MINUTES OF ALLOTMENT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MONDAY 28 JANUARY 2008

Cllr K Barnes
* Mr L Cornell
* Cllr P Demonti
* Mr F Lacey
* Cllr Gilbert (Chairman)
* Mr T Robinson
Cllr Peek
Cllr Ms S Wilcock
Cllr Mrs D Hollebon (ex officio)
* Cllr M Wood
Cllr Miss C Woodman
* Cllr C Woodward (Vice-Chairman)

* denotes present

520. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Cllr Barnes and Cllr Miss Woodman.

521. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

None.

522. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 22 NOVEMBER 2007

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

523. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

i) Min 295 - Publicising Allotments via East Herts Council
The Clerk confirmed that East Herts Council had confirmed that the Link Magazine could be used to promote the availability of allotments.

ii) Notice Boards
To note that the Council's Handyman had in hand the matter of refurbishing the Town Council's notice boards.

iii) Hallingbury Road West Allotment Site
Mr Lacey confirmed that he had visited the site and he had established that willow trees were being grown on one of the plots. However, this did not interfere with adjacent plots and was a fairly low key activity. Mr Lacey pointed out that there was nothing contained in the Tenancy Agreement to prohibit the growing of trees on allotments.

iv) Tractor
The Chairman informed members that the Council would be purchasing a tractor very shortly and had come to an agreement with Birchanger Wood Trust for the cost to be shared. The resultant saving from the shared arrangement had meant that additional attachments could be purchased, with overall costs coming within the £10,000 approved budget.

v) Provision of Hard Standing (Ward Crescent)
Mr Robinson informed members that he had met with the Cemetery Foreman, Mr Simon Camp, to discuss the provision of a hardstand at the entrance to the site. It would not be possible to utilise the grave digging machine for the work involved.

524. CURRENT WAITING LIST AND VACANT PLOTS

Members had been circulated with a copy of the current waiting list and vacant plots. A reference was made to the allotment waiting list which demonstrated how popular the cultivation of allotments was becoming. With regard to the list containing the newly allocated 'free for clearance' plots, members felt that it would be very useful if the names and addresses were inserted of those to whom the plots had been allocated and this should apply to all sites.

With regard to the Cricketfield Lane site, it was noted that Mrs Durrans, Field View, Cricketfield Lane, was responsible for the cultivation of five plots totalling 26½ rods and a question was raised as to whether all the plots were being cultivated and, if not, whether the uncultivated plots could be offered to those persons appearing on the allotment waiting list. It was also remarked that there was a number of empty plots on Cricketfield Lane and Barrells Down Road, with people on the waiting list for both these sites. This matter should be investigated.

Cllr Demonti referred to the access to the allotment site from Cricketfield Lane and he sought clarification regarding the legal usage from allotment holders.

RESOLVED: that the current waiting list and vacant plots schedule be noted.

525. BEEKEEPING

Cllr Woodward stated that this matter would be referred to in more detail following the Beekeeping Society AGM in February 2008. Concerns were expressed by members that the introduction of beekeeping on allotment sites might not be compatible with allotment cultivation and the legal position of the Council should be checked in the event of allotment holders receiving bee stings. Cllr Woodward stated that the exercise was merely exploratory at this stage.

526. TENANCY AGREEMENT

Members had been circulated with a copy of the attached document.

RESOLVED: that the conditions as set out be approved

527. CULTIVATION OF VACANT PLOTS - PROGRAMME

No matters were raised under this heading.

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

i) Ward Crescent - Provision of Hardstanding
Mr Robinson informed members that he had been approached by
Mr A Summers, an allotment holder on the site, requesting that the Town Council consider funding the cost of the work of providing a hardstand, estimated to cost £400. Members made no comment in advance of receiving a written quotation. Mr Robinson agreed to arrange for the contractor to provide this information.

ii) Haymeads Lane - Provision of Hardstanding
Cllr Wood referred to the new parking restrictions which had been introduced in Haymeads Lane which had had the effect of denying long stay parking provision for allotment holders visiting the site. As a consequence, greater use was being made of the area beyond the entrance to the site for the parking of vehicles. A request was made that an area of this land be laid with a hard surface and that an approach be made to the contractor carrying out the work on Ward Crescent to provide a quotation.

iii) Ward Crescent - Disposal of Compostable Waste
Mr Robinson informed members that a large amount of material was again beginning to build up on the allotment site. Cllr Gilbert expressed concern that, despite the Town Council's staff clearing the site last year of all rubbish and compost, allotment holders were again replicating the problem.

