5 Herts planning applications you should know about

We've compiled a list of just some of the applications that are currently pending or have been approved in our areas.

Here are some that might have gone under the radar.

1. Stanborough Park solar farm

Plans have been submitted for a solar farm at Stanborough Park, which would be big enough to provide power to 3,000 homes across Welwyn Hatfield.

The solar panels would span 10 hectares. (Image: J. Reddington Ltd)

The proposal, made by J. Reddington Ltd, would see solar panels spanning 10 hectares built on land sandwiched between the A6129 to the east, and Stanborough Lake to the west.

According to the planning statement "the proposed solar farm aims to generate up to 10 megawatts of electricity, which would be enough to power over 3,000 homes in Welwyn Hatfield".

2. Phone mast to go ahead despite refusal

A phone mast is set to be built in Stevenage - despite Stevenage Borough Council refusing planning permission.

Planning officers refused prior approval for the mast to be built at the Glebe, but it can now go ahead after the applicant failed to receive the required legal notice during the allotted time period.

The mast will now be located closer to the side of 1 The Glebe (pictured), rather than in the middle of the footpath. (Image: CK Hutchinson Ltd/Stevenage Borough Council)

The council received the application from CK Hutchinson Networks on July 11, and issued a decision notice on August 29 - within the given eight week period.

However, the posted notice did not reach the applicant until after that period, despite SBC allowing a week for it to be delivered via first-class mail.

As a result, the application qualifies for 'deemed consent' and can go ahead.

Cllr Simon Speller, executive member for environment and performance, blamed Royal Mail for the debacle.

3. 700-home Hitchin development approved

The planned development site between Hitchin and Letchworth. (Image: BDW Trading Ltd/North Herts Council)

North Herts Council has green-lit a proposal for up to 700 new homes in Hitchin.

The Highover Farm development will be built on land earmarked for new housing in the North Herts District Plan, which the authority put together and formally adopted in November last year.

More than 1,800 people signed a Change.org petition which labelled the development "irresponsible", with major concerns raised about the increase in traffic.

4. Plans for 900-home Letchworth development

Three designs have been put forward by Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation for a proposed development of up to 900 homes in the town.

One of the options for the proposed LG1 development in Letchworth. (Image: Letchorth Garden City Heritage Foundation)

The development is planned for a site north of Letchworth, near the Grange and known as LG1 in the North Herts Local Plan. It was formerly part of the Green Belt.

A consultation on the three proposals has been launched for local residents to give their opinions.

All options include a new primary school and a neighbourhood centre, but no new secondary schools or GP surgeries are planned as part of the development.

More than 2,000 trees would be added to the area as part of the development too.

5. South Mimms EV charging hub

CGI plans of the new EV charging hub. (Image: Lichfields)

Plans have been proposed for a new electric vehicle charging hub at South Mimms services.

BP plans to redevelop its current Connect retail site at the Welcome Break South Mimms services off Junction 23 of the M25.

The development would including 32 covered ultra-fast EV charging bays along with an enhanced M&S retail unit, while 10 of the 16 petrol and diesel pumps would be retained.