MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON 30 APRIL 2007

* Cllr K Armstrong (Town Mayor)
* Cllr Mrs J Richardson
* Cllr K Barnes
* Cllr Mrs N Symonds
* Cllr A Burlton
* Cllr R Taylor
* Cllr P Demonti
* Cllr K Warnell
* Cllr R Gilbert
Cllr Mrs C White
Cllr P Gray
Cllr G White
Cllr Mrs D Hollebon (Deputy Town Mayor)
* Cllr M Wood
Cllr D Peek
* Cllr Miss C Woodman
* Cllr L Pinnell
* Cllr J Wyllie

* denotes present

677. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Apologies were received from Cllr Gray, Cllr Mrs Hollebon and Cllr Peek.

678. DECLARATION OF INTEREST None.

679. MINUTES OF THE TOWN COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON
19 MARCH 2007 RESOLVED: that the Minutes of the Town Council meeting held on 19 March 2007 be confirmed as a correct record of the proceedings and be signed by the Town Mayor.

680. COMMUNICATIONS None.

681. QUESTIONS ASKED PURSUANT TO STANDING ORDER 24 None.

682. BUSINESS EXPRESSLY REQUIRED BY STATUTE None.

683. COMMITTEE REPORTS

i) Planning and Environment Committee 26 March 2007 RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be received.

ii) Planning and Environment Committee 10 April 2007 Min 646 - Proposed Town Council Policy on Security Shutters RESOLVED:

i) That the contents of the document be accepted as an additional Town Council Planning Policy BS007

ii) That the Minutes of the meeting be received

iii) Finance and General Purposes Committee 16 April 2007 RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be received. iv) Planning and Environment Committee 23 April 2007 RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be received.

684. WORKING PARTIES Playground Working Party 16 April 2007 RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be received.

685. YOUTH COUNCIL Minutes of the meeting held on 5 April 2007

686. GRANT APPLICATIONS

i) Kickstart An application had been received from the above organisation seeking a grant of £250 to pay for a year's supply of national newspapers, which clients refer to during job searching. RESOLVED: that a grant of £250 be approved

ii) Actability An application had been received from the above organisation seeking a grant of £2,000 towards the cost of maintaining the current work undertaken with disabled people. RESOLVED: that this application be deferred to enable more information to be obtained on sources of funding

687. LOSS OF AMENITIES IN BISHOP'S STORTFORD (Cllr Pinnell) Cllr Pinnell made reference to the number of facilities the Town had lost over the years, ie. Rye Street Hospital, County Court, Magistrates Court, Job Centre, Social Services and the services which used to be provided at the Herts & Essex Hospital ie. maternity, eye clinic and A and E. It was, he felt, deplorable that Bishop's Stortford had lost so many services and he questioned how the continuous loss could be stemmed.

Cllr Gilbert was equally concerned. However, he stated that none of the services mentioned had been withdrawn without a great deal of protest being made at local levels and that it might be appropriate to forward a list of the lost services to Mark Prisk MP. However, members were of the opinion that no action should be taken in advance of a new Council being in operation and that this matter could be the subject of a future agenda.

688. EAST HERTS CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLES' PLAY STRATEGY (2008 - 2011) Members had been circulated with copies of a consultation document on the above matter with responses required before 23 May 2007. It was agreed that members arrange to supply the Clerk with their individual comments in order for a composite response to be submitted. It was further agreed that a copy of the Consultation document be forwarded to the members of the Youth Council to solicit their views.

689. KINGS COTTAGES TRUST The Clerk informed members that he had been approached by Cllr Engel to ascertain whether the Town Council would consider offering its good office to provide secretarial support to the Trust. RESOLVED: that the Town Council offer the support requested

690. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA None.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 8.45pm.  

MINUTES OF THE PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE HELD ON
23 APRIL 2007


* Cllr K Barnes
* Cllr R Taylor
Cllr P Demonti
* Cllr K Warnell
Cllr P Gray
* Cllr Miss C Woodman
* Cllr L Pinnell (Chairman)
Cllr J Wyllie
* Cllr Mrs N Symonds (Vice-Chairman)
Cllr K Armstrong (ex-officio)

* Denotes present


667. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Cllr Demonti and Cllr Wyllie

668. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 10 APRIL 2007

RESOLVED: that the Minutes be confirmed as a correct record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chairman

669. DECLARATION OF INTEREST

Cllr Mrs Symonds Personal Planning application 3/07/0641/FP/AK
Planning application 3/07/0677/FP/SE

670. PLANNING NOTIFICATIONS

i) No objections were raised on the following applications:

3/07/0030/FP/MHT Creation of a shared use path for walkers and cyclists as part of the National Cycle Network. Land East of Twyford Road, between Grid refs: TL 494201 and TL 439199, Bishop's Stortford Applicant: Andy Knight, Sustrans East of England Office Note: Members would wish to see the path clearly marked to separate cyclists and pedestrians

