MINUTES OF THE PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE HELD ON 20 AUGUST 2007


* Cllr K Armstrong
Cllr C Horner
Cllr J Barfoot
* Cllr R Taylor
Cllr K Barnes
* Cllr K Warnell (Chairman)
* Cllr P Demonti
* Cllr Miss C Woodman (V/Chairman)

* Denotes present


214. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Cllr Barfoot

215. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 6 AUGUST 2007

RESOLVED that the Minutes be received as a correct record of the proceedings and signed by the Chairman.

216. DECLARATION OF INTEREST

Cllr Armstrong
Personal Planning Application 3/07/1577/FP/LH

Cllr Demonti
Personal Planning Application 3/07/1577/FP/LH

217. PLANNING NOTIFICATIONS

i) No objections were raised on the following applications:-

3/07/1469/FP/MP Conversion of existing 4 bedroom house into 2no 2 bedroom apartments and erection of new studio unit 59 London Road Applicant: Paul Pavlou Note: Whilst members raised no objection to the proposed conversion of the property concern was raised regarding the insufficient parking in the vicinity and requested that suitable parking arrangements were made.

3/07/1526/FP/LH Single storey front extensions 13 Sandle Road Applicant: Mr Michael Humphreys, H2 Designs

3/07/1560/FP/LH Single storey rear extension 1 Oaktree Close Applicant: Mr and Mrs J Lynch

3/07/1570/FP/LH 2 storey side extension 33 Cannons Close Applicant: Mr and Mrs Fiander

3/07/1572/FP/SE Loft conversion with front and rear dormers 47 The Shearers Applicant: Mr Griffiths

3/07/1577/FP/LH First floor rear extension and construction of dormer windows to bedrooms 2 Havers Lane Applicant: Mrs Homer

3/07/1588/FP/EH Single storey 2 bedroom residential dwelling and vehicular crossover Land rear of 57 Scott Road Applicant: Mr and Mrs W Ratcliff

3/07/1596/FP/SCD Extension ridge raised to same height as main house ridge 66 Rochford Road Applicant: Mr and Mrs Foglia

3/07/1600/FP/SE Application for the installation of additional roof plant Marks and Spencer PLC, 13-15 South Street Applicant: Marks and Spencer PLC

3/07/1601/FP/EH Change part of the use from shop to residential use 219-221 South Street Applicant: Mrs C Hayden

3/07/1602/FP/EH Erect new bay window to shop and form new roofs to existing bays and front canopy 219-221 South Street Applicant: Mrs C Hayden

3/07/1603/FP/EH Demolish and rebuild part of existing shop and change use of that part to residential use 219-221 South Street Applicant: Mrs C Hayden

3/07/1627/FP/MP Two storey side extension 74 The Meadows Applicant: Mr and Mrs Haupt

3/07/1637/FP/LH New ground floor window, change of first floor rear elevation window to doorway, widening of existing doorway with new french doors and installation of five roof lights 4 Brookhouse Place Applicant: Mr Peter Hough

3/07/1650/FP/SE Single storey side extension 42 Manston Drive Applicant: Mr and Mrs R Morris

3/07/1654/FP/MP Two storey rear extension and insertion of dormer windows 89 Stansted Road Applicant: Mr L Richards

3/07/1656/FP/LH Single storey rear extension 16 The Stewarts Applicant: D J Clarke

ii) Objections were made on the following applications:-

3/07/1452/FP/MP 6ft panelled fence to enclose land at side and rear of property 59 Abbotts Way Applicant: M A Campbell Reason: The enclosure of the land was considered to be out of keeping with the street scene and detrimental to the open aspect of the area.

3/07/1523/FP/MP Side and rear extensions 37 Newtown Road Applicant: Mr and Mrs Russell Reason: Over development of the site and detrimental to the setting and character of the original Victorian dwelling.

3/07/1562/FP/LH Two storey rear and side extensions (retrospective) – amendments to scheme approved under planning permissions 3/06/0005/FP and 3/06/2434/FP 26 Thorley Park Road Applicant: Mr M Skeggs Reason: i Over development of the site ii Two storey extension onto a boundary creating a terracing effect, contrary to Policy ENV6(b) of the East Herts Local Plan Second Review iii The balcony which had been built overlooked bedrooms of adjacent property. Members expressed concern that the building which had taken place bore little resemblance to the original planning permission and requested that immediate enforcement action was implemented.

