MINUTES OF ALLOTMENT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MONDAY 29 JANUARY 2007


* Cllr K Barnes
* Mr L Cornell
* Cllr P Demonti
* Mr F Lacey
Cllr R Gilbert (Chairman)
Mr T Robinson
Cllr D Peek
* Cllr Mrs J Richardson
* Cllr Mrs N Symonds
Cllr Mrs C White
Cllr K Armstrong (ex-officio)

* denotes present

In the absence of the Chairman, the Vice-Chairman, Cllr Demonti took the Chair.

501. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Gilbert and Cllr Peek.

502. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

None.

503. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 2 OCTOBER 2006

RESOLVED: that the Minutes of the meeting held on 2 October 2006 be received as a correct record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chairman

504. MATTERS ARISING

i) Min 283 (i) - Trees around Sewage Works - Hallingbury Road West
Despite an assurance being given by Thames Water Authority that the offending trees would be reduced in height, no action had been taken. The Clerk was requested to contact Thames Water Authority with a view to the work being undertaken as a matter of urgency.

ii) Min 283 (iii) - Hallingbury Road Allotments
The Clerk confirmed that the old sink had been removed by Council staff.


505. CURRENT WAITING LIST AND VACANT PLOTS

Members had been circulated with a copy of the current waiting list and vacant plots.

Following the request for additional land to be brought under cultivation, a quotation had been received from J F Sallows, Landcape Contractor, in the sum of £550, plus VAT, to rotavate overgrown plots on the Firs, Ward Crescent, Haymeads Lane and Hallingbury Road sites. Clearance of debris and undergrowth would be carried out by the Town Council staff.
RESOLVED: i) that the quotation from J F Sallows be accepted ii) that the schedules be noted.

506. LONDON ROAD ALLOTMENTS - FENCING

A quotation had been received from Broadmead Leisure Ltd in the sum of £395, to repair the loose cast iron fence posts along the path running parallel to the allotments to enable chain link fencing to be affixed.

RESOLVED: that the quotation be accepted

507. REVIEW OF EXISTING CHARGES

The Clerk tabled for members' information the attached note. Members were informed that the last review of allotment rents had taken place at the Allotment Management Committee meeting held on 26 November 2001. At that meeting it had been Resolved that, with effect from 1 April 2003, the then current charge of £1.50 per rod be increased to £2.00 per rod.
RECOMMENDATION: That the current charge of £2.00 per rod be increased to £2.70 per rod, with effect from
1 April 2008

508. ANY OTHER BUSINESS (MATTERS RAISED BY ALLOTMENT REPRESENTATIVES)

i) The Firs Allotment Site
A request had been received from Mrs N Gaffey (plot 21), for her to be allowed to erect a shed on the allotment site measuring 1.83m x 1.83m x 1.98m high.

RESOLVED: that permission be granted

ii) Storage Facilities - Ward Crescent Site
Mr Cornell referred to the expenditure incurred by the Allotments and Gardens Association in repairing the storage shed on the allotment site and he questioned whether the Town Council would consider a grant. The Clerk agreed to forward an application form to Mr Cornell.

iii) Allotments and Gardens Association - AGM
To note that the above event would take place on Friday
16 February 2007, at 8.00pm, at the British Legion.

iv) Allotments and Gardens Association - Harvest Supper
To note that the above event would take place on Saturday
1 September 2007

509. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA
Allotment Competition - Week commencing 2 July 2007

510. URGENT BUSINESS

Hallingbury Road West Allotments

Cllr Mrs Richardson drew attention to the large bath situated at the south side of the allotments and she asked that the Town Council's staff make arrangements to secure its removal.

 

MINUTES OF THE PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE HELD ON
22 JANUARY 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


478. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Cllr Armstrong.

479. DECLARATION OF INTEREST


3/06/2374/FP/SCD
All members declared a personal and prejudicial interest as members of the Town Council in whose ownership the land was vested.

Cllr Gray Personal Application number 3/06/2394

480. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 2 JANUARY 2007

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

481. PLANNING NOTIFICATIONS

i) No objections were raised on the following applications:

3/06/2372/LB/SCD The demolition of the existing footbridge (Millers Bridge) which crosses the River Stort Goods Yard Development Site Applicant: East Herts District Council Note: No objection was raised on the understanding that the proposed demolition did not take place until the erection of a replacement bridge had been confirmed. It was also imperative that the loss of this vital amenity link for the general public was not lost during the replacement period and that any disruption be minimised.