Members agreed that a letter be forwarded to the allotment holders requesting removal of the rubbish and for the practice to cease. A further suggestion was made that, subject to the satisfactory clearance of the rubbish, the Town Council would favourably consider meeting the cost of providing the hardstanding, the subject of discussion under i) above.

iv) Hallingbury Road West Allotment Site
Cllr Gilbert stated that the wire netting on the western boundary of the site had been damaged.

v) Informal Meeting of Site Agents - 29 November 2007
A request was made that the notes of the above meeting be circulated to all members.

529. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA

None.

530. URGENT BUSINESS

None.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 8.15pm
 

MINUTES OF THE PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE HELD ON
21 JANUARY 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 C Woodward

* Denotes present


506. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Cllr Armstrong

507. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 10 DECEMBER 2007

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

508. DECLARATION OF INTEREST

Cllr Woodward Prejudicial Planning Application 3/07/2652/AD/FM
A close relative was employed by Waitrose.

509. PLANNING NOTIFICATIONS

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

3/07/2594/FP/LH First floor rear extension with part ground floor addition and loft conversion 4 Regency Close Applicant: Mr Martin O'Flaherty

3/07/2607/FP/MP Revised planning application for the conversion and extension of existing buildings to provide 14no apartments Emery House, 3 Chantry Road Applicant: The Door Ltd Note: Members expressed concern regarding the disruption the building work would place on the neighbourhood and requested that conditions including no Sunday working be placed on the Developer and a request that disturbance be kept to a minimum.

3/07/2652/AD/FM Non illuminated signage to ATM Pod Waitrose Ltd, Northgate End Applicant: Waitrose Note: Having already declared a prejudicial interest,
Cllr Woodward vacated the Chamber prior to the discussion on this application.

3/07/2656/FP/SE 5 Bedroom detached house 15-17 Maze Green Road Applicant: KX Howard Ltd

3/07/2675/FP/CD Erection of 4 storey office for B1 office use - Building 2 95-97 London Road Applicant: Herts and Essex Homes Ltd 3/07/2680/FP/FM Single storey rear extension and minor internal alterations 28 Jervis Road Applicant: Mr Mario Ricardo De Abreu

3/07/2692/FP/LH First and second floor extensions 10 The Stewarts Applicant: Mr D Sedgewick Note: Members were unclear from the plans as to whether the application was two storeys onto a boundary.

3/08/0012/FP/CD Single storey rear extension 207 Stansted Road Applicant: Mr and Mrs Baldwin

ii) Objections were made on the following applications:-

3/07/2612/FP/SE Erection of a single storey rear extension, two storey side extension, front garage extension and conversion to ancillary accommodation. Loft conversion with front and rear dormers 1 Drovers Way Applicant: Mr and Mrs D Allen Reason: i Gross overdevelopment of a cramped site ii Insufficient parking for a six bedroom house which would lead to on street parking and a danger to pedestrians iii The proposal would be contrary to the Town Council's Policy BSP002, The garage should be used for the housing of private vehicles and not as additional accommodation or for any commercial activity, and in particular where the loss of the garage would lead to insufficient off street parking at the premises concerned and/or where there was an established shortage of parking in the area.

3/07/2662/FP/MP Demolition of 182 Stansted Road. Erection of 2 dwellings with associated landscaping and parking 182 Stansted Road Applicant: Michael Shanly Homes Reason: The proposal would be out of keeping with the character of the adjacent properties in Stansted Road.