3/07/1607/FP/LH Revised application for demolition of existing building and erection of 4 no two bed and 2no studio flats with associated parking 275 Stansted Road Applicant: Rednar Developments Reason: i The proposed development would be detrimental to the street scene being situated on a major approach to the Town ii The development was considered to be of poor design iii Current Government planning legislation stipulated that 3 bedroom houses should be built wherever possible instead of flats. iv Over development of the site v Dangerous ingress and egress vi The demolition of a perfectly good residential dwelling was to be deprecated, especially in view of it being capable of continued residential occupation

3/07/1617/FP/MP Integral garage conversion to habitable room and WC 6 Windsor Gardens Applicant: Mr and Mrs Davies 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 ENV9 and appendix iv of the East Herts Local Plan Second Review.

iii No comment was made on the following application:

3/07/1646/FO/LH Removal of onerous condition for variation of Condition 20, relating to hours of opening on planning permission 3/06/2374 St Michael’s Church, Windhill Applicant: St Michael’s PCC

218. PLANNING DECISIONS

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

219. APPEALS

None to date

220. STREET NAMING AND NUMBERING

None to date.

221. ‘A’ BOARDS/SPONSORSHIP OF LITTER BINS (CLLR TAYLOR)

Cllr Taylor drew members’ attention to a scheme which he had been advised was operating successfully in Harlow in which businesses had been persuaded to cease the practice of ‘A’ boards advertising in favour of the sponsorship of litter bins, which advertised the business name. Members recognised the merit of the proposal and felt that it could go some way to alleviating the current situation regarding the proliferation of ‘A’ boards, coupled with the benefit of providing additional litter bins in the Town. However, it was considered that the scheme was only likely to be attractive to businesses in the main shopping area of South Street, Potter Street and North Street, with the businesses in the side streets not necessarily benefitting from such advertising. One of the main problem areas, at the far end of Church Street, was unlikely to be improved by the proposal. A suggestion was proffered that consideration should be given to the erection of a board on the side of the Boots store which listed every business in Church Street, and it was recommended that the Town Centre Manager be asked to investigate the level of interest in the suggestion.

Members noted that Hertfordshire Highways was shortly to initiate a pilot scheme to combat the ‘A’ board problem in Hertford and, if successful, the scheme could be introduced in Bishop’s Stortford. However, it was considered that action needed to be taken urgently to address the widespread problem in Bishop’s Stortford. It was further suggested that a letter be forwarded to Environmental Health at East Herts Council requesting that action be taken to remove those ‘A’ boards which were considered to pose a danger to pedestrians.

RESOLVED:

(i) that the Town Centre Manager assess the level of interest among retailers regarding the sponsorship of litter bins.

(ii) that the Town Centre Manager assess the level of interest amongst retailers in Church Street regarding the provision of a wall mounted board at the far end of the road to replace ‘A’ boards

(iii) that a letter be forwarded to East Herts Council (Environmental Health) requesting that action be taken to remove ‘A’ boards which posed a danger to pedestrians.

222. UP-DATED REPORTS

i Relocation of bus stop (first raised 2 July 2007)
Members had been circulated with the attached response from Hertfordshire Highways indicating that the Passenger Transport Unit (HCC) was not entirely happy with the location of the bus stop outside Jackson Square and was awaiting the result of a safety audit. Members requested sight of the safety audit when available.

ii Planning Application 3/07/0808 and 3/07/1223 – 11 Mazoe Road
Members noted the attached detailed responses from Kevin Steptoe in which he elaborated on the differences of the two applications and the reasons behind the District Council’s decisions.

iii Disabled Parking
Cllr Demonti agreed to raise this matter with Inspector Piper at the Town Council meeting on 17 September 2007.

iv. Footpath 53 – Hockerill School
Members noted that a response was awaited from the Rights of Way Officer at Hertfordshire Highways.

223. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA

Facilities for cyclists in the Town Centre. (Cllr Warnell)

224. URGENT BUSINESS

East Hertfordshire District Council (Off Street Parking Places) (Amendment) Order No 1 2007

The attached order which related to the permanent overnight closure of the Jackson Square Car Park had been tabled for members’ comments.

RESOLVED: that the Order be noted.

