Agenda item

Please note that I have reduced the file sizes of Appendix A and Appendix C due to the constraints of outlook and our website. If a full size version of either document is required please contact Keeley Mitchell and she can provide this to you via Herts FX

ARobinson introduced the item, noting that the Committee has previously seen the draft and that it has been out to consultation, receiving 23 consultation responses. The report is now the final design code and the Committee is being asked to inform Cabinet of its views on the documents. ARobinson confirmed that, once adopted, the design code will provide a detailed set of design requirements for the Paradise employment site, which was allocated under the site allocations DPD for mixed-use development a number of years ago.

Cllr Guest asked how much weight the new design code will have in determining planning applications compared with the current SPD. A Robinson explained that there are a hierarchy of plans and the DPD document will sit alongside the core strategy with the SPD being a subsidiary document that provides more detail on the site. It will be a material consideration when determining a planning application and will get the requisite level of weight alongside other planning considerations.

Cllr Guest asked how the new design code compares to what currently exists. ARobinson advised that the existing documents won't change and will maintain their current weight, and the new document provides additional detail to the policies. The new document code doesn't have more weight, though provides additional detail and clarification by expanding on the existing policy.

Cllr Guest referred to page 31 of the report, paragraph 1.3, on the consultation running from 28th October 2022 for 4 weeks, closing on 28th November 2023, and asked if it should read 2022. It was confirmed that this was incorrect and could be updated.

Cllr England congratulated the officers on the work. This was supported by a number of other members.

Cllr Timmis asked if the design code only relates to the Paradise area and will not roll out to other parts of Dacorum. ARobinson confirmed that this is purely the defined area, as set out in the document. KMitchell noted that it also sets out parameters regarding height.

Cllr Timmis commented that a number of trees are deciduous and that buildings will look more austere in winter months. KMitchell confirmed that new codes have been included on tree planting and that the details of this will be detailed planning provisions.

Cllr Timmis commended the suggestion that apartments should have their own green space.

A comment was raised that there are other design codes for other areas across the borough. KMitchell noted that they are one of the first to adopt a design code using the national guidance.

Cllr England asked if the design code doesn't imply anything for any other part of Hemel Hempstead. This was confirmed.

Cllr England queried the maximum size of a design code area. KMitchell stated that there isn't a maximum size and all design codes must be based on analysis. KMitchell noted that the design code applies to the site, though they have drawn objectives from the Hemel Garden Community Spatial Vision, and other design codes in the area will likely build on similar principles with similar objectives.

ARobinson noted that government are looking to move the planning system more into design codes to provide clarity, though it is challenging to have a checklist that complies given the level of subjectivity. ARobinson referred to the parameters set out as well as the level of discretion in assessment on a case-by-case basis.

ARobinson advised that the direction of the Local Plan is to see more design codes come forward with the strategic growth sites as it helps provide residents with a greater understanding of what will happen and it's also a good opportunity for residents to be involved in shaping developments as they come forward.

JDoe commented noted that the design code has been a useful exercise and has given officers a level of new skills that can now be rolled out to other design codes.

On the size of area, JDoe agreed that there is no predefined limit, and noted that one output from the Maylands study will be a design code for the whole of Maylands, which will be much larger than Paradise.

The Chair asked if the site will have restricted parking. K Mitchell confirmed that it would need to comply with the parking SPD. The Chair noted that standalone areas often have restricted parking, which doesn't deter people from having cars and instead impacts the areas outside of the restrictions. ARobinson advised that they are looking to not change any parking standards and the parking SPD will need to be complied with. The design code provides guidance on how to layout car parking within the development.

Cllr Stevens commented that, once adopted, it will become a master plan for the area. KMitchell advised that it will set the parameters for design, and rather than a master plan that states what does where, it acts as the middle stage between a design guide and master plan. ARobinson added that there is complexity with the Paradise site due to the multiple ownerships and they therefore can't provide a specific master plan, though they can provide guidelines on how it can comply.

ARobinson advised that anything that comes forward will still require planning permission, and if a developer wishes to deviate from the design code then the local authority has the ability to refuse applications.

Cllr England asked if councillors on Development Management would need an in-depth understanding of the design code. ARobinson stated that, once adopted, the design code will form part of supplementary guidance that is already in place and Committee members will need to be briefed on the design code. This will be offered as part of the normal cycle of planning training, though when applications come forward, officers will explain to members how the application does or doesn't comply with the design code. KMitchell noted that appendix B sets out the compliance checklist, which developers will need to fill out if they have scheme on the site.

The Committee agreed the recommendation that it informs Cabinet of its views.

It was noted that this would be ARobinson's last SPAE and members thanked him for his work. ARobinson thanked members for their support.