Planning consent was obtained in mid-2025 by our clients, Anglodane (Welwyn) Ltd & Safestore Properties Ltd, for a commercial development incorporating a mix of flexible commercial units (use classes E(g), B2 or B8) and a self-storage building at the Norton Building site in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. The site is located off Bridge Road East and Tewin Road to the east of the town centre.

Pulsar has provided transport planning advice on the Norton Building site for several years including support for previous prior approval schemes and a residential planning application incorporating 138 residential units. Whilst Pulsar were able to reach agreement with the highway authority on the acceptability of the residential scheme, the application was subsequently withdrawn.

The application involved the demolition of the Norton Building and replacement with a commercial development with 3 no. industrial units (a total of 3,779 sqm GIA floorspace), and a self-storage unit (total of 2,323sqm GIA floorspace) to be occupied by Safestore.

Pulsar submitted a pre-application to the highway authority (Hertfordshire County Council) at an early stage to obtain agreement on the access arrangements and scope of the Transport Assessment required to support the full planning application.

It was agreed that the site is in a sustainable location, and benefits from good walking, cycling and bus connectivity. In addition, both Welwyn Garden City town centre and rail station are within 1km of the site. A Framework Travel Plan for the site was also prepared setting out a range of measures to discourage single occupancy car trips, and cycle parking would be provided to Hertfordshire’s standards. Car parking will be provided at a level (below the maximum standards) to reflect the good accessibility of the site, in line with Vision-led principles.

Pulsar is continuing to assist the developer with the discharge of various planning conditions.