Tesco Car Park

Cllr Taylor advised members that Tesco was currently removing some block paving in its car park to create larger parking bays and he expressed his concern that this could result in the removal of trees from the Car Park. Cllr Miss Woodman also advised members that work in the car park was commencing at 8.00am on Sunday mornings, instead of the agreed 10.00am. Members requested that a letter be forwarded to both East Herts Council and Tesco to draw these matters to their attention.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 9.00pm





MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE TOWN COUNCIL

Cllr K Armstrong
* Cllr C Horner
* Cllr J Barfoot
* Cllr D Peek
Cllr K Barnes
* Cllr R Taylor
* Cllr A Burlton
* Cllr K Warnell
* Cllr Mrs J Demonti
* Cllr Miss S Wilcock
* Cllr P Demonti
* Cllr M Wood
* Cllr R Gilbert
* Cllr Miss C Woodman
* Cllr A Graham
* Cllr C Woodward
* Cllr Mrs D Hollebon (Town Mayor)
* Cllr J Wyllie

* denotes present

Prior to the commencement of the meeting, members observed a one minute silence in respect of Mr Terry Coldwell, former Town Councillor, who passed away on 31 July 2007

188. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies were received from Cllr Armstrong and Cllr Barnes.

189. DECLARATION OF INTEREST

Cllr Barfoot
Personal Grants: Street Pastors Cllr Taylor
Personal Grants: SNAP Cllr Wyllie
Personal Havers Community Centre Cllr Peek
Personal Havers Community Centre

190. MINUTES OF THE TOWN COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 16 JULY 2007

RESOLVED: that the Minutes of the Town Council meeting held on

16 July 2007 be confirmed as a correct record of the proceedings and be signed by the Town Mayor.

191. COMMUNICATIONS

i) Councillor Training
A notification had been received from HAPTC informing the Town Council that a Councillor Workshop could be presented to the Council if members so wished. Members were supportive of the Workshop and the Clerk was requested to ascertain more details and cost.

ii) Stairlift
The Town Mayor referred to the recent installation of the chairlift and she confirmed that the Town Council was now DDA compliant.

iii) Stortford Squash Club – Squash Festival 20-25 August 2007
An invitation had been extended to the Town Council to attend a sponsorship party on 23 August 2007, at 7.30pm, at the Squash Club. Members desirous of attending were requested to notify the Clerk.

iv) Town Mayor’s Civic Service – 11.30am, Sunday 2 September 2007
The Town Mayor requested members intending to be present at the Service to notify her as soon as possible.

192. QUESTIONS ASKED PURSUANT TO STANDING ORDER 24

None.

193. BUSINESS EXPRESSLY REQUIRED BY STATUTE

None.

194. COMMITTEE REPORTS

i) Planning and Environment Committee 23 July 2007
Min 144 – Public Participation at Planning Meetings
RESOLVED: that a policy for public participation at Planning meetings be not adopted in view of the reasons given above
RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be received

ii) Allotment Management Committee 30 July 2007
RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be received iii) Silver Leys Management Committee 30 July 2007
Min 165 – Maintenance of Grounds
RESOLVED: that the Annual Maintenance Contract fee be increased to £6,750 per annum, with the Contract being reviewed within three years

RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be received

iv) Planning and Environment Committee 6 August 2007

RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be received

195. WORKING PARTIES

i) Misuse of Drugs and Substances Working Party 28 June 2007

It was noted that the election of Chairman had not taken place at the meeting. Cllr Taylor confirmed that this would be addressed at the next meeting.

RESOLVED: that the Minutes be received

ii) Green Energy Working Party 7 August 2007

To note that the minutes of the meeting would be submitted to the next meeting of the Town Council

196. GRANT APPLICATIONS

i) Street Pastors (Churches Together in Bishop’s Stortford)
An application had been received from the above Organisation in the sum of £5,000.
RESOLVED: that a sum of £1,000 be approved and the applicant be informed that funding might be forthcoming from the East Herts Council or the Brazier Trust. Clerk to supply the contact details

ii) SNAP Community Youth Theatre
An application had been received from the above Organisation in the sum of £1,000, to advertise sessions and to support the weekly expenses of running the sessions.
RESOLVED: that a sum of £1,000 be approved

197. RIGHTS OF WAY CONSULTATION

Members had been circulated with a copy of a Consultation document on a proposed approach to implementing a new statutory right of application for orders to extinguish or divert public rights of way.

