications into Schedule 1 (Mandatory Delegation) and Schedule 2 (Presumed Delegation). Applications in Schedule 2 could be referred to committee if the Nominated Officer and Nominated Member agreed they raised significant economic, social, or environmental issues, or significant planning matters.

Members discussed the implications of these changes, with some expressing concern that fewer applications might be considered by the committee, potentially reducing public participation and transparency. Officers explained that the gateway test would be applied robustly and transparently, and that while the types of applications brought to committee might change, significant developments would likely still be considered by members. The committee ultimately recommended to the County Council that amendments to the Constitution be approved to reflect the introduction of the National Scheme of Delegation.