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. 900-home Stevenage extension

An outline planning application has been submitted to build 900 new homes on land to the north of Stevenage.

The planning application refers to the proposed development as an "extension to Stevenage", though it falls under the area covered by North Herts Council rather than Stevenage Borough Council.

The site is just south of Graveley and directly to the north of the controversial Forster Country development that is currently being built by Bellway Homes and Miller Homes.

Plans for the new site have been drawn up by developer Croudace Homes, and are part of the North Herts Local Plan for 2011-2031, which allocated sites for the 11,600 new homes deemed necessary across that period.

The application includes 2,000 square metres of community facilities, multiple children's play areas, and open space. Road access would be via a new junction on North Road - located 100m south of the existing junction between North Road and Graveley Road - and through the current Forster Country development.

2. Papa's got a brand new plan

There are plans to turn Papa John's in Stevenage High Street into a two-bedroom flat.

The plans also include converting the roof space of the garage at the rear of the site into a one-bedroom studio flat, by changing the gable roof into a modern mansard to obtain additional head room, and adding three dormer windows.

Herts Advertiser: Papa John's in Stevenage could become a house.Papa John's in Stevenage could become a house. (Image: Google Maps)

The Grade II-listed building currently occupied by pizza chain Papa John's was built in 1877 and is within a conservation area.

The current lease is nearing expiry. Earlier this month, Papa John's announced the closure of up to 100 locations across the UK this year.

3. Plans submitted for Chequers pub

Plans have been submitted to turn a Grade II-listed former Potters Bar pub into flats, and build new homes on the site.

The proposal, submitted by Totteridge Developments Ltd, would see the ground floor of the The Chequers in Coopers Lane converted into a four-bedroom flat, the construction of four new three-bedroom terraced cottages and a single three-bed dwelling on the site.

Herts Advertiser: The Chequers has been closed since 2019.The Chequers has been closed since 2019. (Image: Jill Hellary)

A three-bedroom flat on the first floor of the pub would also be retained.

The Chequers closed more than three years ago, when landlords Gill and Paul Englefield called last orders the day before New Years Eve in 2019.

The application also comprises of "the construction of four new terraced cottages in a row, forming a continuation of the street scene along Coopers Lane, and one detached dwelling at the rear of the site with associated car parking and landscaping".

4. Northaw retirement complex plans

Plans have been submitted for a new 150-home retirement complex in Northaw.

The proposal, submitted by Swing Ltd, will see the bungalows and apartments built, as well as community facilities and landscaping, on the former Hook Estate and Kennels site off Coopers Lane.

Herts Advertiser: The complex would be built off Coopers Lane.The complex would be built off Coopers Lane. (Image: Swing Ltd)

The site will also offer 10 per cent affordable housing, leisure facilities, nature walks and an electric vehicle transport service to support access to the wider community.

"We are very excited about our plans for Northaw Retirement Village," said a spokesman from Swing Ltd.

5. London Colney's 42,000 sqm facility

Outline planning permission has been granted for industrial estate buildings to make way for a 42,000 sqm facility in London Colney.

The application, submitted to St Albans City & District Council's planning committee, was accepted on Wednesday (January 3) and will see the demolition of former Sainsbury's buildings at units four to five Riverside Industrial Estate.

The plans, submitted on behalf of Zurich Assurance Ltd, would see the land continue to be utilised for storage and distribution.