The general concern of members was that the proposals being put forward by the Government could circumnavigate the present system having a possible detrimental effect on a number of rights of way which had been enjoyed by the public for many years. Reference was made to the problems associated with Footpath 53. There was a general expression that no footpath which ran through school grounds should be contemplated for closure or diversion without full support from the local community. All proposed changes should be undertaken with full consultation with all interested parties.

The Clerk voiced his opinion that the proposals would be disadvantageous to the general public in that it would give any landowner, lessee or occupier of land the right to apply to an authority for an order under the Highways Act 1980 to effect a change in the status of a path. The present system was merely persuasive on the County Council.

A concern was raised that the new proposals devolved the function of deciding on matters of rights of way down from the County to District Councils without additional funding.

The Clerk was asked to formulate a response in time to meet the deadline of 31 August 2007.

198. PLANNING FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Members had been circulated with a copy of a Consultation document based on Government proposals for reforming the present planning system.

The general feeling of members was of support for the proposals which it was felt would involve more consultation with the public, would clip the wings of the developers and would lead to more transparency in the decision making process. In the main, it was a forward thinking document. However, a concern was expressed regarding applications being ‘subject to agreement between

applicant and neighbours’ which could result in developments taking place, which, because of lack of clarity and openness in discussions between applicant and neighbours, could be contrary to what it was thought had been agreed between the applicant and neighbour.

In order for the Clerk to make a response to the document, it was agreed that members would e-mail their comments to him.


199. DELIVERING QUALITY HEALTHCARE FOR HERTFORDSHIRE

Members had been circulated with a copy of a Consultation document setting out proposals to improve hospital and health services in Hertfordshire.

The general concern of members was that very little improvement to the services for quality care were relevant to this side of Hertfordshire, which would be left with little care. There would be more concentration of services to the west of the Country, which would place an added burden on those members of the public requiring care facilities. The only consolation would appear to be the provision of an urgent care unit at the Herts and Essex Hospital. For every other service, Bishop’s Stortford suffered very badly, being positioned on the eastern end of the County. There would appear to be no joined up thinking between the services as outlined in the document and those provided by the Princess Alexandra Hospital (Essex).

200. MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES – NORTH ESSEX

Members had been circulated with a copy of a Consultation document on the proposed changes to mental health services in North Essex.

The general concern of members was that the proposals set out in the Mental Health document did nothing to improve the care facilities for Bishop’s Stortford. In fact, effectively, there was no mental health service.

The contents of the document were felt to be quite unacceptable and members deprecated the withdrawl of funding for Hertfordshire in support of Essex based facilities.

Reference was made to the closure of the Kitson Ward last month and to the fact that there was no mention as to how residents of Bishop’s Stortford would be able to access Stewards Lodge. There was also a concern for the whole of Hertfordshire and Essex hospitalisation unit. Contrary to the statement contained in the document, the people of Bishop’s Stortford were not getting the level of community support that was required.

It was felt that the concerns of members should be voiced to the Herts Primary Care Trust, to Cllr Parker (East Herts Council), and to Mark Prisk MP. The Clerk was asked to formulate the necessary response.

201. CLARIFICATION OF GOVERNMENT PROPOSALS TO STREAMLINE PLANNING LAW (Cllr Armstrong)
As the content of this item had been discussed under Minute 198, it was
RESOLVED: that no further discussion take place

202. HAVERS COMMUNITY CENTRE

The Clerk tabled for members’ information, a financial statement which showed that the deficit at 31 March 2008 was estimated to be £2,352. Currently, the Town Council provided administrative support for an annual fee of £4,000. In view of the financial prediction and the lack of a sufficient balance of funds, the Trustees of the Havers Community Centre had requested that the Town Council waive the administrative charge for 2007/2008.

RESOLVED: that the administrative charge of £4,000 be waived for 2007/2008 and be met from the Council’s balances

203. CARNIVAL 2008

The Clerk tabled, for members’ information, an up-to-date schedule, setting out the receipts and payments in respect of the 2007 Carnival. The total financial subsidy for the Town Council and the Brazier Trust for staging the event, amounted to £12,680.

The general consensus of opinion was that the Carnival was a very worthwhile event to promote and its success was continuing year on year. However, a concern was raised with regard to the staffing costs and that the Town Council should explore other ways of income generation.