3/07/2671/FP/MP Opening up of a garden wall to provide access for cars onto the base of the garden, the ground in the garden will be lowered for the purpose of parking cars. This will also allow repairs to be carried out to the wall of 1 North Terrace, the adjacent property 2 Half Acres Applicant: Mr and Mrs Simon Stevens Reason: i The garden wall, being made of flint and brick was part of the character of the area and as such should be preserved. The proposal would be contrary to BH12 of the East Herts Local Plan Second Review. ii The proposed area for parking was in the most narrow part of the road and would result in dangerous ingress and egress

3/07/2672/LB/MP Removal of a section of garden wall to provide access for cars onto the base of the garden for parking and repairs to be carried out to the wall of 1 North Terrace, the adjacent property 2 Half Acres Applicant: Mr and Mrs Simon Stevens Reason: i The garden wall, being made of flint and brick was part of the character of the area and as such should be preserved. The proposal would be contrary to BH12 of the East Herts Local Plan Second Review. ii The proposed area for parking was in the most narrow part of the road and would result in dangerous ingress and egress

3/07/2693/FP/FM Two storey side extension 24 Thornbera Road Applicant: Mr S Mathews Reason: i The proposal would result in a two storey extension onto a boundary, creating a terracing effect. Contrary to ENV6(b) of the East Herts Local Plan Second Review. ii The proposal would be contrary to the Town Council's Policy BSP002, The garage should be used for the housing of private vehicles and not as additional accommodation or for any commercial activity, and in particular where the loss of the garage would lead to insufficient off street parking at the premises concerned and/or where there was an established shortage of parking in the area.

3/07/2697/FP/CD Conversion of existing garage to habitable room. Single storey rear extension, first floor side extension 8 Penningtons Applicant: Mr Robert Freestone Reason: i The proposal would result in a two storey extension onto a boundary, creating a terracing effect. Contrary to ENV6(b) of the East Herts Local Plan Second Review. ii The proposal would be contrary to the Town Council's Policy BSP002, The garage should be used for the housing of private vehicles and not as additional accommodation or for any commercial activity, and in particular where the loss of the garage will lead to insufficient off street parking at the premises concerned and/or where there is an established shortage of parking in the area.

3/07/2699/FP/LH Construction of 2no detached two storey dwellings with two bedrooms Land adj to 33 Cherry Gardens Applicant: DNMG LLP Reason: i Over development of a cramped site. ii Very limited parking was available in Cherry Gardens. Note: Members noted a mistake in the description of the application. The description detailed two bedroom houses, whereas the plans indicated three bedrooms.

3/08/0009/FP/LH Raised timber decking to rear garden with pergola to north east boundary to protect neighbours privacy 26 Thorley Park Road Applicant: Mr Mark Skeggs Reason: Detrimental to the neighbouring properties due to overlooking


510. PLANNING DECISIONS

Members noted the refusal of the retrospective application 3/07/2338/AD/SE and enquired regarding the implementation of enforcement proceedings.

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

511. APPEALS

None to date

512. STREET NAMING AND NUMBERING

None to date.

513. UP-DATED REPORTS

i Disposal of Low Energy Light Bulbs
Members noted the attached response from East Herts Council regarding the recommendations for the safe disposal of low energy light bulbs

ii. Boars Head, Windhill
To note that East Herts Council Enforcement Officers were still in discussion with regard to the replacement windows.

iii Jackson Square Car Park
Members noted the attached responses from Andrew Pulham, Car Park Manager, East Herts Council regarding the discussions currently taking place regarding the congestion problems in the Car Park. Members were disappointed to note that Town Councillors had not been invited to take part in the discussions and requested that a letter be forwarded to Mr Pulham, requesting Town Council representation at any future meetings.
iv Grant from the LA Business Growth Initiative
Members noted the attached response from Cllr Carver detailing the allocation of the grant for Bishop's Stortford.

514. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA

British Waterways Design Study (Cllr Woodward)
To note that this document would be available in approximately four weeks.

515. URGENT BUSINESS

Sponsorship of Roundabouts (Cllr Woodward)

Cllr Woodward welcomed the proposal for a pilot scheme for the sponsorship of roundabouts but requested that a letter be forwarded to Hertfordshire Highways requesting that the Town Council be kept informed regarding the arrangements for this project.

A Boards (Cllr Woodward)

Cllr Woodward requested that a letter be forwarded to the Hertford Town Council requesting information regarding the pilot scheme for the removal of A Boards currently taken place in Hertford.

Proliferation of Advertising Signs for New Developments (Cllr Warnell).