3/06/2438/FP/MP Single storey utility room extension 10 Thorn Grove Applicant: Mr and Mrs Jack

3/06/2440/FP/NB Rear conservatory 85A Parsonage Lane Applicant: Mr Colin Thompson

3/06/2483/FP/SE Two storey rear and single storey side extension 27 Zambesi Road Applicant: Mr P J Knight

3/06/2488/FP/LH Single storey front extension 2b Alpha Place Applicant: Mr M Downing

3/06/2496/FP/MP 2 storey rear extension, single storey front extensions and internal alterations The Stables, Avenue Road Applicant: Mr and Mrs Pate

3/06/2499/FP/LH Single storey rear extension 20 Windhill Applicant: Mr and Mrs Hodgen

3/06/2503/FP/SE 2 storey front extension 23A Half Acres Applicant: Mr D Holmes

3/06/2516/FP/SE Single storey rear extension 1 Ploughmans Close Applicant: Mr and Mrs Craig

3/07/0021/AD/MP 4 internally illuminated signs and non illuminated poster frames Empire Cinemas, Anchor Street Applicant: Empire Cinemas Ltd

3/07/0023/FP/SE Erection of boundary fence and entrance gate 4 Thornfield Road Applicant: Mr Robin Nunn Note: Subject to the overall structure being no more than 108m in height from footway level.

3/07/0038/FP/MP Single storey rear extension and link to garage 4 Grove Park Applicant: Dr Robinson

3/07/0041/FP/MP White UPVC Georgian style conservatory at the rear of property 8 Lincoln Close Applicant: Mr S Garrod

3/07/0045/FP/LH Single storey front extension, new roof with dormers 30 Chantry Road Applicant: Mr and Mrs M Baldock

3/07/0059/FP/MP Double storey side extension and single storey porch 22 Pine Grove Applicant: Elaine Cogdell

CD/DT/JR Application for extensions and courtyard infill Birchwood High School Applicant: Herts County Council Note: Whilst no objection was raised on the proposed development, members expressed their concern regarding the increased risk to pupils from the visiting coaches. The proposal would, it was felt, exacerbate the already severe traffic problem in the area.

ii) Objections were made on the following applications:-

3/06/2122/FP/LH Additional 2 units to existing development and additional conservatory R/O 23 Potter Street Applicant: Lee Clark Reason:

i Totally out of keeping with the aspects of the street scene

ii Over development of the site

3/06/2394/FP/MHT Erection of 21no self contained 2 and 3 bed flats Oxford House, London Road Applicant: G Q Properties Reason:

i. Over development of the site

ii Dangerous access onto London Road

iii Totally out of keeping

iv Loss of a local amenity and reduction of the infrastructure of the Town

3/06/2506/FP/MHT Erection of 9no one and two bedroom ipad flats, provision of off street parking and all associated ancillary works Former Herts and Essex Hospital Applicant: Barratt, North London Reason:

i. The development was considered to be of poor design and visually unattractive

ii Over development of the site

iii This area had been designated as being reserved for the building of a nursery and play area in the planning brief, and members were aware that Saplings Nursery, based at Birchwood School was looking for new accommodation
 

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON 15 JANUARY 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

463. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE None.

464. DECLARATION OF INTEREST None.

465. MINUTES OF THE TOWN COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 18 DECEMBER 2006 Min 437 Personnel Line 3 - Insert 'may' be extended. RESOLVED: having given effect to the above amendment the Minutes of the Town Council meeting held on 18 December 2006 be received as a correct record of the proceedings and be signed by the Town Mayor.

466. COMMUNICATIONS

i) Waytemore Green Members were referred to a letter received from Mr Kenneth Coyne, Landscape Officer, East Herts Council, seeking the Town Council's approval to a proposed planting scheme on Waytemore Green, part of the land being in the ownership of the Town Council. Both Cllr Barnes and Cllr Mrs Symonds registered their disapproval to the scheme. RESOLVED: that the Clerk arrange an early site meeting with Mr Coyne and members to discuss this matter

ii) Use of Sworders Field To receive a letter from Mr Eric Marshall concerning the continued use of Sworders Field for circuses and fairs and, in view of the damage caused to the field, that the Town Council consider that such hire cease. RESOLVED: that the letter be referred to a future meeting of the Planning and Environment Committee for discussion

467. QUESTIONS ASKED PURSUANT TO STANDING ORDER 24 None.

468. BUSINESS EXPRESSLY REQUIRED BY STATUTE None.

469. COMMITTEE REPORTS i) Planning and Environment Committee 2 January 2007 RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be received.

470. WORKING PARTIES Town Guide Working Party 8 January 2007 Min 461 Review Articles and Photographs for New Edition RESOLVED: that the new edition of the Town Guide be available free of charge in order to ensure widespread coverage RESOLVED: that the Minutes be received

471. YOUTH COUNCIL Minutes of the meeting held on 4 January 2007 RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be received.