RESOLVED: that the sum of £10,000 be included in the draft budget for 2008/2009 to meet the anticipated costs

204. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA

i) Inspector Piper, Hertfordshire Constabulary, to attend the Town Council meeting on 17 September 2007

Note: Members were informed that an informal meeting had been arranged with the Police for Thursday 8 September 2007, at 6.30pm, at the Police Station and it was the intention for such meetings to take place on a regular basis. The Clerk was requested to obtain details for circulation to members.

ii) Consultation on Revised Licencing Policy
The Town Mayor referred to the above document which had come into her possession. The Clerk was requested to obtain copies for circulation to members.

iii) Grants – Calculation Criteria (Cllr Barfoot)
RESOLVED: that this matter be referred to the next meeting of the Finance and General Purposes Committee

205. EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC

In view of the confidential nature of the business about to be transacted, it was RESOLVED that the press and public be excluded from the meeting.

206. PARISH HALL/JOINT VENTURE

Members had been circulated with a report compiled by the Clerk outlining the history of the current negotiations and setting out details of a possible joint venture between St Michael’s Church and St Joseph’s Church.

RESOLVED: that a letter be forwarded to both St Michael’s Church and
St Joseph’s Church indicating that, in principle, the Town Council was not averse to releasing additional land to provide a joint parish hall

207. SHOP/MOBILITY AND MARKET

Members had been circulated with a report compiled by the Clerk containing details of the following items for consideration:-

i) Shopmobility
Members, whilst of the opinion that the object of providing disabled transport for the elderly was commendable, nevertheless, had reservations on embarking on such a scheme without further information. Various comments were made, viz:- € Other schemes were run on a charitable basis and by volunteers
€ Available space appears to be inadequate
€ No account taken of insurance costs
€ No information available from other towns operating such a scheme, eg. Harlow, Lakeside, Milton Keynes, etc
€ Need to look more thoroughly at the costings and practicalities

RESOLVED: that a further report be submitted to a future meeting of the Town Council addressing the above issues

ii) Markets
Members had been circulated with a report compiled by the Clerk regarding the possibility of the Town Council assuming the control of the Market operation.

Members noted the formal approach made to East Herts Council seeking an in principle agreement to undertaking further exploratory financial research. A response from East Herts Council was awaited.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 9.30pm.




MINUTES OF THE PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE HELD ON
6 AUGUST 2007


Cllr K Armstrong
* Cllr C Horner
* Cllr J Barfoot
* Cllr R Taylor
* Cllr K Barnes
* Cllr K Warnell (Chairman)
* Cllr P Demonti
* Cllr Miss C Woodman (V/Chairman)

* Denotes present

Prior to the meeting, Members observed a one minute silence in memory of former Cllr Terry Coldwell, who died on Monday 30 July 2007.

169. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

None.

170. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 23 JULY 2007

Minute 144 – Public Participation at Planning Meetings
Page 69, paragraph 2, line 2: delete ‘totally unnecessary’ and replace with ‘inappropriate at this time’.

Having given effect to the above amendments it was RESOLVED that the Minutes be received as a correct record of the proceedings and signed by the Chairman.

171. DECLARATION OF INTEREST

Cllr Barfoot Personal Planning Application 3/07/1454//FP/SE
Cllr Barfoot Personal Planning Application 3/07/1481/FP/LH
Cllr Barfoot Personal Planning Application 3/07/1482/FP/LH

172. PLANNING NOTIFICATIONS

i) No objections were raised on the following applications:-

3/07/1270/FP/SE Installation of double demountable science lab Hockerill Anglo European College, Dunmow Road Applicant: Hockerill Anglo European College Comment: Subject to the development being for a period of three years.
3/07/1271/FP/SE Erection of 1no 4 bed dwelling 33 Haymeads Lane Applicant: Miss E D Lacey

3/07/1322/FP/LH Side and rear extensions, new garage and loft conversion 39 Kingsbridge Road Applicant: Mr S O’Connor

3/07/1440/FP/AK Single storey side/rear extension 44 Newtown Road Applicant: Mr and Mrs Wright Comment: Members raised concern regarding the adequacy of the parking arrangements.

