Outline approval for 900 homes near Stevenage

Plans for a new housing development on the outskirts of Stevenage have received outline permission. North Herts Council approved the proposal for 900 homes on Thursday. Important details will still need to be worked out in future applications. The site, located south of Graveley and near the Lister Hospital, will feature 40% affordable housing. It will also include a primary school, community center, and potentially a medical facility. The council had previously rejected a similar plan last July but approved the revised proposal unanimously this time. Councillor Ruth Brown expressed that the site is already included in the Local Plan, making it suitable for development. She acknowledged public concerns regarding health services and traffic. However, she reassured that efforts would be made to establish an on-site health facility. A new bus route will connect Stevenage and Baldock, stopping at the new development and surrounding areas. Nonetheless, the applicant stated that the route may not be ready when the first residents move in. There were concerns about traffic impact, with Councillor Martin Prescott calling it a significant issue. Despite this, Hertfordshire Highways raised no objections to the plans, which include a new junction. The development will also offer children's play areas and open spaces, such as allotments.