Planning committees across Hertfordshire are busy as ever, with plenty of applications and appeals coming through.
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. Oval development given green light
More than 300 homes will be built by Stevenage Borough Council as part of the development, which includes 250 homes at the Oval and 91 independent living homes at nearby Hobbs Court.
More than 300 homes are included in the plans. (Image: Fabrik/Stevenage Borough Council/Google Maps/Canva)
The council's planning committee approved the plans at a meeting on Wednesday (July 17) after planning officers had recommended approval.
The plans, submitted earlier this year, also include a New Market Square, 1,200 square metres of mixed commercial space, 2,650 square metres of retail space and a multi-faith space.
A range of smaller units would be available for existing tenants such a laundrette, pharmacy and café.
2. 151-home Welwyn Garden City plans pushed through
The proposal, submitted by Thrive Homes, was refused by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council back in 2021, after residents objected to the plans and even launched a petition that received almost 2,500 signatures.
The plans for 151 homes were rejected in 2021. (Image: Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council)
The plans would see the current building in Swallowfields turned into three tower blocks, each up to five storeys tall and containing 151 dwellings, with B&Q and fast food van Dom's Snacks evicted from the site.
The planning inquiry began in December last year and concluded in January.
Now, after lengthy delays, planning inspector Paul Thompson has decided to allow the application to go ahead.
3. Plans to extend Lister Hospital
Plans have been submitted for an extension to Stevenage's Lister Hospital.
The three-storey extension would provide a new main entrance for the hospital, connecting to the existing entrance via a single storey link.
Plans have been submitted for an extension to Stevenage's Lister Hospital. (Image: Bowman Riley / Stevenage Borough Council)
Planning permission is generally not required for extensions for hospitals, but East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust - which runs the hospital - has applied for a Lawful Development Certificate to confirm that the works would be lawful.
Two commercial units and unisex toilets would be included in the new entrance, while the first and second floors would be used for office space.
They would include space for desks, as well as pod seating, kitchenettes, meeting rooms and staff toilets.
A total of 1,843 square metres of floorspace would be added to the building.
4. North Herts solar farm plans rejected
Councillors refused to grant planning permission for a solar farm in North Hertfordshire. (Image: Terence O'Rourke)
On July 18, North Herts Council's Planning Control Committee denied permission for a 45 hectare solar farm within 106 hectares of land north east of Wandon End, despite planning officers recommending they approve the project.
Three parish councils - Offley, Lilley and Kings Walden - and 400 residents had lodged their objections with the council, with concerns about "inappropriate" Green Belt development and energy going into the national grid rather than directly benefitting North Herts residents.
It led to a meeting that was busy and - at times - rowdy, with chair Cllr Elizabeth Dennis asking members of the public to quieten down on several occasions.
5. Plans for new Harpenden flats and shops
The floor plans for the proposed project. (Image: St Albans City and District Council)
The proposals have been submitted on behalf of Catton Homes, which has enlisted Milligan Knight Architects to transform the current industrial site on the corner of Crabtree Lane and Lower Luton Road.
Developers are hoping to build 140sqm worth of leisure and housing space by demolishing the existing industrial units at 6 and 7 Batford Mill on Lower Luton Road.
They say they're aiming to "offer a collection of attractive new modern homes and business space to a site that is currently an eyesore and presents a poor first impression for people entering the town".
The planning statement goes on to say: "This scheme will be a high quality development that will replace an ugly and introverted industrial building and enhance this important corner."
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