Cllr Warnell requested that a letter be forwarded to Hertfordshire Highways requesting information regarding the permission required for such signs.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 8.40 pm




MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON 14 JANUARY 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

In the absence of the Town Mayor, Cllr Taylor, Deputy Town Mayor, took the Chair

492. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Apologies were received from Cllr Armstrong, Cllr Barfoot, Cllr Graham,
Cllr Mrs Hollebon and Cllr Miss Wilcock.

493. DECLARATION OF INTEREST None.

494. REPRESENTATION TO THE COUNCIL BY (Name) None.

495. MINUTES OF THE TOWN COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON
17 DECEMBER 2007 Min 467 - Communications Cllr Taylor confirmed that, as Chairman of the Working Party, he would be writing to the participating schools regarding the need to secure their continued support RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be confirmed as a correct record of the proceedings and signed by the Deputy Town Mayor.

496. COMMUNICATIONS None.

497. QUESTIONS ASKED PURSUANT TO STANDING ORDER 24 None.

498. BUSINESS EXPRESSLY REQUIRED BY STATUTE None.

499. COMMITTEE REPORTS i) Planning and Environment Committee 7 January 2008 RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be received

500. YOUTH COUNCIL None.

501. GRANT APPLICATIONS i) Bishop's Stortford Mini Bus Trust Members had been circulated with copy correspondence from the Mini Bus Trust outlining details with regard to the expansion of the service and seeking a grant of £2,000 RESOLVED: that a grant of £2,000 be approved

502. POLICING PLAN 2008/2011 Members had been circulated with details of the 2008/2011 Policing Plan. RESOLVED: that the contents of the document be noted

503. APPOINTMENT OF REPLACEMENT REPRESENTATIVES - BISHOP'S PARK COMMUNITY CENTRE TRUST - Cllr Peek and Cllr Armstrong Cllr Peek indicated that he had been under the impression that, at the Annual Town Council meeting, he had not been elected to serve as the Council's representative on the Bishop's Park Community Centre Trust, hence the reason for his non attendance. However, Cllr Peek was willing to be considered for the position. RESOLVED: that Cllr Peek and Cllr Barfoot (replacement for Cllr Armstrong) be duly elected to serve as the Town Council's representatives

504. BUDGET 2008/2009 Members had been circulated with a copy of the revised draft budget which incorporated the actual expenditure to date. The following amendments/comments were made:- Central Administration

Code 1107 Staff Training Budget 08/09 £1,000
Increase £500 Revised Budget £1,500

Code 1137 Computer Equipment/ Upgrade Budget 08/09 £1,800 Reduce £300 Revised Budget £1,500

Code 1135 Town Report Budget 08/09 £3,000 Reduce £1,500 Revised Budget £1,500

Code 1196 Bank Interest Probable 07/08 £12,000 Increase £8,000 Revised Probable £20,000 Cemeteries and Closed Churchyards

Code 1401 Personnel Costs Probable 07/08 £98,000 Reduce £6,000 Revised Probable £92,000

Code 1418 Cleaning Budget 08/09 £150 Reduce £150 Revised Budget NIL

Code 1468 Cemetery Mess Room Budget 08/09 £50,000 Reduce £5,000 Revised Budget £45,000 Charles H Sworder - Sworders Field

Code 1735 New Play Equipment Budget 08/09 £5,000 Reduce £2,000 Revised Budget £3,000 Ceremonial

Code 11230 Mayors Chain/etc Budget 08/09 £1,500 Reduce £1,250 Revised Budget £250 New Item Deputy Mayor ex-gratia payment Probable 07/08 £500

The above expenditure was approved by members in recognition of the work undertaken by Cllr Taylor in support of the Town Mayor. The amount was by way of a one-off payment. RESOLVED: that having given effect to the above amendments, the precept for the financial year 2008/2009 was confirmed at £1,152,350 (Band D equivalent = £75.52)

505. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA

i Presentation by Inspector Piper, Hertfordshire Constabulary (18 February 2008)

ii. Review of Standing Orders

iii. Presentation by the Rural Housing Trust iv. Lease - Apton Road Day Centre v. Christmas period closure (2008) (Cllr Gilbert) There being no further business, the meeting closed at 8.40pm
 

