Agenda and draft minutes

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting (these are circulated separately)

The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 12 June 2025, were confirmed by the Members present.

Hard-copy minutes were signed by the Chair.

To receive any apologies for absence

Apologies received from Councillor Durrant and Mitchell.

To receive any declarations of interest

A member with a disclosable pecuniary interest or a personal interest in a matter who attends

a meeting of the authority at which the matter is considered -

(i)            must disclose the interest at the start of the meeting or when the interest

becomes apparent and, if the interest is a disclosable pecuniary interest, or a personal
interest which is also prejudicial

(ii)           may not participate in any discussion or vote on the matter (and must withdraw

to the public seating area) unless they have been granted a dispensation.

A member who discloses at a meeting a disclosable pecuniary interest which is not registered in the Members’ Register of Interests, or is not the subject of a pending notification, must notify the Monitoring Officer of the interest within 28 days of the disclosure.

Disclosable pecuniary interests, personal and prejudicial interests are defined in Part 2 of the Code of Conduct For Members

[If a member is in any doubt as to whether they have an interest which should be declared they

should seek the advice of the Monitoring Officer before the start of the meeting]

It is requested that Members declare their interest at the beginning of the relevant agenda item and it will be noted by the Committee Clerk for inclusion in the minutes.

Councillor Stevens asked Members to remember to declare any Disclosable Pecuniary or other Interests at the beginning of the relevant planning application.

An opportunity for members of the public to make statements or ask questions in accordance with the rules as to public participation.

You need to inform the council in advance if you wish to speak by contacting Member Support on Tel: 01442 228209 or by email: Member.support@dacorum.gov.uk

The Development Management Committee will finish at 10.30pm and any unheard applications will be deferred to the next meeting.

There are limits on how much of each meeting can be taken up with people having their say and how long each person can speak for.  The permitted times are specified in the table above and are allocated for each of the following on a 'first come, first served basis':

·         Town/Parish Council and Neighbourhood Associations;

·         Objectors to an application;

·         Supporters of the application.

Every person must, when invited to do so, address their statement or question to the Chairman of the Committee.

Every person must after making a statement or asking a question take their seat to listen to the reply or if they wish join the public for the rest of the meeting or leave the meeting.

The questioner may not ask the same or a similar question within a six month period except for the following circumstances:

(a)       deferred planning applications which have foregone a significant or material change since originally being considered

(b)       resubmitted planning applications which have foregone a significant or material change

(c)       any issues which are resubmitted to Committee in view of further facts or information to be considered.

At a meeting of the Development Management Committee, a person, or their representative, may speak on a particular planning application, provided that it is on the agenda to be considered at the meeting.

Please note: If an application is recommended for approval, only objectors can invoke public speaking and then supporters will have the right to reply. Applicants can only invoke speaking rights where the application recommended for refusal.

Councillor Stevens advised that members of public have registered to speak at this meeting and reminded any members of the public viewing the meeting about the rules of doing so.

The applications were heard in the following order.

5A

5B

5D

5C

Councillor Maddern left before item 5e.

5E

5a.

24/01157/RES

Details of the layout, scale, appearance and landscaping pursuant to outline planning application DBC Ref: 4/02539/16/MOA and SACDC Ref: 5/16/2845 comprising 324 dwellings, two Class E retail / commercial units, and associated landscaping and infrastructure works.

Spencer's Park Phase 2 East, Land Between Three Cherry Trees Lane and Cherry Tree Lane, Hemel Hempstead  

Councillor Wyatt-Lowe declared that she was the Ward Councillor and County Councillor for the area and reserved her right to speak and vote.

The Case Officer, Andrew Parish introduced the report to Members and said that the application had been referred to the Committee under s.2.3.2 (4) of Part 3 of the Council’s Constitution as the application is a large-scale major development which is linked to an existing planning obligation under s.106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as substituted by s.12 of the Planning and Compensation Act 1991).

It was proposed by Councillor Guest and seconded by Councillor Bristow to DELEGATE with a view to APPROVAL.

Vote:

For:                 Against:                       Abstained:

10                         0                                 1

Resolved: That planning permission be DELEGATED with a view to APPROVAL.

RECOMMENDATION

That the application be delegated with a view to approval subject to:

A. Land secured as Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace with appropriate credits allocated to the development, either on land east of Green Lane, Gaddesden Row, Hemel Hempstead, or on an alternative site.