3/07/0664/FP/SE Rear extension and conservatory 142 Cannons Close Applicant: Mr and Mrs Tompkins

3/07/0646/FP/AK Single storey side extension 59 Maze Green Road Applicant: Mrs Saggers

3/07/0649/FP/SE Construction of a fence (retrospective) 42 Ashdale Applicant: Mr J Menzies

3/07/0650/FP/NB Double and single storey extension 7 Mathams Drive Applicant: Mr K Naidoo

3/07/0677/FP/SE Erection and installation of refrigeration condensers 2 Havers Parade Applicant: Mr Suresh Nathwani

3/07/0680/FP/PF New art department Bishop's Stortford College, Maze Green Road Applicant: Bishop's Stortford College

3/07/0690/FP/PF Demolish existing fire damaged building and rebuild the Public House 78 South Street Applicant: Starbrook Ltd

ii) Objections were made on the following applications:-

3/07/0638/FP/LH Revised application for demolition of existing building and erection of 4no two bed and 2no one bed flats with associated landscaping and parking 275 Stansted Road Applicant: Rednar Developments Reason:

i The proposed development would be detrimental to the street scene on a major approach to the Town.

ii The development was considered to be of poor design

iii Current Government planning advice stipulated that 3 bed houses should be built wherever possible instead of flats

iv Over development of the site

v Dangerous ingress and egress iv The demolition of a perfectly good residential dwelling was to be deprecated, especially in view of it being capable of continued residential occupation.

3/07/0641/FP/AK Rear first floor extension over existing ground floor extension 33 Gibbs Field Applicant: Mr and Mrs Keith Watts Reason: Detrimental to neighbouring property due to over shadowing by virtue of the bulk of the extension.

3/07/0704/FP/NB Demolition of 184 Stansted Road and garage to 182 Stansted Road. Erection of 8no dwellings with the creation of new access and associated landscaping and parking 182/184 and land to rear of 180 Stansted Road Applicant: Michael Shanley Homes Reason:

i The proposal would run contrary to the District Council's Policy which, in urban areas, seeks not to allow new or replacement dwellings which would change the character and amenities of the residential area. The development would be totally out of keeping with the Town in general and Stansted Road in particular.

ii The development represents an over development of the site

iii The site is a haven for wildlife with the presence of a number of protected species

iv The slope of the site to the rear of the houses would cause an unacceptable degree of over looking with a loss of amenities currently enjoyed by residents

v The demolition of perfectly good residential accommodation is to be deprecated, especially in view of them being capable of continued residential occupation. The replacement of homes with 8 new dwellings does nothing to enhance the neighbourhood or the character of the entrance of the Town. vi The proposal flies in the face of the vision of Bishop's Stortford which contained an essential criteria for adopting Town Plans where seeking to preserve the character of the town and improve its appearance. vii Members wished to ensure that the oak tree in the garden of an adjacent property, which was the subject of a TPO was preserved.

671. PLANNING DECISIONS

RESOLVED: that the attached list of planning decisions issued by East Herts Council be noted.

672. APPEALS

None.

673. STREET NAMING AND NUMBERING

None to date.


674. UP-DATED REPORTS
i Closure of BS Police Station on 20 January 2007 (First raised 22/1/2007)
Letter sent to Chief Constable Whiteley 2 March 2007. Chase letter sent 17/4/07.
675. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA

None.

676. URGENT BUSINESS

Cllr Warnell was pleased to note that the Town Council was flying the Cross of
St George on St Georges Day.

MINUTES OF THE PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE HELD ON
10 APRIL 2007



* Cllr K Barnes
Cllr R Taylor
* Cllr P Demonti
* Cllr K Warnell
Cllr P Gray
Cllr Miss C Woodman
* Cllr L Pinnell (Chairman)
Cllr J Wyllie
* Cllr Mrs N Symonds (Vice-Chairman)
Cllr K Armstrong (ex-officio)

* Denotes present


639. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Cllr Gray, Cllr Taylor, Cllr Miss Woodman and Cllr Wyllie.

640. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 26 MARCH 2007

RESOLVED: that the Minutes be confirmed as a correct record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chairman

641. DECLARATION OF INTEREST

All Members Personal Planning Application 3/07/0515/FP/SE

Cllr Mrs Symonds Personal Planning Application 3/07/0550/FP/AK

Cllr Demonti Personal Planning Application 3/07/0550/FP/AK
Planning Application 3/07/0614/FP/AK

Cllr Warnell Personal Planning Application 3/07/0543/LB/AK

642. PLANNING NOTIFICATIONS

i) No objections were raised on the following applications:

3/07/0269/FP/NB Land adjacent to railway crossing, Cannons Mill Lane. Retrospective change of use and engineering work to create car park, picnic area and associated landscaping Applicant: Kenneth Coyne, East Herts Council

3/07/0312/AD/SE External illuminated sign - retrospective 10 Snowley Parade, Manston Drive Applicant: Paddy Reynolds Comment: Whilst no objection was raised on the above application, members felt the lighting would be excessive and they requested that the period of lighting be restricted to the hours between 0730hrs to 2300hrs

3/07/0348/FP/SE Two storey side extension 1 Nursery Close Applicant: Mrs L Stokley

3/07/0407/FP/NB Single storey rear extension 53 Proctors Way Applicant: Miss Samantha Ramsey

3/07/0501/AD/SE Fascia signs 7 Station Road Applicant: Mr Steve Slowik

3/07/0509/FP/LH Single storey side extension 12b Maple Avenue Applicant: Mr and Mrs Bennett

3/07/0511/FP/SE Front single storey extension 89 Thornbera Gardens Applicant: Michael Edmunds

3/07/0515/FP/SE Rear conservatory 29 Pynchbek Applicant: Mr and Mrs Hollebon

3/07/0526/AD/SE 1 no. illuminated and 2 no. non-illuminated corporate signs to supplement existing. Externally illuminated trade sign, external non-illuminated poster sign and non illuminated panel sign Unit 1, Stort Valley Industrial Estate, Stansted Road Applicant: Magnet Ltd

3/07/0527/FP/NB New pitched roof to porch 6 Maple Close Applicant: Mr T Raymond

3/07/0535/FP/MP Single storey rear conservatory 61 Marguerite Way Applicant: Mr Carreira

3/07/0540/FP/AK Raise garage roof to form habitable accommodation incorporating front and rear dormer windows and single storey infill extension to adjoin the house to garage 79 The Shearers Applicant: Mr D Burlison

3/07/0543/LB/AK Addition of solar water heating collectors to provide a sustainable non polluting energy source Thorley House, Thorley Street Applicant: Mr and Mrs Mouser

3/07/0549/FP/SE Erect PVCU conservatory to rear of the property 32 Hallingbury Road Applicant: Mrs M Muutzel

3/07/0554/FP/SE Two storey side extension 122 Heath Row Applicant: Mr and Mrs Claxton 3/07/0555/FP/LH Partial rear first floor and second storey extension 11 Avenue Road Applicant: Mr David Warrington

3/07/0581/FP/SCD Single storey side extension, new pitched roof over existing extension and repositioned external staircase J E Williamson Dispensing Chemist, 1 Snowley Parade Applicant: Mr Sandip Patel

3/07/0588/FP/LH Erection of new dwelling and demolition of existing coach house Land adjoining 3 Chantry Road Applicant: Mr R Brittain t/a Allwall Ltd Comment: Whilst no objections were raised on the proposed development, members expressed concern regarding the loss of the picturesque coach house and asked that the Conservation Officer visit the property to ascertain his views before a decision on the application was made

3/07/0591/FP/MP Detached garage with first floor playroom - retrospective Thorley Wash Cottage, Thorley Street, Thorley Applicant: H Stacey

3/07/0602/FP/AK Single storey rear glazed conservatory 57 Kings Court Applicant: Mr and Mrs Wickens

3/07/0614/FP/AK Single storey side extension 91 Beldams Lane Applicant: Joanna Gates

3/07/0626/FP/LH Two storey rear extension incorporating 2 bedroom flat. Creation of bore hole 12 London Road Applicant: Mrs Sheila Devereux

ii) Objections were made on the following applications:-

3/07/0459/FP/LH First floor side extension above converted garage 29 Hayley Bell Gardens Applicant: Miss Evelyn Kessie-Okai Reason: The proposed development would result in the creation of a two storey extension onto a boundary contrary to Policy BE5 of the East Herts Local Plan

3/07/0514/LC/SE Demolition of existing attached garage 1 Nursery Close Applicant: Mrs L Stokley Reason: The proposed development would be contrary to the Town Council's Policy BS002. The garage should be used for the housing of private vehicles and not as additional living accommodation or for any commercial activity. This would ensure that continued provision of off street parking facilities in the interests of highway safety to safeguard the amenities of adjoining occupiers and would be in accordance with Policy BE7 (ii) and appendix iv of the East Herts Local Plan.

