MINUTES OF THE PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE HELD ON
28 APRIL 2008

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)
* Cllr Mrs Hollebon (ex-officio)
* Cllr C Woodward

* Denotes present

In attendance: 3 members of the public
Tricia Carpenter, Asst Town Clerk

702. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Armstrong (working abroad), Cllr Miss Woodman (Holiday) and Cllr Taylor (late arrival due to earlier meeting at East Herts Council)

703. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 7 APRIL 2008

RESOLVED: the Minutes were received as a correct record of the proceedings and signed by the Chairman.

704. DECLARATION OF INTEREST

None.

705. PLANNING NOTIFICATIONS

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

3/08/0221/LB/MP Provision of air conditioning condenser unit housing to south east elevation Millars Three, Southmill Road Applicant: Millars Three

3/08/0461/FP/FM Two storey rear extension with external spiral staircase to replace existing outbuildings 23 Castle Street Applicant: Mr N Kemp, Kemco Properties Ltd

3/08/0462/LC/FM Existing outbuildings to be demolished and replaced with 2 storey rear extension previously granted approval 23 Castle Street Applicant: Mr N Kemp

3/08/0534/FP/MP Air conditioning condenser unit to south-east elevation - Retrospective. Millars Three, Southmill Road Applicant: Reedside Ltd

3/08/0535/FP/LD First floor side extension above existing garage 6 Mayflower Gardens Applicant: Tony Elton

3/08/0541/FP/LD Orangery to rear of the property 38 Salters Applicant: Shaun Page

3/08/0542/FP/LD Proposed front roof dormer 2 Woodpecker Close Applicant: Mr Chappel

3/08/0545/FP/MP Single storey front garage extension 11 Avenue Road Applicant: Mr and Mrs Warrington

3/08/0548/FP/LD Single storey conservatory to rear elevation 38 Badgers Applicant: Jason Milne

3/08/0556/FP/FM 2 storey rear extension 12 Patricia Gardens Applicant: Mr and Mrs Anderson

3/08/0562/FP/NB Installation of satellite antennae - retrospective 9 Pye Gardens Applicant: Ms Julia Johnson

3/08/0564/FP/FM First floor rear extension 29 Thorley Park Road Applicant: Chris Hellmers

3/08/0565/FP/MP Replace existing flat roof to rear with pitched roof 18 Chantry Road Applicant: Mr Alan Brown

3/08/0570/FP/LD Single storey rear infill extension, 2no rear dormer and 1no side dormer as part of a loft conversion 28 Maze Green Road Applicant: Mr Paul Duffy

3/08/0574/FP/LD Rear conservatory 7 Fulton Crescent Applicant: Mr Jarrett

3/08/0607/FP/SE Proposed front porch and bay window 17 Ploughmans Close Applicant: Mr Malcolm March

3/08/0609/FP/FM Change of use of ground floor and part of first floor to recruitment agency 37 South Street Applicant: Mr J Walters

3/08/0636/FP/NB Second storey side and rear extension 31 Manston Drive Applicant: Mr W Kirrane

3/08/0660/FP/NB Telecommunications development consisting of 600mm diameter Orange Pcs Ltd Transmission dish mounted on 3.6 metre support pole to top of existing water tower of 23.5 metres height, including ancillary electrical cabling. Silver Leys Water Tower Applicant: Ms A Valenti, Orange Pcs Ltd

3/08/0662/FP/NB Single storey side extension to existing garage 27 Bells Hill Applicant: Mr and Mrs Ward-Booth
ii) Objections were made on the following applications:-

3/08/0412/FP/LD Single storey front extension for storage. Rear conservatory and associated internal alterations including conversion of garage to kitchen 34 Stockmen Field Applicant: Mr & Mrs Harrap Reason: The proposal would be contrary to the Town Council's Planning Policy BSP 002. 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. Members were further concerned at the loss of hardstanding in front of property

3/08/0526/FP/NB Retention of six solar panels on the flat roof of apartment block (amendment to planning consent 3/06/1608) - Retrospective. Whareatea Court, Dunmow Road Applicant: Shanly Homes Reason: The siting of the solar panels on the flat roof was considered inappropriate and detrimental to the street scene.