B. Completion of a Unilateral Undertaking securing the SAMM payment of £296,097.12 and monitoring fee of £400.

C. Completion of an Appropriate Assessment with no outstanding objection from Natural England.

D. Appropriate conditions.

E. The redrafting of Condition 1 to refer either to land east of Green Lane, Gaddesden Row, Hemel Hempstead, or to an appropriate alternative site where SANG credits have been allocated to the development, or the completion of an s106 obligation to secure the same, as considered appropriate.

F. Informatives as recommended by consultees.

G. If Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace is not secured within 12 (twelve) months of the Development Management Committee date the application shall return to Development Management Committee for a further update and re-determination.

Condition(s) and Reason(s):

1.         No dwelling shall be occupied unless and until a proportion (being 6.3ha) of the Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace to be delivered on land east of Green Lane, Gaddesden Row, Hemel Hempstead under appeal ref. APP/A1910/W/25/3366214  (24/01593/MFA) sufficient to mitigate the impacts of the occupation of the 324 dwellings hereby granted has been delivered on site and allocated to the development of Phase 2 East of Spencer's Park in accordance with a section 106 agreement in connection with the Gaddesden Row SANG and confirmation of the delivery of that SANG or an alternative site has been secured as SANG and such confirmation and allocation has been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority.

Reason: To mitigate the adverse impact of visitor pressure from residents of the development  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5a

5b.

19/02749/MOA

Outline planning for up to 350 dwellings, land for 5 gypsy & traveller pitches. Vehicular access from A4147, public open space including extension to Margaret Lloyd Park and associated landscaping, infrastructure and drainage. Detailed approval for access arrangements (Revised Scheme: Emergency Access Link to Laidon Square)

Land At Marchmont Farm, Piccotts End Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 6JH

Councillor Wyatt-Lowe declared that she was the County Councillor for the area and reserved her right to speak and vote.

The Case Officer, Nigel Gibbs introduced the report to Members and said that the application had been referred to the Committee under s.2.3.2 (4) of Part 3 of the Council’s Constitution as the application is a large-scale major development which is linked to a proposed planning obligation under s.106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as substituted by s.12 of the Planning and Compensation Act 1991).

Ward Councillor Banks spoke in objection to the application.

Aaron Peate spoke in support of the application.

It was proposed by Councillor Hobson and seconded by Councillor Maddern to DELEGATE with a view to APPROVAL.

Vote:

For:                 Against:                       Abstained:

9                        1                                   1

Resolved: That planning permission be DELEGATED with a view to APPROVAL.

RECOMMENDATION

That planning permission be DELEGATED with a view to APPROVAL . This is subject to:

a)     the completion of a planning obligation under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) to secure satisfactory mitigation for the Chiltern Beechwoods Special Area of Conservation, consistent with the Chilterns Beechwoods Mitigation Strategy, and other appropriate contributions and provisions to make the development acceptable in accordance with the development plan, NPPF and any other material considerations;

b)     the completion of the Appropriate Assessment; and

c)     a range of conditions and associated Informatives.

SCHEDULE OF CONDITIONS

Condition(s) and Reason(s):

1.         Details of the appearance, landscaping, layout and scale, (hereinafter called "the reserved matters"), shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority before any development takes place and the development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details.

Reason: To comply with the provisions of Section 92 (2) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

2.         Application for approval of the reserved matters shall be made to the Local Planning Authority before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

Reason:To comply with the provisions of Section 92 (2) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

3.         The development hereby permitted shall be begun either before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission, or before the expiration of two years from the date of the approval of the last of the reserved matters to be approved, whichever is the later.

Reason: To prevent the accumulation of planning permission; enable the Council to review the suitability of the development in the light of altered circumstances, and to comply with the provisions of Section 92 (2) of the Town and Country Planning  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5b

5c.

24/02644/RES

Submission of details of all matters reserved pursuant to outline planning permission 4/03266/18/MFA for 253 no. dwellings, car parking, garaging and incidental buildings and the internal roads.  Details of appearance, landscaping, layout and scale to be considered.

LA3, Land at West Hemel Hempstead    

Cllr Guest declared an interest in the item as she has been campaigning for years on this site. She confirmed that she would take no part in the discussion or voting.