MINUTES OF THE PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE HELD ON
7 JANUARY 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 C Woodward

* Denotes present


480. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Cllr Armstrong and Cllr Miss Woodman

481. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 10 DECEMBER 2007

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

482. DECLARATION OF INTEREST

All Members of Cttee Personal Planning Application 3/07/2543/FP/LH
Cllr Demonti Personal Planning Application 3/07/2586/FP/MP
Cllr Warnell Personal Planning Application 3/07/2586/FP/LH
Cllr Woodward Prejudicial Planning Application 3/07/2549/FP/FM

483. PLANNING NOTIFICATIONS

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

3/07/2376/FP/CD One and half garage conversion 14 Mathams Drive Applicant: Mr and Mrs Evans

3/07/2447/FP/LH Timber decking and screen (part retrospective) The Jolly Brewers, 170 South Street Applicant: John Britten

3/07/2480/FP/MP Part rear and side first floor extension 2 Westfield Lodge, 94 Hadham Road Applicant: Gloria Romei

3/07/2481/LB/MP Part rear and side first floor extension 2 Westfield Lodge, 94 Hadham Road Applicant: Gloria Romei

3/07/2482/FP/SE Single storey rear extension and loft conversion with front dormer (amended scheme) 34 Pynchbek Applicant: Mr and Mrs D Range

3/07/2484/FP/FM New canopy to existing porch Dane House, Hadham Road Applicant: Douglas Emson

3/07/2487/FP/MP Extension to roof and 2no rear dormer windows 40 Grange Road Applicant: Mrs Kanabar

3/07/2488/FP/FM Rear conservatory - retrospective application 34 Gatwick Close Applicant: Mr John Thurley

3/07/2492/FP/MP Proposed ground and first floor rear extension 147 Rye Street Applicant: Mr and Mrs Tippler

3/07/2496/FP/MP Change of use from office/store to 2 bedroom flat 40 Hockerill Street Applicant: Mr Donald Russell Note: Members regretted the lack of parking provision which would add to the congestion in the Town Centre. Members also considered that the plans were poorly presented.

3/07/2513/FP/EH Erect new bay window to existing shop in south elevation 119-121 South Street Applicant: Mrs Chantelle Hayden

3/07/2520/FP/SE Two storey rear and single storey side extension 16 Kings Court Applicant: Mr and Mrs Lambert

3/07/2522/FP/SE Demolition of existing single storey garage and provision of double storey side extension including garage and part single/part double storey rear extension 23 The Stewarts Applicant: Mr Graeme Parslow

3/07/2549/FP/FM Erection of 1no freestanding automated teller machine (ATM) Waitrose, Northgate End Applicant: Waitrose Ltd Note: Having already declared a prejudicial interest, Cllr Woodward vacated the chamber prior to the discussion on this application.

3/07/2576/FP/MP Garage Extension 33 Abbotts Way Applicant: Mr P Grace

3/07/2578/FP/FM Single storey rear extension with glazed mono-pitch roof 52 Barrells Down Road Applicant: Monica Cheetham

3/07/2592/FP/MP Two storey side extension 2 Hawthorn Rise Applicant: Mr Barry Mascall

3/07/2608/LC/MP Demolition of buildings as shown on drawing no 07/3517 Emery House, 3 Chantry Road Applicant: Agent

3/07/2613/FP/MP Conversion of integral garage to habitable space and remodeling of detached garage 41 Thornfield Road Applicant: Mr G Pearson
ii) Objections were made on the following applications:-

3/07/2498/FP/LH Proposed dwelling (amended application) 54 Prestwick Drive Applicant: Top Homes Ltd Reason: i Out of keeping with the street scene ii Over development of the site

3/07/2500/FP/LH Proposed single storey rear extension, glazed link to new single storey extension with accommodation in the roof 4 Clayponds Applicant: Mr and Mrs I Shearer Reason: i Over development of the site ii Out of keeping with the street scene

3/07/2503/FP/LH Two storey and single storey rear extensions to provide 4no studio flats 48-50 Hockerill Street Applicant: Eurolet Reason: i Over development of the site ii Members regretted the lack of parking provision

3/07/2507/FP/LH To increase the height of the existing 1.7m high rear garden brick boundary wall to a minimum of 2.0m and a maximum of 2.45m high. The wall was to be completed using matching materials brick, red engineering brick and tiles as existing. The wall is to incorporate appropriate supports on the garden side of the wall with the owners boundary 4 Falconer Street Applicant: Mr Ian Kitchen Reason: The development was considered to be out of keeping with the street scene and detrimental to the open aspect of the area.