3/08/0540/OP/EH Erection of up to 5000 sq.m of B1 floorspace comprising a mix of incubator, small and medium sized business units Former Park and Ride Car Park, Adj to Woodside Industrial Estate, Dunmow Road Applicant: M&D Developments Ltd Reason: The proposed development would be contrary to Planning Policy Guidance 2 (PPG2) and Policy GBC1 of the East Herts Local Plan 2nd review. Members considered that the development was inappropriate and the land should be returned to the Green Belt.

3/08/0567/FP/MP Rear dormer window 37 Alconbury Applicant: Maraget Holdingshead Reason: The proposal would be contrary to policy ENV6 (Part E) of the East Herts Local Plan 2nd Review and was considered to be unsightly.

3/08/0568/FP/NB Part alteration of garage to extend to existing kitchen 15 Snowdrop Close Applicant: Mr & Mrs Bottoms Reason: The proposal would be contrary to the Town Council's Planning Policy BSP 002 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

3/08/0605/FP/NB Change of use from mixed use as car repair and service workshop to allow storage, distribution and retail/wholesale of hard wall and floor coverings and associated products (retrospective) 1 Birchanger Industrial Estate, Stansted Road Applicant: Multi-Tile Ltd Reason: i Loss of an industrial unit, members considered there was insufficient parking available for a retail unit. ii Members were disappointed to note that this application was retrospective and concerned at the proliferation of unsightly A Boards being erected by the company.

3/08/0661/FO/MP Removal of onerous Condition to remove Condition 2 of planning permission 3/99/1780/FP that states that the permission should be used for A1 retail use only Caffe Nero, 30 Potter Street Applicant: Nero Holdings Reason: Members requested that Condition 2 remain. The site was a prime A1 retail unit and should remain as such.

706. PLANNING DECISIONS

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

707. APPEALS

To note the following appeal decisions issued by the Planning Inspectorate:

3/06/2394/FP 21 Self contained two and three bedroom flats
Oxford House, London Road
Appellant: G Q Properties
Appeal Dismissed

3/07/0981/FP Front and rear single storey extension
2 Norfolk Way
Appellant: Mr Wayne Bloomfield
Appeal Dismissed

3/07/1382/FP First floor extension and alterations
22 Grange Park
Appellant: Mr and Mrs D Grainge
Appeal Allowed

RESOLVED: that the appeals be noted.

708. STREET NAMING AND NUMBERING

None to date.

709. RESPONSES REFERRED BY THE TOWN PLAN WORKING PARTY

Members had been circulated with a copy of the list of responses from the public which had been generated at the recent Town Plan public meeting. The list detailed the likes, dislikes and concerns of the public regarding the Town and members were of the opinion that some of the concerns could be addressed by members in the short term.

RECOMMENDED: that the Town Plan Steering Committee filter the list and refer those matters which could be addressed immediately to the first meeting of the newly formed Environmental Committee.

710. REMOVAL OF PUBLIC PAYPHONES

Members had been circulated with a copy of a schedule from BT stating that it proposed to remove three payphones in Bishop's Stortford, (Rye Street, Apton Road and Thorley Street). Members recognised that the payphones were barely used and were often vandalised and therefore raised no objection to their removal.

RESOLVED: that a letter be forwarded to BT confirming that Bishop's Stortford Town Council raised no objection to the removal of the payphones.

711. EAST HERTS COUNCIL (OFF STREET PARKING PLACES) (CONSOLIDATION) ORDER NO 1 2008

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

RESOLVED: that the Order be noted. Members welcomed the changes to the purchase of additional tickets.

712. CHANGES IN WAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES HANDLE CERTAIN PLANNING CASEWORK

Members had been circulated with the attached information circulated by the Department of Communities and Local Government.

RESOLVED: that the information be noted.

