Council resolution on Stevenage West

Stevenage Borough Council members reaffirmed their support for the development of Stevenage West at a Council meeting in December.

This was the first Council meeting since the First Secretary of State, John Prescott MP, announced that he was “minded to grant planning permission” for 3,600 homes and associated development at Stevenage West. This was following a public inquiry in 2004, chaired by an independent planning inspector who recommended that planning permission could be granted because the development is in line with the Hertfordshire Structure Plan.

We have been waiting a long time for this news. This Council has supported the plans for a new community at Stevenage West since they were introduced in 1994. We believe the development will provide valuable new homes and bring increased economic prosperity to the region.

Much of the delay in reaching this stage in the planning process has been caused by a vocal and well-organised minority opposition. They have argued that the demand for new homes can be met through a combination of small sites without the need for Stevenage West. However, the independent planning inspector stated in his report that this is “a very different strategy from the adopted structure plan, and one that I consider to be deeply flawed.”

Executive Councillor for Environment John Gardner said: “Stevenage West is not merely an urban extension of 3,600 dwellings; it is the continuation of the pioneering neighbourhood concept, which has made this a successful town. It will provide a sustainable, new and vibrant community in which Stevenage families will be able to live, work, play, shop, learn and make friends.”

Council agreed the following resolutions, which were moved by John Gardner and seconded by Councillor Reg Smith:

1. The Council warmly welcomes the First Secretary of State’s announcement of 20 October in respect of the proposed development at Stevenage West and, in particular, the importance ascribed to the need for new homes – amongst other issues – in the report of the independent Inspector, Mr David Lavender.
2. The Council looks forward to working constructively with the other two affected local authorities and the developers to bring to fruition this sustainable urban extension in line with the mutually agreed Masterplan.

Whilst John Prescott gave his support to the plans for 3,600 homes at Stevenage West, he did ask us to reformulate the details for the associated development, meaning the schools, community facilities, playing fields, shops and transport infrastructure. We are therefore currently working with the developers, North Herts District Council and Hertfordshire County Council to improve the plans in preparation for resubmitting them to the First Secretary of State in January.

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For press enquiries contact Joanna Roskilly, Corporate Communications on 01438 242300.

For further comment contact Executive Councillor for Environment John Gardner on 01438 729010.

For political comment:

Labour Bruce Jackson 01438 350323

Liberal Democrat Robin Parker 01438 724746

Conservative Graham Clark 01438 360538