3/07/2529/FP/MP Two storey rear extension with further single storey extension to side and rear Holly Cottage, Newtown Road Applicant: Mr David Russell Reason: The proposal would be contrary to the Town Council's Policy BSP002. The garage should be used for the housing of private vehicles and not as additional accommodation or for any commercial activity, and in particular where the loss of the garage will lead to insufficient off street parking at the premises concerned and/or where there is an established shortage of parking in the area.

3/07/2540/FP/SE Double storey side and front extension and rear conservatory 27 Grace Gardens Applicant: Mr Neil Adams Reason: i Two storey extension onto a boundary, creating a terracing effect. ii Over development of a small site

3/07/2558/FP/MP Change of use from A1 (retail) to mixed A1/A3 (retail/café) - retrospective Caffe Nero, 30 Potter Street Applicant: Nero Holdings Reason: i Loss of a dedicated retail unit ii Members were disappointed to note that the application was retrospective and considered that the Company would have been well aware of planning requirements. There was an excess of such establishments in the locality and members requested that East Herts Council take immediate enforcement action on this matter.

3/07/2574/PT/LH Installation of new 13 metre street furniture column replacing lamp post 610 along with 2 no ground based equipment cabinets LP 610 Great Hadham Road/Oriole Way, St Michael's Mead Applicant: Knapp Hicks and Partners Ltd Reason: The proposal would be contrary to the Town Council's Policy BSP 005 - Bishop's Stortford Town Council objected to any new telephone masts on the grounds of appearance. No mast of any height should be placed with 250m of a residential area and 500m of any school. The Town Council encouraged the sharing of masts with multiple operators before any new application was to be considered. The proposed cabinets were considered to be unduly prominent with the street scene and detrimental to the visual amenity and character of the surrounding area.

3/07/2586/FP/LH Erection of bungalow and double garage on garden site (Twyford Orchard). Demolish stable/workshop Twyford Orchard, Pig Lane Applicant: Mr Norman Pigott Reason: The proposed development was on Green Belt land and therefore contrary to the East Herts Local Plan.
iii) No Comments were made on the following applications:

3/07/2425/FP/CD Change of use of agricultural land to fishing lake, erection of lodge, office, cabins and provision of new car park Fishing Lakes between Thorley/Trims Green, Sawbridgeworth Applicant: Mr S Collins Reason: The application was not situated within the Town Council area.

3/07/2523/FP/MP First floor extension over existing kitchen (change to lounge) plus two storey side extension comprising hallway and garage on the ground floor with landing and bedroom on the first floor Windhill Cottage, Windhill Applicant: Mr Anthony Clarke Reason: The applicant was known to the Committee.

3/07/2543/FP/LH New combined Parish Centre for St Michael's and St Josephs Churches in car park of the Monastery Gardens St Michaels and St Josephs Churches, Windhill Applicant: St Michaels and St Josephs Churches Reason: The proposed development was on land previously in the ownership of the Town Council

484. PLANNING DECISIONS

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

485. APPEALS

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

3/07/0981/FP/LH New two storey two bedroomed dwelling
Land adj to 2 Norfolk Way Appellant: Mr Wayne Bloomfield

3/07/1214/FP/MP Change of use from B8 (storage and distribution) to B2 (vehicle servicing; repairs and MOT testing)
Unit 2 Haslemere Industrial Estate, Pig Lane
Appellant: Mr Nick Johns

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

3/07/0641/FP Rear first floor extension over existing ground
floor extension
33 Gibbs Field
Appellant: Mr and Mrs K Watts
Appeal Dismissed

To note the following appeal against Enforcement Proceedings:

E/06/0477/A Unauthorised erection of 2.6m high corrugated
Iron and scaffold fence and gates and the siting of
Unauthorized structures on the land
The Old Barracks, Silver Leys, Hadham Road
Appellant: Abbotts Scaffolding Ltd

486. STREET NAMING AND NUMBERING

None to date.