713. A STRATEGIC MASTER PLAN VISION - ELSENHAM

Members had been circulated with consultation documents concerning the proposal to build a new Town with 3 - 5000 houses on the border of Elsenham and Henham. Members noted that the document referred to the residents of the new 'town' accessing services from the closest Sub Regional Centre (i.e.Bishop's Stortford) and expressed their concern that the infrastructure of Bishop's Stortford could not cope with such a large influx of additional traffic. In addition, Hockerill junction was already an air quality management area and additional traffic would exacerbate the problem.

Members were requested to provide their individual comments to the Clerk in order that a full response could be compiled and sent to Uttlesford District Council.

714. UP-DATED REPORTS
ii Jackson Square Car Park
Members had been circulated with a report compiled by Andrew Pulham, Car Park Manager, East Herts Council, which detailed the proposed improvements to relieve the congestion problem in the car park. Members were grateful for the detailed response but requested that information be sought as to a provisional timetable for the proposed alterations. Members also requested that improvements be considered to make the car park safer for pedestrians.
iii Oil Pollution, River Stort
A further response was awaited from the Environmental Agency concerning the recent oil pollution of the River Stort.
715. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA

1. British Waterways Design Study (Cllr Woodward)
(To note that this document will be forwarded when completed)




MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON 21 APRIL 2008

Cllr K Armstrong
* Cllr C Horner
* Cllr J Barfoot
* Cllr D Peek
* Cllr K Barnes
* Cllr R Taylor (Deputy Town Mayor)
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

685. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Apologies were received from Cllr Armstrong (Working abroad) and Cllr Burlton. East Herts Council Chairman's commitments.

686. DECLARATION OF INTEREST Cllr Barnes Personal & Prejudicial Grant Application Town Twinning Paid member of the Association Cllr Gilbert Personal & Prejudicial Grant Application Town Twinning Paid member of the Association Cllr Wood Personal & Prejudicial Grant Application Town Twinning Paid member of the Association Cllr Barfoot Personal & Prejudicial Grant Application Town Twinning Paid member of the Association

687. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION None.

688. MINUTES OF THE TOWN COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 17 MARCH 2008 RESOLVED: that the Minutes of the Meeting held on 17 March 2008 be confirmed as a correct record of the proceedings and signed by the Town Mayor

689. COMMUNICATIONS i) Civic Reception The Town Mayor reminded members that she would be holding her Civic Reception on 1 May 2008 and she asked those members who were planning to attend to notify the Office before the end of the coming week.

690. QUESTIONS ASKED PURSUANT TO STANDING ORDER 24 None to date.

691. COMMITTEE REPORTS

i) Planning and Environment Committee 10 March 2008 RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be received

ii) Planning and Environment Committee 25 March 2008 RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be received

iii) Finance and General Purposes Committee 31 March 2008

Min 654 - Financial Regulations Members had been circulated with the attached draft copy of the proposed Financial Regulations for adoption. The following amendments were proposed:-

3. Budgetary Control
3.3 - Line 1 - Delete reference to Council Insert: Finance and General Purposes Committee

6. Payment of Accounts
6.5 - Line 1 - Amend to read: 'The Council will maintain a petty cash float of £100.' 11. Contracts

(f) Line 1 - Delete £10,000 Insert: £100,000

(h) Amend text to read: 'When it is to enter into a contract less than £100,000 in value for the supply of goods or materials, or for the execution of works or specialist services other than such goods, materials, works or specialist services as are excepted as set out in paragraph (a) the Clerk shall obtain three quotations. RESOLVED: having given effect to the above, the Financial Regulations, as amended, were adopted and that the minutes of the meeting be received RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be received

iv) Planning and Environment Committee 7 April 2008

Min 667 - Shine Festival - Churches Together RESOLVED:

(1) That the Town Council fully supports the Shine Festival town clean up project and offers practical support where possible. Cllr Horner confirmed his agreement to lead the Project on behalf of the Town Council

(2) That the Council identifies specific areas in the Town which could benefit from a clean up. Members were requested to e-mail the Clerk with suggested sites for consideration and for a composite list to be completed and forwarded to Cllr Horner. It was stated that the Town Council was not the leading force in this Project.