3/07/0542/FP/AK Conversion of garage into habitable room 3 Marguerite Way Applicant: E Pearson Reason: The proposed development would be contrary to the Town Council's Policy BS002. The garage should be used for the housing of private vehicles and not as additional living accommodation or for any commercial activity. This would ensure that continued provision of off street parking facilities in the interests of highway safety to safeguard the amenities of adjoining occupiers and would be in accordance with Policy BE7 (ii) and appendix iv of the East Herts Local Plan. If allowed the proposal would exacerbate an already horrendous parking problem

3/07/0545/FP/LH Proposed detached two storey dwelling Plot next to 66 Scott Road Applicant: Mr B Komodromou Reason:

i) The proposed development would be totally out of keeping with the street scene

ii) A traffic conflict would materialise in view of the dangerous ingress and egress of vehicles in close proximity to the school and school crossing

iii) Over development of the site

3/07/0550/FP/AK Two storey rear extension 146 London Road Applicant: Mr Ashraf Reason: Over development of an extremely small plot which would be totally overbearing on the neighbouring properties

3/07/0551/FP/LH Demolition of existing garage and construction of mobility home and access. New access and driveway for No. 66 Land rear of 66 Rochford Road Applicant: Mrs J Foglia Reason:

i) The proposed development would constitute an over development of the site and would be contrary to the Town Council's Policy BS002. The garage should continue to be used for the housing of private vehicles and not be lost to create additional living accommodation. This would ensure the continued provision of off street parking facilities in the interests of highway safety to safeguard the amenities of adjoining occupiers and would be in accordance with Policy BE7

(ii) and appendix iv of the East Herts Local Plan. ii) The proposed development would be tantamount to the creation of a new dwelling which would be detrimental to the street scene

3/07/0568/FP/AK Two storey side extension 20 Parsonage Lane Applicant: Mr I Meaden Reason: the proposed two storey extension by virtue of its close proximity to the boundary would be contrary to Policy BE5 of the East Herts Local Plan

3/07/0573/FP/SE Front open porch, double side and single rear extension 20 Patricia Gardens Applicant: Mr S Poulter Reason: i) The proposed extension, by virtue of its proximity to the boundary would be contrary to Policy BE5 of the East Herts Local Plan ii) The proposed extension would be aesthetically displeasing and unattractive and be incongruous with the street scene iii) The loss of a garage space would be contrary to the Town Council's Policy BS002. The garage should be used for the housing of private vehicles and not as additional living accommodation or for any commercial activity. This would ensure the continued provision of off street parking facilities in the interests of highway safety to safeguard the amenities of adjoining occupiers and would be in accordance with Policy BE7(ii) and appendix iv of the East Herts Local Plan.

3/07/0578/FP/MP Construction of new massard roof to create new 1 bed flat. Conversion of the existing disused space above the shop to create 2 new 2 No. bed flats 3a High Street Applicant: Wilson Family LLP Reason: The proposed development would totally unbalance the street scene and be detrimental to the historic part of the Conservation Area

3/07/0587/FP/LH Construction of new 4.1m wide access off Chantry Road. Install new crossover. Demolish part of low level front wall. Remove front close boarded fence. Plant new hedge behind visibility spray for privacy. 3 Chantry Road Applicant: Mr and Mrs Brittain Reason: The proposed development would result in the creation of an over excessively wide driveway, totally incongruous with the street scene and the character of the Conservation Area

3/07/0597/AD/MP New bank signage - fluorescent and/or LED Lloyds TSB Bank, 20 North Street Applicant: Lloyds TSB Reason: The proposed signage would be totally out of keeping with the street scene and would detract from the character of this important part of the Conservation Area

3/07/0653/FP/LH Demolition of Club House and ancillary buildings. Erection of 38 flats; construction of new access off Kingfisher Way; layout of landscaped parking area; layout of footpath/cycle way and all ancillary works Bishop's Stortford Bowling Club, 23 Hockerill Street Applicant: Mr Les Penn - Constable Homes Ltd Reason:

i) Current Government planning guidelines stipulated that three bedroom houses should be built wherever possible, instead of flats

ii) Unnecessary over development of the site

iii) Detrimental to neighbouring properties and detrimental to the quality of life of the existing residents due to loss of privacy

iv) The current unacceptable parking and access situation would be further exacerbated by the development

v) Dangerous ingress and egress

vi) The building was considered to be excessive in height

vii) The East Herts Local Plan (Second Edition) stated that the land should be retained for amenity land

viii) The new access off Kingfisher Way in no way addresses the problem

643. PLANNING DECISIONS

RESOLVED: that the attached list of planning decisions issued by East Herts Council be noted.

644. APPEALS

To note the following Appeal to be decided by the written representation procedure:

3/05/0941/FP Unauthorised change of use of the land from retail (A1) to a car sales area (sui generis)
5 South Road
Appellant: Mr K Alder-Barber - GRK Properties Limited

645. STREET NAMING AND NUMBERING

None to date.


646. PROPOSED TOWN COUNCIL POLICY ON SECURITY SHUTTERS
(Cllr Warnell)

The attached document compiled by Cllr Warnell was tabled for members' information.


 

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