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. Plans for abandoned A505 pub with Simpsons graffiti
An abandoned and derelict pub, which has become a well-known A505 landmark thanks to its Simpsons graffiti, is set to become drive-thru restaurants.
The former Horse and Groom pub, just outside Royston, is set to be developed into two restaurant drive-thru takeaways and a coffee shop after plans were given the go-ahead by South Cambridgeshire District Council.
The companies set to move into the site are yet to be revealed, but an announcement is expected soon.
The Simpsons-themed artwork of Moe Szyslak, the owner and bartender at Moe’s Tavern in the famous animated series, was painted on the side of the old Horse and Groom pub, alongside the words "One for the road", back in 2019.
The work has since become a well-known landmark for motorists travelling along the A505.
2. Major 292-home development in Stevenage
Plans have been submitted to North Herts Council for a major development of 292 homes on the outskirts of Stevenage.
The application, submitted by Stantec on behalf of Croudace Homes, would see the development built on land, known as Roundwood, off Back Lane, close to the Great Ashby area.
As well as the homes, plans also include associated roads, parking, drainage, landscaping, open space and servicing facilities works.
The development would also be made up of 40 per cent affordable housing, totalling 118 units properties.
"The principle of development is considered to be balanced in favour of the development and the recent adoption of the Local Plan and thus the allocation of the site for residential development of this scale ratifies the principle of development," the planning statement concludes.
3. Public back plans to restore St Albans' Rose & Crown pub
Plans to restore an historic St Albans pub have received 250 public comments, with many supporting the idea of its return.
The Rose & Crown, in St Michael's village, closed in 2020 after its leaseholder reportedly struggled to make money, despite investing in improvements such as an upgrade of the beer garden and serving food.
A plan to restore the Grade II-listed building and make it "fully operational" once again has proved immensely popular since its submission to St Albans City & District Council's planning portal at the end of September.
The application follows two previous submissions, in 2021 and 2022, both of which were refused by the local authority's planning committee.
Plenty of residents have backed the plans, with one writing: "Me and my wife are very much in favour of the proposed plans to renovate the Rose & Crown.
"It is a vital asset to the community and must remain as a pub."
4. Plans for Ickleford development
Plans have been submitted for a "much-needed" development of eight contemporary homes in Ickleford.
The application, submitted by Foxberry Developments Ltd and Hitchin-based BBR Designs, comprises of six three-bed homes, built as three pairs of semi-detached properties, and two detached three-bed dwellings off Turnpike Lane and Lodge Court.
The proposal is a revision of plans for five homes on the site, which were approved in 2021 after a government inspector overruled North Herts Council initial rejection.
"This application seeks full planning consent for a revised proposal to the previous permissions to erect eight new dwellings on the site with a new contemporary high-quality design which aims to greater enhance the character and quality of the area," reads the application.
Ickleford residents objected to the previous application, citing "green areas in the village rapidly disappearing", and the development "blighting the adjacent heritage area".
Since the inspector approved the plans via appeal, the site is no longer part of the Green Belt, having its status removed as part of the adopted North Herts Local Plan.
5. Watton-at-Stone development plans
60 new homes could fill the gap between a village near Stevenage and its bypass.
Designers have handed their plans to East Herts Council after villagers in Watton-at-Stone voted to adopt a new parish Neighbourhood Plan 609 votes to 30 on Thursday, October 12.
The supported document includes a policy with the code WAS 3 – for 60 homes west of Walkern Road.
Of the 60 new homes, 42 would be built as houses and 18 apartments, with 40 per cent of them meeting an “affordable” definition.
The homes would sit between Beane Road and the A602, with access from Walkern Road.
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