(3) That Churches Together provide an article advertising the event, to be published in the next edition of 'About Town'. RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be received

692. WORKING PARTIES
i) Misuse of Drugs and Substances Working Party - 17 January 2008 To note that the Minutes were still unavailable.

ii) Town Plan Working Party - 11 March 2008 RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be received

iii) Playground Working Party - 9 April 2008

Min 675 - Art Work and Wall at Skatepark Members raised a number of con cerns regarding the provision of the wall, namely:-

i) In whose ownership would the wall rest?

ii) Whether any liability would fall on the Town Council in the event of injury being sustained by users of the wall;

iii) Would planning permission be required?

iv) Permission would need to be obtained from the Brazier Trust on whose land the wall was to be positioned. RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be received

693. YOUTH COUNCIL Minutes of the Meeting held on 10 April 2008 To note that Mr Jamie Southwell was present at the meeting. Min 5 - Drama Project Members requested that this matter be brought to the attention of the Operations Director of the Rhodes Complex. RESOLVED: that the Minutes of the meeting be received

694. GRANT APPLICATIONS

i) Bishop's Stortford Town Twinning Association An application had been received from the Chairman of the Bishop's Stortford Town Twinning Association, seeking a grant in the sum of £660 towards hosting the Discovery Weekend. RESOLVED: that the grant of £660 be approved Cllrs Barnes, Barfoot, Wood and Gilbert, having declared a Personal and Prejudicial Interest at the commencement of the meeting, vacated the Chamber during the discussion which ensued.

695. CHRISTMAS PERIOD CLOSURE 2008
(Cllr Gilbert) RESOLVED: that the Town Council Office be closed on the following days:- Wednesday 24 December Christmas Eve Close at 12 noon. Thursday 25 December Christmas Day Closed Friday 27 December Boxing Day Closed Saturday 27 December Closed Thursday 1 January 2009 New Year's Day Closed RESOLVED: that the contents of the above be noted

696. COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE Members had been circulated with a copy of the attached document. RESOLVED: that the Complaints Procedure be adopted

697. REVIEW OF COMMITTEE SYSTEM Members had been circulated with a proposal concerning the future meetings of the Council, the renaming of the Council's Working Parties and, in a number of cases, their deletion.

i) Town Council Meetings RESOLVED: that with effect from the Civic Year commencing May 2008, the following cycles be approved:- Full Town Council (6 weekly) Silver Leys Management (6 weekly) Planning and Development (2 weekly) Finance and General Purposes (6 weekly) Allotments Management (6 weekly) Environmental (6 weekly)

ii) Working Parties RESOLVED: that with effect from the commencement of the Civic Year 2008/2009 all current and future Working Parties be referred to as 'Task and Finish Groups' and the following decision be implemented with regard to their continuation:- Discontinue Standing Order Misuse of Drugs and Substances Town Twinning Town Plan Town Guide Remain in Place Former Allotment Land Playground Green Issues Appeals & Disciplinary (To meet when required)

698. NATS TERMINAL CONTROL NORTH RESOLVED: that this matter be deferred until the next meeting of the Town Council (12 May 2008) Members were asked to forward their comments to the Clerk in order to facilitate the completion of a composite response.

699. NORTHGATE END YOUTH CENTRE A copy of the attached report had been circulated to all members. Members wished it placed on record their appreciation to Jamie for the work he was carrying out at the Centre and for the contents of his report. RESOLVED: that the report be received and a copy be forwarded to Jamie Southwell.

700. URGENT BUSINESS None.

701. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA

i Presentation by the Rural Housing Trust

ii. Review of Standing Orders

iii) Quarterly report from the Town Centre Manager

iv) Mayor's update of Council related matters There being no further business, the meeting closed at 9.34pm

MINUTES OF THE PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE HELD ON
7 APRIL 2008

* 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)
* Cllr Mrs Hollebon (ex-officio)
* Cllr C Woodward

* Denotes present

In attendance: Tricia Carpenter, Asst Town Clerk

659. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

None.

660. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 25 MARCH 2008

RESOLVED: the Minutes were received as a correct record of the proceedings and signed by the Chairman.

661. DECLARATION OF INTEREST

Cllr Armstrong Personal Planning Applications: 3/08/0286/FP/MP
3/08/0393/FP/SE, 3/08/0455/LB/SE,
3/08/0488/FP/SE
The applicants are known to Cllr Armstrong
Cllr Barnes Personal Planning Application: 3/08/0292/FP/NB
The applicant was known to Cllr Barnes
Cllr Demonti Personal Planning Application: 3/08/0488/FP/SE
The applicant was known to Cllr Demonti
Cllr Warnell Personal Planning Application: 3/08/0476/FP/NB
The applicant was known to Cllr Warnell
Planning Application: 3/08/0472/FP/SE
The neighbour of the applicant was known to Cllr Warnell.
Cllr Barfoot Personal & Prejudicial Planning application: 3/08/0488/FP/SE
The applicant was a customer of
Cllr Barfoot.

662. PLANNING NOTIFICATIONS

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

3/08/0286/FP/MP Replacement garden room Northrepps, 12 Westfield Road Applicant: Mr Simon Smith

3/08/0368/FP/MP Single storey rear extension 1A Thornfield Road Applicant: Mr and Mrs Mauriutto

3/08/0441/FP/NB Replacement of existing concrete paved patio and bridge with hardwood deck across stream The Piggeries, Pig Lane Applicant: Mr and Mrs Nichol

3/08/0450/FP/LD Proposed 1st floor extension to existing dwelling 11 Cannons Mill Lane Applicant: Mr and Mrs S Karim

3/08/0455/LB/SE 2no 'H20' logos with Perspex face and stainless steel surround. 1no 'HUSH' logo made from individual stainless steel letters illuminated via sign light below. Millars One, Southmill Road Applicant: Millars One Note: Members were disappointed to note the application was retrospective.

3/08/0464/OP/SE Outline planning permission for 2no two bedroom bungalows 199 London Road Applicant: Mr Peter Walker

3/08/0472/FP/SE Single storey rear extension 9 Manston Drive Applicant: Mrs Tatjana Sevo

3/08/0476/FP/NB Two storey rear extension 12 Chapel Row Applicant: A Herbert

3/08/0489/FP/LD Proposed roof dormer to rear 32 Newtown Road Applicant: Mr J Fitzpatric

ii) Objections were made on the following applications:-

3/08/0292/FP/NB Conversion of garage to annexe 98 Hadham Road Applicant: Mr S Brownridge Reason: The proposal would be contrary to the Town Council's Planning Policy BSP 002 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. Members also expressed concern regarding the volume of traffic in the area, and noted the large amount of vehicles currently regularly parked within the curtilage of the property and considered that the annexe would be contrary to policy ENV8 (b) of the East Herts Local Plan Second Review.

3/08/0393/FP/SE Erection of a detached dwelling plus double garage Land rear of 212 Stansted Road Applicant: Mr Mark Vincent Reason: i Over development of the site ii Unacceptable form of backland development iii Loss of privacy and noise disturbance to neighbouring properties, contrary to ENV 1(d) of the East Herts Local Plan Second Review.

3/08/0466/FP/NB Construction of 2no two storey dwellings (detached) with 3 bedrooms and car parking places Land adjacent to 33 Cherry Gardens Applicant: DNMG LLP Reason: i Out of keeping with the street scene, contrary to ENV 1 of the East Herts Local Plan 2nd Review ii Over development of a cramped site iii Inadequate parking provision

3/08/0488/FP/SE Construction of four bed detached house 8 Maple Avenue Applicant: Mr Dominic Leacy Reason: i Inappropriate backland development ii Loss of orchard and foliage, contrary to ENV 11 of the East Herts Local Plan 2nd Review. Note: Having already declared a personal and prejudicial interest, Cllr Barfoot vacated the chamber prior to the discussion on this item.