The Case Officer, Colin Lecart introduced the report to Members and said that the application had been referred to the Committee due to details of large scale major development which is linked to an existing Section 106 Agreement attached to planning permission 4/03266/18/MFA

It was proposed by Councillor Bristow and seconded by Councillor Hobson to DELEGATE with a view to APPROVAL.

Vote:

For:                 Against:                       Abstained:

10                        0                                  0

Resolved: That planning permission be DELEGATED with a view to APPROVAL.

RECOMMENDATION

That the reserved matters details be DELEGATED WITH A VIEW TO APPROVAL, subject to a deed of variation to the unilateral undertaking attached to discharge of condition approval 24/01210/DRC being completed to secure appropriate SANG and SAMM mitigation in relation to the Chiltern Beechwood SAC. 

Condition(s) and Reason(s):

1.         The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans/documents:

            Plans:

            o          TW Phase 2 Site Location Plan P24-0895_DE_01_A_03

            o          Parking Strategy P24-0895_DE_01_B_25

            o          Refuse Strategy P24-0895_DE_01_B_27

            o          Building Typologies Plan P24-0895_DE_01_A_33

            o          Materials Plan (P24-0895_DE_01_C_21)

            o          Composite Site Layout P24-0895_DE_01_H_23

            o          Tenure Plan P24-0895_DE_01_E_13

            o          Building Heights Plan P24-0895_DE_01_E_14

            o          Site Layout P24-0895_DE_01_G_07

            o          Site Layout  P24-0895_DE_01_G_19

            o          Taylor Wimpey House Type Pack P24-1092_DE_002_A_01-42

            o          Street scenes  P24-1092_DE_03_F_01

            o          Street scenes  P24-1092_DE_03_D_02

            o          Street scenes  P24-1092_DE_03_C_03

            o          EMFP23 Floorplans and Elevations  P24-0895_DE_002_C_35

            o          EMFP11 Floorplans and Elevations  P24-0895_DE_002_B_36

            o          TW Phase 2 Planning Schedule Rev H

            o          POS Plan P24-0895_DE_01_A_38

            o          Garden Section P24-0895_DE_003_A_04

o          Phase 2 TW Landscape masterplan   P24-1612_EN_09 Sheets 01-10  

o          Phase 2 TW - Strategic Landscape Masterplan P24-1612_EN__C_03

o          Phase 3 BDW - Strategic Landscape Masterplan P24-1612_EN__C_04

            o          Illustrative Landscape Sections P24-1612_EN_01C

            o          Illustrative Landscape Sections P24-1612_EN_02C

            o          Indicative Planting Schedules         P24-1612_EN_07

            o          Boundary Treatments Plan P24-1612_EN_B_08_01

            o          Boundary Treatments Plan P24-1612_EN_B_08_02

            o          Illustrative Landscape Sections P24-1612_EN_13A

            o          Key Reference Plan 24-041-2000A

            o          Proposed Levels 1 of 9 24-041-2001 C

            o          Proposed Levels 2 of 9 24-041-2002 C

            o          Proposed Levels 3 of 9 24-041-2003 C

            o          Proposed Levels 4 of 9 24-041-2004 C

            o          Proposed Levels 5 of 9 24-041-2005 C

            o          Proposed Levels 6 of 9 24-041-2006 C

            o          Proposed Levels 7 of 9 24-041-2007 C

            o          Proposed Levels 8 of 9 24-041-2008 C

            o          Proposed Levels 9 of 9 4-041-2009 C

            o          Surface Water Drainage Sheet 1 of 9 24-041-2011 C

            o          Surface Water Drainage Sheet 2 of 9 24-041-2012 C

            o          Surface Water Drainage Sheet 3 of 9 24-041-2013 C

            o          Surface Water Drainage Sheet 4 of 9 24-041-2014 C

            o          Surface Water Drainage Sheet 5 of 9 24-041-2015 C  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5c

5d.

24/01424/MOA

Outline Planning Application for construction of 30 dwellings (Use Class C3) and (up to) a 70 bed care home (Use Class C2), with new access to Lower Road and pedestrian links to canal tow-path (landscaping reserved).

Land At Shafford Knoll Farm, Lower Road, Nash Mills, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP3 8RT

The Case Officer, Robert Freeman, and Elspeth Palmer introduced the report to Members and said that the application had been referred to the Committee in the public interest and at the request of Cllr Maddern.