472. GRANT APPLICATIONS None received to date.

473. ANNUAL RETURN 2005/2006 Members had been circulated with a copy of the Annual Return for the financial year ended 31 March 2006. RESOLVED: that the content be approved and be signed by the Town Mayor for submission to the external Auditor

474. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA Invitation to the new Police Inspector Review of Standing Orders Presentation by Jamie Southwell - Northgate Activity Centre

475. BUDGET 2007/2008 Members had been circulated with the attached draft budget and in consideration thereof RESOLVED the following amendments be effected:- BUDGET Central Administration Code 1116 Cleaning materials

MINUTES OF THE PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE HELD ON
2 JANUARY 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

In attendance: Cllr Gilbert and Cllr Peek

438. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Cllr Mrs Symonds and Cllr Miss Woodman.

439. DECLARATION OF INTEREST

Cllr Armstrong Personal Planning Application 3/06/2294
Planning Application 3/06/2365
Planning Application 3/06/2386
Planning Application 3/06/2087
Cllr Gilbert Personal Planning Application 3/06/2294


440. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 11 DECEMBER 2006

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

441. PLANNING NOTIFICATIONS

i) No objections were raised on the following applications:

3/06/2244/FP/MP Proposed provision of two off street car parking spaces including new highway access and proposed fence alterations The Old Police Cottage, Thorley Street Applicant: Mr Martin Brown

3/06/2366/FP/MP Single storey rear extension 19 Grange Road Applicant: Mr and Mrs Barnaby

3/06/2380/FP/SCD Provision of external security shutter 4 Thorley Neighbourhood Centre Applicant: Fairbet Ltd

3/06/2382/FP/SE Single storey extension to side and rear 7 Station Road Applicant: Mr Slowik

3/06/2389/FP/SCD Relocation of vehicular access into site Land adjacent to Quentins, Galloway Road Applicant: Contemporary Investments Ltd

3/06/2400/FP/MP Conservatory to rear of dwelling 55 Clover Avenue Applicant: Mr Alan Hall

3/06/2420/FP/MP UPVC Conservatory 9 Peregrine Close Applicant: Mr and Mrs Lead

3/06/2421/FP/SE Rear extension 48 South Road Applicant: Mr C Driver

3/06/2437/FP/MP Single storey kitchen extension Scyamore Lodge, Pleasant Road Applicant: Mary Cavanagh

3/06/2471/FP/SE Single storey utility room and toilet extension on the rear to replace existing porch 1 Patricia Gardens Applicant: R Clayton

ii) Objections were made on the following applications:-

3/06/2087/FP/LH Demolition of clubhouse and ancillary buildings. Erection of 38no flats (11no affordable); construction of new access off Kingfisher Way; layout of parking areas; construction of pergola feature and landscaped parking; layout of footpath/cycleway and all ancillary works Bishop's Stortford Bowling Club, 23 Hockerill Street Applicant: Mr M Hanks, Springfield Lodge Reason: Members felt that the provision of a flood risk and drainage report had no bearing on the overall objection raised by members when the application was discussed at the Planning and Environmental Committee held on 11 December 2006 RESOLVED: that the previous comments be reiterated.

3/06/2294/FP/SCD Revised crossing of railway line at TL492 216 as part of National Cycle Network Bridge over railway line, West of Kingsbridge Road Applicant: Mr Nigel Brigham, Sustrans Reason: Members supported the concept of providing a footbridge but felt that the proposed structure, by virtue of its boxed in appearance would be anti social and would be wholly inappropriate. A structure affording all round visibility would be preferred in order to be more user friendly.

3/06/2304/FP/MHT Change of use of part existing undercroft car park for residents fitness suite 95-101 London Road Allied Property and Leisure Ltd Reason: The loss of car parking facilities would be potentially detrimental to local residents.

3/06/2364/FP/MP Lowering of kerb 24 Rye Street Applicant: Mrs E Mehmet Reason: The proposed development would result in dangerous ingress and egress onto a very busy road being sited in close proximity to a bus stop.

3/06/2365/FP/MP Conversion of garage to habitable accommodation 15 Audrey Gardens Applicant: Graham Ratcliff Reason: The proposal 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. The removal of the garaging facility would lead to a more congested estate.

3/06/2369/FP/MP Two storey rear extension 5 Thornfield Road Applicant: Mr L Rowe Reason: The proposed extension would overlook No 7 Thornfield Road and (by virtue of its size) severely compromise the privacy and light enjoyed by the occupier.

3/06/2377/FP/LH Conversion of existing garage to playroom 17 Tailors Applicant: Mr and Mrs S Coveley Reason: The proposal 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. The removal of the garaging facility would lead to a more congested estate.