3/08/0517/FP/MP Demolition of garage, erection of two storey side extension and front porch 28 Patricia Gardens Applicant: Mr Scott Robertson Reason: The proposal would be contrary to the Town Council's Planning Policy BSP 002 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. In addition the proposal was considered to be an over development of the site in an already congested area.

663. PLANNING DECISIONS

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

664. APPEALS

None to date.

665. STREET NAMING AND NUMBERING

None to date.

666. OIL POLLUTION IN RIVER STORT

Members had been circulated with a copy of an email from the Environment Agency in which it was confirmed that officers had traced the oil back to its source and that the investigation was still open with enforcement officers taking appropriate action. Members were disappointed that more detailed information regarding the pollution incident had not been forthcoming and requested that a further letter be sent to the Environmental Agency to ascertain the source of the leak, whether the leak had now been contained and information regarding the enforcement action being pursued.

667. SHINE FESTIVAL - CHURCHES TOGETHER (Cllr Horner)

Members had previously been circulated with a copy of a letter from Churches Together detailing the forthcoming Shine Festival and the proposed clean up in the Town on
20 September 2008. Cllr Horner wished to ascertain whether the Council would be in a position to lend support to the project, either via lending resources or by providing publicity for the event to ensure that the whole community was involved in this worthy project. The Deputy Mayor advised members that he had had discussions with the organisers and had agreed to lend civic support as Mayor, should he be elected. It was also suggested that the project be referred to the Youth Council to gain its support.

RECOMMENDATION:

1. that the Town Council fully support the Shine Festival town clean up project and offer practical support where possible.

2. that the Council identify specific areas in the Town which could benefit from a clean up.

3. that Churches Together provide an article advertising the event, to be published in the next edition of 'About Town'.


668. UP-DATED REPORTS
i. Illegal Parking outside Brake Brothers, Dunmow Road
No response had been received from Inspector Piper and it was therefore suggested that Sgt Chris Hunt be contacted to request that enforcement action be taken against those motorists parking illegally.

ii Jackson Square Car Park
Members expressed their disappointment that the Committee was not being consulted with regard to the proposed alterations to the exiting arrangement from the car park. It was requested that this matter be referred to the Town Council, with suggestions that District Council officers be requested to attend a future Community Voice meeting to explain the action being taken with regard to the alterations. It was also requested that information be sought from the Town Centre Manager regarding the Partnership's position with regard to the Car Park alterations.

iii Local Air Quality Assessment
Members had been circulated with a copy of a letter from Nicholas Egerton, Environmental Health Officer, East Herts Council in which he stated that where air quality objectives had been exceeded due to local traffic, Local Authorities had been advised to incorporate action into the Local Transport Plan. Mr Egerton also confirmed that he did not believe that tree planting in the area would have any noticeable air quality benefits since the ability of a tree to act as a pollution sink was limited to the growing phase of the tree and was also species dependant. Cllr Taylor confirmed that the Highway Joint Member Panel was currently investigating a number of possibilities relating to the reduction of the volume of traffic at Hockerill Junction in order to improve air quality. Cllr Woodward advised members that he had had further discussions with Mr Egerton and was awaiting further feedback, which he would report to the Committee.

669. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA

1. British Waterways Design Study (Cllr Woodward)
(To note that this document will be forwarded when completed)

2. Responses referred by the Town Plan Working Party (Cllr Woodward)

670. URGENT BUSINESS

Signage at Birchanger Roundabout
Following a major traffic incident on the M11 last Saturday which led to the closure of the motorway, traffic had been forced to divert onto the bypass at Bishop's Stortford. However, misleading advertising signage at the Birchanger Roundabout which stated 'Diversion' and underneath 'To Tanners Wharf', (a new housing development) had led to unnecessary traffic being diverted into the Town. Members requested that a request be forwarded to Essex Highways asking that the misleading sign be removed.

Litter Problem
A severe litter problem was reported at the land adjacent to Waitrose at the Causeway and at the Skate Park. The Town Council staff was requested to carry out a clean up in the areas.

Meeting closed at 8.50pm

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