North Hertfordshire District Council

The council accepted it could not demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, citing a current position of 2.6 years and a shortfall of 3,347 dwellings. This engages the NPPF tilted balance and materially affects the council's procurement and planning position on housing-related delivery and infrastructure contributions.

The council and appellant discussed financial contributions for mitigation of recreational impacts on Therfield Heath SSSI, with the council stating a £350 per dwelling contribution would remain compliant and sufficient. This implies a material developer-funded obligation linked to any permission, likely secured through planning obligations and conditions.

The appellant's case relied on deliverable sustainable transport improvements, especially a footway/cycleway link to Shrubbery Grove and connections to the town centre and station. If progressed, this would likely require construction and civils procurement, but the council and residents challenged whether the route is actually secured and inclusive.

The inspector noted the section 106 agreement/unilateral undertaking needed a signed copy and that planning obligations would be considered later in the inquiry. This is an action point relevant to securing the development's financial and mitigation package.

The parties referred to an addendum because the figures in the section 106 agreement and unilateral undertaking had changed. This indicates an evolving financial package tied to the development, though the transcript does not state the final total value of the obligations.

This planning appeal inquiry centred on proposed residential development of up to 280 dwellings at Barkway Road, Royston. The main procurement-relevant themes were the need for off-site highways and sustainable travel mitigation, Section 106 contributions, and ecological mitigation for Therfield Heath SSSI, including SANG/SAM-style measures and ongoing funding arrangements. There was also procedural discussion about late evidence, signed agreements, conditions, and the timetable for closing submissions and costs.