It's been a busy week for planning stories in Stevenage, with new flats, an aqua park obstacle course, an 'unscrupulous' developer and much more on the agenda.
In case you missed them, we've rounded up five of the highest profile stories.
1. Plans for 71 new town centre flats approved
71 new flats can be built on Queensway in the town centre after Stevenage Borough Council's planning committee granted planning permission.
A small amount of retail space - half of the former Brighthouse unit - will be lost as part of the changes, while two new storeys will be added to the building.
More than 3,000 properties are being constructed as part of the regeneration of Stevenage town centre.
You can read the full story here.
2. Fairlands Valley aqua park obstacle course moves a step closer
Plans for a new aqua park obstacle course on the main lake at Fairlands Valley Park moved closer after permission was granted for an accompanying facility.
Aqua Parcs, who already run one obstacle course on a lake in Milton Keynes, can place eight shipping containers on the hardstanding boat yard, formerly used by the Sailing Centre.
The containers will include a reception, wet suit rooms, individual changing compartments, a storage room, a first aid room, and a staff room.
You can read the full story here.
3. Application by 'unscrupulous' flat developer backfires
A developer saw his attempt to gain a Certificate of Lawfulness for four flats backfire in spectacular fashion.
Mr Shamsi received planning permission in 2015 to build an end-of-terrace two-bedroom house in Vinters Avenue.
But, after turning it into four self-contained studio flats without planning permission, he has now been ordered to return it to its original state by Stevenage Borough Council.
Councillors confirmed the decision after a thorough investigation by planning officers.
You can read the full story here.
4. Old Town Indian restaurant can become chicken shop
Taste of India, at 48A High Street, has received permission to change their ground floor restaurant into a chicken shop.
It will have counters and seating for customers, while the first floor will continue to be used as a kitchen for an Indian takeaway.
Documents submitted with the application said that Taste of India have "struggled since Covid to fill out the restaurant".
You can read the full story here.
5. Asda ordered to stop 24/7 deliveries
Asda have been ordered to stop taking and making overnight deliveries at their Stevenage superstore.
According to a Stevenage Borough Council report, the authority is receiving “ongoing complaints” about deliveries taking place 24 hours a day.
The company must only take and make deliveries between 7am and 9pm on weekdays and Saturdays, and between 7am and 3pm on Sundays – rules dating back to planning permission secured in the year 2000.
You can read the full story here.
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