3/06/2379/PT/LH The installation of a 12m high ultra slimline streetworks monopole mast, three shrouded antennas, equipment cabinets and development ancillary thereto. Communications site at Great Hadham Road Applicant: Hutchinson 3G UK Ltd Reason: The proposed structure would be unattractive and could be sited more appropriately on the other side of the road in order to reduce the obtrusive effect on the locality

3/06/2384/FP/MP Garage conversion to habitable accommodation 13 The Brambles Applicant: Mr C Oakes Reason: The proposal 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. The removal of the garaging facility would lead to a more congested estate.

3/06/2386/FP/LH Two storey rear extension 53 Rye Street Applicant: K Jackman and A Compton Reason: The proposed extension would be contrary to Policy BE5 of the East Herts Local Plan being a two storey extension onto a boundary.

3/06/2417/AD/NB Black fascias with internally illuminated centre modules bearing 3 store logo. Fascias 560mm x 5080mm (Potter Street), Fascia 590mm x4710mm (Potter Street), Fascia 590mm x 4520mm (Potter Street) and Fascia 630mm x 3150mm (inside shopping centre) 5 Potter Street Applicant: A S Watson Reason: The proposed development would be contrary to the Town Council's Policy BS001. The provision of internally illuminated signage was deemed to be detrimental to the street scene and would detract from the overall ambiance of the town.

A reference was made to other parts of the country when local planning authorities had refused corporate logos which were deemed inappropriate, and this fact should be brought to the attention of East Herts Council when determining this application.

442. PLANNING DECISIONS

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

443. APPEALS

i To note the following appeal decision issued by the Planning Inspectorate:

3/05/2322/FP Two storey rear extension
20 Windhill
Appellant: Mr and Mrs D Hodgen
Appeal Dismissed

3/05/2394/FP Erection of a detached dwelling and double garage
212 Stansted Road
Appellant: Mr M Vincent
Appeal Dismissed

ii To note the following appeal to be determined by the written representation procedure:

3/06/1695/FP/FH Demolition of 133A & 135 Hadham Road and erection of
15 x 2 bed flats in 1 block with associated access and parking - amended scheme
133A - 135 Hadham Road

RESOLVED: that the above be noted

444. STREET NAMING AND NUMBERING

None.

445. PROPOSED TOWN COUNCIL POLICY - SECURITY SHUTTERS (CLLR GRAY)

RESOLVED: that this matter be deferred until the receipt of a written document by Cllr Gray to enable a meaningful discussion to take place.

The Clerk was asked to request Cllr Gray to compile the required information

446. EAST OF ENGLAND PLAN - HARLOW NORTH

Members had been circulated with copy correspondence from Mr Nigel Clark, Secretary of STOP Harlow North expressing dismay at the Government decision to override the proposal set out in the East of England Plan which advocated the removal of the plan to develop 10,000 homes to the North of Harlow.

Members noted the decision with deep regret and agreed that a letter be written to Ruth Kelly MP, Secretary of State for Communities, deprecating the decision.

447. TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1990 - UNAUTHORISED ADVERTISEMENT AND FLY POSTING

Members had been circulated with a copy of a letter received from Glyn Day, Principal Planning Enforcement Officer drawing attention to the current regulations concerning the display of advertising material. The District Council was now seeking to address the matter by identifying sites within the District where adverts could be displayed legitimately in order to curtail the proliferation of unauthorised advertising. Parish and Town Councils were being asked to nominate sites within their areas which were felt to be suitable.

The Chairman suggested that this item be referred to the next meeting of the Planning and Environmental Committee in order for members to submit their nominated sites for consideration.

448. UP-DATED REPORTS

i Station Road Bridge - Loose Masonry (First raised 25 July 2006)
Bridges Team at Hertfordshire Highways currently consulting on the matter. Members expressed their concern regarding the protracted nature of this item and sought a solution as a matter of urgency.

ii Market Stalls - Demarcation of Pitches (First raised 4 Sept 06)
Letter sent to Martin Shrosbree, East Herts Council 12 December 2006.

iii Unit 5, Thorley Centre (First raised 27 November 2006)
To note letter from East Herts Council dated 11 December 2006.

iv To Let signs - Mitre Gardens (first raised 11 December 2006)
A response had been received from Glyn Day, East Herts Council confirming that the District Council had been made aware of the signage at the site and had secured the removal of the majority. Further investigation would be ongoing. Members noted the response and confirmed the removal of this item from future agenda. A discussion ensued on the practice of Estate Agents displaying for sale signs on estate roads far removed from the property for sale. Clarification of the regulation was sought from East Herts.

v. A Boards (first raised 11 December 2006
Letter sent to Cllr Pile, Portfolio holder for Highway matters HCC,
18 December 2006. Response awaited

449. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA

Proposed Town Council Planning Policy regarding estate agent boards on new developments (Cllr Warnell)
East of England Plan

450. URGENT BUSINESS

None.