Government approves Stevenage expansion

Stevenage Borough Council has welcomed communities secretary John Denham’s approval for a major housing-led development on the edge of Stevenage. The scheme – known as the Stevenage West development – was the subject of a ‘minded to’ decision back in 2005 pending a planning agreement.

The approved development will provide 3,600 new homes, together with all the necessary supporting infrastructure and community facilities, which will be funded by private developers. An alternative scheme providing 5,000 new homes was rejected.

The scheme straddles the boundary with North Hertfordshire District Council which opposed the plans because of the loss of Green Belt land.

Denham’s decision letter made it clear that recent amendments to the unilateral undertaking have satisfactorily addressed earlier concerns over the enforceability of the undertaking.

“The obligations are drafted in such a way as to give a sufficient level of clarity and certainty to enable him to grant planning permission for the proposed development. He is satisfied that the undertaking will deliver the facilities and infrastructure which are necessary to achieve compliance with objectives of sustainable development and to make the proposed development acceptable.”

Councillor John Gardner, deputy leader of Stevenage Council, said: “The Stevenage West development is a sustainable extension to the town and will include its own schools, health centre and other community facilities, as well as dedicated cycle paths and bus routes.”  

Read the Stevenage Borough Council press release.

 

Roger Milne

7 January 2010