Cllr Maddern declared an interest in the item as she is the Ward Councillor and is speaking against the item. Cllr Maddern took no part in the debate or the vote.

Iain Taylor spoke in support of the application.

Parish Councillor Nicola Cobb and Ward Councillor Jan Maddern spoke in objection to the application.

It was proposed by Councillor Allen and seconded by Councillor Hobson to REFUSE the application.

Vote:

For:                 Against:                       Abstained:

6                         3                                    1

Resolved: That planning permission be REFUSED.

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that planning permission is REFUSED for the following reasons:

1) The application site is considered to make a strong contribution towards purpose a) in paragraph 143 of the NPPF and as such cannot be considered to comprise “grey belt” land as set out in Annex 2 of the NPPF. It is also not considered to address the requirements of paragraphs 154 and 155 d) of the NPPF and as such must be considered to be inappropriate development in the Green Belt. This inappropriate development, is by definition harmful to the Green Belt and significant harm would also result to the open character and appearance thereto contrary to the NPPF and Policies CS1, CS2, CS5 and CS10 of the Core Strategy. The Very Special Circumstances associated with this case do not out weight the harm identified in relation to the Green Belt and other harm identified in relation to the proposals including the harm resulting from poor design and landscaping.

2) The proposed development, in view of its design, layout, site coverage, scale, height, massing and landscaping is not considered to secure the high design quality and living conditions expected under paragraph 139 of the NPPF and Policies CS8, CS10, CS11, CS12 and CS26 of the Core Strategy, Saved Policies 76 and 106 and Appendices 3 and 6 of the Local Plan 1991-2011, the Car Parking Standards SPD (2020) and Strategic Sites Design Guide SPD (2024).

3) In the absence of a legal agreement, the Council cannot secure affordable housing, highway works and the other necessary infrastructure to make the development acceptable in accordance with the NPPF, Policies CS8, CS9, CS12, CS26 and CS35 of the Core Strategy, Saved Policies 51 and 76 and Appendix 6 of the Local Plan 1991-2011.

4) The Council has not been able to secure appropriate mitigation to address the adverse impact on the integrity of the Chiltern Beechwoods Special Area of Conservation contrary to the Habitat Regulations, Policies CS26 and CS35 of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5d

Councillor Maddern left before item 5e started.

5e.

25/01124/ROC

Variation of condition 3 (approved plans) attached to planning permission 23/02025/FUL

Community Centre, Great Sturgess Road, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP1 2LQ

Cllr Guest declared that she was the Ward Councillor for the area, and has been to committee group meetings, but hasn’t given her view on it.

The Case Officer, Heather Edeyintroduced the report to Members and said that the application had been referred to the Committee due to it being a DBC Scheme with Resident Objection.

It was proposed by Councillor Guest and seconded by Councillor Patterson to GRANT the Application (with the addition of the second informative below).

Vote:

For:                 Against:                       Abstained:

10                   0                                   0        

Resolved: That planning permission be GRANTED.

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that the application be GRANTED.

Condition(s) and Reason(s):

 1.        The development hereby permitted shall begin before 26^th March 2027.         

            Reason:  To comply with the requirements of Section 91 (1) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, as amended by Section 51 (1) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

 2.        The materials to be used in the construction of the external surfaces of the development hereby permitted shall match the existing building in terms of size, colour and texture.

            Reason:  To make sure that the appearance of the building is suitable and that it contributes to the character of the area in accordance with Policies CS11 and CS12 of the Dacorum Borough Core Strategy (2013).

 3.        The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans/documents:

            7111/1311 Rev P2

            7111/1211 Rev P2

            7111/1215 Rev P2

            7111/1101 Rev P2

            Reason:  For the avoidance of doubt and in the interests of proper planning.

Informatives:

1.                     Planning permission has been granted for this proposal. Discussion with the applicant to seek an acceptable solution was not necessary in this instance. The Council has therefore acted pro-actively in line with the requirements of the Framework (paragraph 38) and in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015.

2.                     The development hereby approved does not include any external lighting. In

the event that external lighting is installed, permission will be required to

ensure that light spill is minimised and there are no adverse impacts on the

residential amenity of neighbouring properties.