Development Control Team

The main activity of the Development Control team is the processing and determination of applications for planning permission, approximately 400 of which are received each year. They also deal with applications for advertisement consent and listed building consent as well as the protection of important trees.  The enforcement of planning controls is another matter dealt with by the team. 

The team provides advice and guidance to prospective developers and the public. To keep delays to a minimum and avoid problems in processing applications developers are encouraged to meet with planning officers as early as possible in the drawing up of their proposals. They make every effort to resolve planning issues with all interested parties where possible.

You can also make use of the Planning Portal's comprehensive information/help facility by clicking on the following link:

• National planning portal - frequently asked questions

Public consultation, particularly of neighbours, is carried out in respect of almost all applications and objectors are able to directly address the Planning and Development Committee.

Applications are assessed against the Council's planning policies, which are set out in the District Plan, and also to development standards in the Environmental Safeguards document. Applications are determined either by the Planning and Development Committee or by the Head of Development & Planning under delegated powers.

Members of the Development Control team

• Martin Fitch, Development Control Manager 01438 242268
• Dave Rusling, Principal Planning Officer 01438 242270
• Faye Cass, Senior Planning Officer 01438 242767
• Tim Havers, Planning and Enforcement Officer 01438 242266
• Karen Layer, Senior Planning Officer 01438 242836
• General Planning Enquiries  01438 242159

Development Control team
Planning & Regeneration
Stevenage Borough Council
Daneshill House
Danestrete
Stevenage
Herts
SG1 1HN

Tel: 01438 242838
Fax: 01438 242922/ 242566