3/07/1449/FP/MP Roof Dormer 38 Ashdale Applicant: Mrs Purton

3/07/1453/FP/AK Revised scheme for flat roof dormer 79 The Shearers Applicant: Mr D Burlisson

3/07/1454/FP/SE Two storey side extension 122 Heath Row Applicant: Mr and Mrs Caxton

3/07/1466/FP/AK Convert existing garage to play/garden room 207 Rye Street Applicant: Mr O’Leary and Miss Trillo-Blanco

3/07/1467/FP/SCD Single storey rear extension 30 Grange Road Applicant: George Hudson

3/07/1470/FP/MP 2 storey rear extension 32 Wentworth Drive Applicant: Mr H Page

3/07/1481/FP/LH Two storey side extension with dormers to front and rear 11 Avenue Road Applicant: Mr and Mrs D Warrington

3/07/1482/FP/LH Provision of platform lift for disabled access 23 Potter Street Applicant: Dominic Leacy

3/07/1496/FP/SE Single storey side extension 23 Chantry Road Applicant: Mrs H Menhennet

3/07/1511/FP/MP Installation of new hardwood timber shop front and shop fit empty shell 28-32 Potter Street Applicant: Cafe Nero

3/07/1512/AD/MHT Projecting sign externally illuminated, fascia sign and canvas awning 28-32 Potter Street Applicant: Cafe Nero

3/07/1516/FP/SE Extend and re-roof existing front dormer 6 Beechlands Applicant: Mr & Mrs Goodchild

3/07/1542/FP/MP Two storey side and rear extension with garage conversion 206 Stansted Road Applicant: Mr & Mrs McNaughton
ii) Objections were made on the following applications:-

3/07/1432/FP/SE 2nd storey & single storey rear extensions, single garage to side, conversion of existing garage to habitable room, single storey side extension, front garden wall. 14 Linkside Road Applicant: Gavin Say Reason: The proposed development would represent an overdevelopment of the site and would be totally out of keeping with the street scene

3/07/1455/AD/SE 2no gantry signs and various car park signage Tesco Stores Ltd, Bishop’s Park Centre, Lancaster Way Applicant: Tesco Stores Ltd Reason: The proposed signage would represent an over proliferation in the car park which would be both confusing and dangerous.

3/07/1468/FP/MP Two storey side extension with single storey rear and front extensions 15 Twyford Gardens Applicant: Mr and Mrs M White Reasons: i) The proposed extension would be overbearing and over intrusive and the resulting tunnelling effect would lead to a loss of character to the area. ii) The Committee depreciate the loss of a garage

3/07/1559/FP/SE Convert existing single garage into kitchen 37 Pynchbek Applicant: Mr John Graham 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
iii No comment was made on the following application:

3/07/1474/AD/LH Rugby Club pitch boards – pitch to rear of clubhouse and adjacent to sub-station BS Rugby Football Club, Silver Leys, Hadham Road Applicant: BS Rugby Football Club Reason: As the Town Council is the Trustee of Silver Leys it was deemed inappropriate to comment other than to remind the District Council that the land in question was situated within the Green Belt.
iv) Deferred application:

3/07/1562/FP/LH Two storey rear and side extensions (retrospective) – amendments to schemes approved under planning permissions 3/06/0005/FP and

3/06/2434/FP 26 Thorley Park Road Applicant: Mr M Skeggs Reason: Members requested clarification regarding the amendments as the development which had taken place appeared to be in contravention of the current planning approval.

173. PLANNING DECISIONS

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

174. APPEALS

i) To note the following appeals would be determined by the written representation procedure:

3/07/0731/FP/NB Demolish storage buildings and erect new bungalow
(1 bed) with 1 car space and new crossover
Land to east of 119-121 South Street


3/07/0641/FP/AK Rear first floor extension over existing ground floor extension
33 Gibbs Field


ii) To note the Public Hearing date for the following appeal against enforcement proceedings:

E/06/0118/A Unauthorised use of land for airport related parking
Woodlands Lodge, Dunmow Road
Appellant: Mr and Mrs Kingsbury

Date: 15 January 2008
Time: 10.00am
Venue: The Council Chamber, EHDC
Wallfields, Pegs Lane, Hertford

175. STREET NAMING AND NUMBERING

None to date.

176. EAST HERTFORDSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL (NEW TOWN AREA, BISHOP’S STORTFORD) (AMENDMENT) ORDER 2007

Members had been circulated with a copy of the above order.

RESOLVED: That the contents be noted.

177. SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS FOR NEW BUILDS (Cllr Miss Woodman)

Members had been circulated with a copy of a response from Mr Kevin Steptoe, Head of Planning & Building Control (East Herts Council) enclosing a comprehensive consultation document – The Future of the Code for Sustainable Homes (July 2007) issued by the Department for Communities and Local Government. Responses to the consultation were required on or before the 23rd October 2007.

Members were requested to submit any comments to the Clerk in order for a composite response to be presented to a future meeting of the Planning and Environmental Committee.

178. FOOTPATH 53 – HOCKERILL SCHOOL (Cllr Woodward)

Members had been circulated with a copy of an email received from Cllr Woodward drawing attention to an action taken by Hockerill School to obstruct the free use of Footpath 53 by the installation of a keypad/photo beam controlled gate.

The general consensus of opinion was that despite evidence of usage over a number of years the gate would appear to be on private property and was not on the line of the definitive footpath. It was noted that the matter had been referred to the Rights of Way Unit (Hertfordshire County Council) with evidence of usage forms having been submitted.

Members felt that in order to take meaningful action in this matter that a letter be forwarded to the Rights of Way Officer seeking clarification of the legal status.

179. UP-DATED REPORTS
i Relocation of bus stop (first raised 2 July 2007)
Members had been circulated with a response from Hertfordshire Highways which was felt to be unsatisfactory. The Clerk was requested to respond by pointing out that it was the considered opinion of the Planning & Environmental Committee that the new siting was totally inappropriate and dangerous. The position of the old bus stop was more convenient and unlike the new site, did not create any traffic congestion. ii Litter bins outside Greggs and Café Nero (Cllr Miss Woodman)

Members noted that Hertfordshire Highways had placed an order for the provision of the litter bins. Cllr Taylor referred to the proliferation of A boards in the Town and he suggested that traders who used A boards as a form of advertising may wish to sponsor a litter bin which could bear their company logo. Members agreed for the matter to be included on a future agenda for discussion. iii Disabled parking

To note that a response was awaited from Inspector Andy Piper. iv Roundabout at Junction of London Road and Crescent Road
Members had been circulated with a copy of an email from Peter Massie – Assistant District Manager (Hertfordshire Highways) confirming that every opportunity would be taken to raise the concerns expressed by members to the Strategy Development Team. However no further action would be taken in this matter at this stage.

Cllr Taylor informed members that the matter had been raised at the last meeting of the Highways Trust Partnership meeting and that both East Herts Council and Hertfordshire County Council were fully aware of the concerns expressed by the Town Council.

180. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA

1. Withdrawal of Traffic Wardens (Cllr Demonti). Information requested from East Herts Council. Response awaited.

2. A Boards/Sponsor of Litter Bins (Cllr Taylor)

181. URGENT BUSINESS

i) Flood Review Policy
Cllr Horner requested that a copy the East Herts Council’s policy document be obtained for future reference.

ii) Sponsorship of Roundabouts
Cllr Miss Woodman sought an update on the current position with regard to this matter. Cllr Taylor stated that this subject had been raised at the last meeting of the Highways Trust Partnership and a pilot scheme for Hertford had been agreed.


iii) Planning Application 3/07/0808 and 3/07/1223 - 11 Mazoe Road
Cllr Taylor referred to the inconsistency in the planning decision taken on the 30th May 2007 and 30th July 2007 in respect of the above applications and he sought an explanation from East Herts.

iv) Public Toilets
Cllr Barnes informed members that he had been approached by a number of people regarding an occasion when all the toilets in the Town had been closed and he sought an explanation. The Clerk stated that apart from the Market Square toilets which were currently undergoing refurbishment work he was not aware of any problems. Nevertheless he would ascertain the reason.

v) Highways Agency Agreement – in relation to unauthorised Street Furniture
The Chairman referred to a letter dated the 14th December 2005 addressed to the Solicitor (Hertfordshire County Council) requesting the Highways Authority implement enforcement action against those responsible for the proliferation of unauthorised street furniture. The Chairman was not aware of any response having been received and he requested the Clerk to clarify the matter.

vi) Street Furniture
A suggestion was made that as both dog bins and waste bins were provided in the Town whether as a result of the new law on smoking in public etc it was now appropriate to consider providing receptacles for cigarette buts. Whilst the general feeling was that such action would encourage smoking in the street it was nevertheless worthy of future consideration.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 8.50pm.

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