Council’s Development Management Committee approves The Stanborough planning application
Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council’s Development Management Committee has approved a planning application for alterations to the existing restaurant building at The Stanborough, Stanborough Road, WGC.
The application from McDonald’s Restaurants Limited, considered by the Committee last night (22 October), was limited to seeking permission for external alterations to the building, including changes to its elevations and finishes, replacement rooftop heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment and associated works.
The premises already benefits from an established lawful use as a restaurant, which was confirmed through a Certificate of Lawfulness and the application did not seek permission for a change of use or the introduction of a drive-thru.
There was significant public interest in the application, with 387 objections and 35 letters of support received. Concerns raised included traffic and highway safety, the proximity of the site to schools and public health, litter, noise and disturbance, parking and the character of the area. The Development Management Committee heard from speakers opposing the application before members considered the proposals and approved the application with a vote of 8 in favour of the application and 3 against.
Rose Grewal, Leader of Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and Executive Member for Planning, said:
“I would like to thank everyone who took the time to comment on this application and those who spoke at the Committee. We recognise the strength of feeling that this application generated and understand the concerns raised by local residents. Many of those concerns related to wider issues around public health, wellbeing and the impact of fast-food outlets in our communities.
“However, the Council can only determine the planning application that is before it and must do so in accordance with planning law. In this case, the application was limited to physical alterations to premises that already benefit from a lawful restaurant use. The issues many residents wished us to consider fell outside the scope of the application.
“That does not mean those concerns are unimportant. Promoting health and wellbeing remains a key priority for the Council and is reflected in our emerging Local Plan. Through that process, we will have the opportunity to consider these issues strategically and explore how planning policies can help support healthier communities in the future.”