487. TO CONSIDER REVISION OF THE REMIT OF THE COMMITTEE

Cllr Woodward stated that he had raised this item in order to establish a clear remit for the Committee with regard to environmental issues. However, he stated that he was now satisfied that the current remit was sufficiently loosely worded to enable the Committee to consider all environmental issues within Bishop's Stortford.

488. VISIONING BISHOP'S STORTFORD

Members had been circulated with a letter from Cllr Jackson, Leader, East Herts Council requesting a one page summary of issues the Town Council considered to be key issues which would have an effect upon the future of Bishop's Stortford and the quality of life for residents. Cllr Barfoot circulated the attached summary of the issues which he considered important and which could form the basis of the Committee's response. Members concurred with the document with some minor amendments and additions.

RESOLVED: that the attached document be forwarded to East Herts Council as the Town Council's response to the Visioning Bishop's Stortford Board.

489. UP-DATED REPORTS

i Improved Cycle Facilities - (First raised 3 September 2007)
The Chairman had received the attached response from Hertfordshire Highways stating that it was not possible to provide a cycle route from Thorley to the Town Centre along the bus link within the existing highway boundary. With regard to cycle parking within the Town Centre, the Chairman agreed to pass on members suggestions for suitable locations.

ii. Boars Head, Windhill
To note that East Herts Council Enforcement Officers were still in discussion with regard to the replacement windows. Members noted that the Sky Sports banner had been removed.

iii 20 mph Speed Limit in Parsonage Lane
Members had been circulated with the attached response from Ian Thompson, Strategy Development Manager at East Herts Council, stating there was no immediate plans to develop a 20mph zone in Parsonage Lane. However,
Cllr Woodward stated that he had also been in discussion with both Cllr Poulton and
Cllr Carver, East Herts Council, who had accepted the principle of the proposal and would take the matter forward within the Strategy at the next meeting of the Highways Joint Member Panel.
Note: Cllr Woodward stated that with regard to the minutes of the Planning and Environmental Committee held on 26 November 2007, he wished to confirm that his proposal for a 20mph speed restriction had not been formally discussed by the Parsonage Residents Association Committee. As yet the PRA had no collective position on the proposal and therefore could not at this stage be said to be supportive. Cllr Woodward wished to correct any impression that may have been given to the contrary.
iv Proposed Permit Parking Scheme South Street and Southmill Road
A letter had been received from Andrew Pulham, Parking Manager, East Herts Council explaining the reasons behind the proposals to provide permit parking for businesses in Millars Three. Mr Pulham stated that members objections had been noted and would be reported to the Highway Joint Member Panel on
14 January 2008 unless he received a letter from the Town Council to the contrary. Members wished for their objection to stand.

490. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA

British Waterways Design Study (Cllr Woodward)


491. URGENT BUSINESS

Christmas Lights

Cllr Demonti requested that a statement of the circumstances surrounding the early removal of the Christmas Lights be sent to the Herts and Essex Observer.

East Herts Council Grant from Local Authority Business Growth Initiative

Cllr Woodward drew members' attention to an article which had appeared in the Herts and Essex Observer which stated that East Herts Council had secured a £150,000 grant for Bishop's Stortford from the above initiative. Cllr Woodward wondered whether the Town Council could have an input into how the money would be spent. Members requested that a letter be forwarded to Cllr Carver requesting a Town Council input.

Disposal of Low Energy Light Bulbs

Following the recent publicity surrounding the disposal of low energy light bulbs,
Cllr Taylor requested that a letter be forwarded to East Herts Council seeking information on what provision was being made for their safe disposal.

Sponsorship of Roundabouts

Cllr Taylor confirmed that a pilot scheme for the sponsorship of three roundabouts in Bishop's Stortford was due to take place. The roundabouts were at London Road/junction with St James Way, Dunmow Road/Parsonage Lane and the roundabout at Tesco.

Jackson Square Car Park

Cllr Barfoot requested that a letter be sent to East Herts Council seeking details of the Council's action plan with regard to the review of the congestion problems in the Jackson Square Car Park.

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

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