7 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. Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs to become bungalows

The owners of a kennels for cats and dogs near Baldock are planning to retire and allow the land to be used for seven bungalows.

North Herts Council’s planning committee voted to grant permission for the bungalows to be built at a meeting on Thursday.

Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs, located off the A505 between Baldock and Royston, will shut down, with the existing reception building becoming a three-bedroom bungalow.

All other existing buildings would be demolished to allow six three-bedroom bungalows to be built.

Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs is set to become bungalows. (Image: North Herts Council)

2. Plans approved to turn Stevenage Papa Johns into flat

Planning permission has been granted to turn part of a takeaway in Stevenage High Street into a one-bed flat.

Plans to partially change the use of the ground floor of Papa John's into a one-bed flat, while retaining the shop front, have been approved by Stevenage Borough Council.

The plans by Craft & Sons - a family run business specialising in the maintenance and restoration of listed and traditional buildings - also include repairing the exterior timberwork and painting it dark grey.

It comes after planning permission was refused for the takeaway unit to be turned into a two-bed flat.

Papa Johns in Stevenage. (Image: Google Maps)

3. Hitchin's former CarpetRight store could become dentist

A former carpet shop in Hitchin could become a dentist if new plans are approved.

Silveroak Investments has applied for permission to allow the ground floor of Austin House in Queen Street to become a dental practice.

In their application to North Herts Council, Silveroak argued that using the building as a dental practice “could benefit the existing nearby businesses, bringing potential customers past their premises”.

They said it would provide “a valuable service to local people in a highly sustainable location”.

A new dentist could be opening on the site of Hitchin's former CarpetRight store. (Image: Google)

4. Solar farm on Welwyn Garden City Green Belt approved

A solar farm with 14,925 panels next to junction four of the A1(M) has been approved by Welwyn Hatfield councillors.

The Green Belt land, near Stanborough Park in Welwyn Garden City as well as the Oldings Corner roundabout and retail park, has previously been used for car boot sales.

Developer J. Reddington Ltd can now install panels with a capacity of 10MW – enough power for around 3,000 homes – on 3.1m-high racks across land that is roughly the size of 14 football pitches.

Underground cables will be used to connect the solar farm with ‘Welwyn Primary’ substation.

The solar farm will be made up of more than 14,000 panels. (Image: J. Reddington Ltd)

5. Plans submitted for major 900-home development in Potters Bar

A planning application has been submitted for a major development of 900 homes, a school and a care home in Potters Bar.

The plans, put forward by Bloor Homes and Griggs Homes, would see the development built on land to the west of Barnet Road, and east of Baker Street.

A primary school, an 80-bed care home, a neighbourhood centre and community facilities are also included in the proposal, while 50 per cent of the homes will be "affordable".

Green space will also be a key part of the plans, with the application stating: "New homes will be connected by swathes of multifunctional open spaces, including children’s play areas, sports pitches, a community allotment, orchards, new traffic-free active travel routes, and substantial new landscaping."

A school and an 80-bed care home would be included in the development. (Image: Bloor Homes/Griggs Homes)

6. Batchwood Hall to become hotel, bar, restaurant and wedding venue

Batchwood Hall is set for a new lease of life, after plans to turn the former nightclub into a hotel, bar, restaurant and wedding venue were approved.

At a meeting of St Albans City and District Council's development management committee on September 2, the proposal's for the St Albans manor house were unanimously approved.

The historic property is owned by St Albans City and District Council and was used as a nightclub for many years, before closing in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It then fell dormant after being used as a vaccination centre, but in November 2023, SADC announced it had signed a long-term lease with hospitality firm The Oakman Group for its redevelopment, promising to give the building "a new lease of life".

Batchwood Hall closed as a nightclub in 2020. (Image: Navigate Planning / St Albans City & District Council)

7. Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School reveal plans for new site

A St Albans school has unveiled ambitious plans for a new 'state-of-the-art' building on the existing site.

Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School has enlisted developers CALA Homes to rebuild the institution, citing the 'outdated' nature of many of its current facilities.

Revealing the plans, the school said that the project would deliver "sustainable-first educational space that will enable current and future generations of students to have a learning environment that meets their needs".

If given the green light, the school would remain at its current home on Colney Heath Lane.

Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School. (Image: CALA Homes)