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. Plans for new Next store in Stevenage

A planning application for a new Next store in Stevenage has been submitted to the local authority.

Next's existing lease at The Forum expires in May, with that area of town set to be redeveloped as part of a life sciences scheme.

A computer-generated image of what the new Next store could look like. (Image: Next)

Keen to remain in Stevenage, Next says the only viable alternative location is at 9 Yards - the former Roaring Meg Retail Park - in London Road.

If planning permission for the earmarked unit is refused, Next says it will cease trading in the town.

The plans submitted to Stevenage Borough Council include amalgamating two units on the retail park, which have been vacant since 2022 but were previously occupied by Partyman and TruGym.

If the proposal is given the go-ahead, the new Next will be significantly larger that the existing store and will include a café.

2. Prior approval for new Hitchin flats

Prior approval has been granted for a planning application which will see a Hitchin office block turned into new homes.

The plans, submitted by Bellborough Ltd, will see Radcliffe House in Old Charlton Road, just off Tilehouse Street, turned into 49 properties spread across three floors.

Radcliffe House is set to become flats. (Image: North Herts Council)

The homes will be a mixture of one, two, and three-bedroom properties, with 90 car parking spaces.

North Herts Council has given prior approval to the plans, but conditions must be met for the development to go ahead.

Radcliffe House was built in 1987 by National Mutual, and is named after one of Hitchin's most influential families.

Since it opened, the building has been home to financial service business ReAssure, formerly known as Admin Re and part of the Swiss Re Group.

3. Plans to regenerate Hatfield's Market Place

Hatfield's Market Place could be set for a new lease of life after plans were submitted to rejuvenate the site.

What the planned regeneration of Market Place could look like. (Image: Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council/BDP)

The proposals, put forward by architects BDP on behalf of Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, would see the town centre location given a new layout, paving, play equipment, lighting and street furniture.

Barriers in front of shops would be removed and a redundant market trading hut would also be demolished as part of the plans.

According to the design and planning statement, it is hoped that the improvements will make Market Place a "focal point for the community" in Hatfield.

"The proposed development represents an exciting opportunity to reinvigorate Hatfield Market Place, providing updated and modern play and leisure infrastructure, alongside significant new planting and biodiverse spaces," the application reads.

4. New Welwyn Garden City care home plans

A planning application has been submitted to build a new care home and demolish Elizabeth House in Welwyn Garden City.

The new building will include 51 independent living apartments. (Image: First Garden Cities Homes)

The proposal, submitted by First Garden Cities Homes, would see a building with 51 independent living apartments constructed in Elizabeth Close, with associated facilities, parking and landscaping included.

As part of the plans, the current Elizabeth House would be knocked down, with the application claiming the building is "no longer fit for purpose".

"The new development is to replace, enhance and maximise the potential of the site to provide good quality affordable homes in Welwyn Garden City," a planning and design statement reads.

5. Plans to turn St Albans offices in flats

Plans to build 34 apartments in a former St Albans office building have been submitted - marking the latest in a string of applications.

The site, at Aecom House 63-77 Victoria Street has been subject to two previous applications and is at the centre of plans yet again, this time for 34 flats.

In October 2023, agent Avebury Land Investments Ltd applied on behalf of the applicants to change the building's use from an office to residential to create 19 apartments - which was refused by St Albans City and District Council.

A similar application for 20 apartments was then submitted through the same agent, and approved in January 2024 by SADC.

Now, DLA Town Planning Ltd have submitted an "amended" application for change of use to build 34 apartments on the site.