MINUTES OF THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE HELD ON 28 JULY 2008

Cllr K Armstrong *
Cllr C Horner (Vice Chairman) *
Cllr J Barfoot *
Cllr R Taylor (ex-officio) *
Cllr K Barnes *
Cllr C Woodward *
Cllr P Demonti (Chairman) *
Cllr Ms C Woodman

* Denotes present

In attendance: Tricia Carpenter - Asst Town Clerk
2 Members of the public

145. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Armstrong (Work commitment),

146. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING HELD ON 30 JUNE 2008

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

147. DECLARATION OF INTEREST

Cllr Barfoot Personal 3/08/1160/FP/EH
Cllr Demonti Personal 3/08/1213/FP/CD
Cllr Woodward Personal Planning Application: 3/08/1160/FP/EH and
3/08/1240/FO/NB

148. PLANNING NOTIFICATIONS

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

3/08/0770/FP/LD To erect a conservatory to the front of the property 34 Barley Hills Applicant: Mr C Martin

3/08/0916/FP/FM Rear conservatory 20 Denny Court Applicant: Mr K Lacy

3/08/0946/FP/LH Raised timber decking to rear and additional 500mm high trellis to existing south west boundary fence 26 Thorley Park Road Applicant: Mr Mark Skeggs

3/08/0961/FP/SE Two storey side extension, single storey front and rear extension 26 Piggotts Way Applicant: Mr R Makepeace

3/08/0982/FP/FH Change of use from residential to alternative and beauty therapy 1A Hallingbury Road Applicant: Mr Yogesh Morzaria Note: In view of the property's close proximity to two schools, members considered that a start time condition should be included in the planning permission to avoid traffic congestion when the schools open in the morning.

3/08/0991/FP/LD Proposed single storey extension and loft conversion including rear dormer and side roof light - amended scheme 47 Warwick Road Applicant: Dr P Tierman

3/08/1041/FP/CD Single storey rear extension 12 Grange Road Applicant: Mr Christopher Morgan 3/08/1053/FP/FM Single storey side extension Honeysuckle House, Great Hadham Road Applicant: Mr Lee Wiggins

3/08/1073/FP/NB Replacement dwelling 62 Havers Lane Applicant: Mr Roger Hatfield

3/08/1075/FP/EH Change of use from B1, B2 and B8 to use class D1 (non residential educational and training centres) 3-Stort Valley Industrial Estate, Stansted Road Applicant: Strategic Area Partnership Group, Birchwood High School Note: Cllr Woodward abstained from the vote on this application.

3/08/1081/FP/FM Installation of external ATM, replacing existing glazing to suit ATM opening 1 South Street Applicant: Karen Martin

3/08/1087/FP/NB Single storey rear extension and raising of roof and insertion of front dormer window to create first floor accommodation 107 Parsonage Lane Applicant: Mr J Ashcroft

3/08/1090/AD/CD 2no. building name signs (3D lettering) and 2no framed poster signs, externally illuminated The Bridge House, 78 South Street Applicant: Starbrook Ltd

3/08/1092/FP/CD New shopfront creating a second entrance serving the first floor directly from North Street and internal alterations Carr and Bury, 42 North Street Applicant: Mr Collett

3/08/1099/FP/LD Install air conditioning units with condenser on brackets at rear of building Hays Recruitment Ltd, 1 Riverside Walk Applicant: Mr Nick Earley, Hays Specialist Recruitment

3/08/1106/FP/SE Single storey rear extension 137 Heath Row Applicant: Mr and Mrs Hinks

3/08/1110/FP/SE Replace existing flat roof with pitched roof on garden shed 10 Anglesey Close Applicant: Mr Gary McGrath

3/08/1121/FP/LD Single storey timber orangery extension to rear elevation 22 Grange Park Applicant: Mr David Grainge

3/08/1124/FP/LD Erection of single storey rear extension with rooflights 2C Alpha Place Applicant: Mr N Gillan

3/08/1132/FP/MP Ground floor extension to front, side and rear. The rear replaces an existing conservatory. First floor extension to existing bedroom Twyfordbury Cottage, Pig Lane Applicant: Mr Barry Wright

3/08/1136/FP/MP Detached garage building and new gates 42 Maze Green Road Applicant: Mr C Williamson

3/08/1147/FP/LD Rear Dormer 32 Newtown Road Applicant: Mr J Fitzpatrick

3/08/1160/FP/EH Renovation of Whitehall House and change of use to one dwelling. Demolition of dormitory block, theatre block and offices. Renovation and extension of four cottages. One replacement dwelling and the construction of 6 new dwellings. Levelling surface and seeding of Southern field to provide junior cricket club facilities Whitehall College, Dane O Coys Road Applicant: The Arlberg Group Note: Members raised no objection to the proposed demolitons, the renovations to Whitehall House and cottages, as well as the proposed provision of the cricket facility, which was to be commended. Members however objected to the proposal to build additional dwellings on green belt land. i.e. Plots 1, 2 and 12. Members also requested that consideration be given to issuing listed building status to Whitehall House.


3/08/1162/FP/PF First floor side/rear extension, raising the roof ridge to form habitable accommodation incorporating Juliet balcony to rear 44 Maze Green Road Applicant: Mr John Shepherd

3/08/1186/FP/LD Two storey side extension 51 Thorley Hill Applicant: Mr S Richards

3/08/1194/FP/LD Proposed loft conversion with dormer to the side elevation 59 Haymeads Lane Applicant: Mrs Wade Note: The window should be obscured glass to avoid over looking of neighbouring gardens.

3/08/1207/FP/MP First floor side and single storey rear extension. New pitched roof to existing porch and garage 2 Proctors Way Applicant: Mr Paul O'Neill

3/08/1213/FP/CD Two storey rear extension 6 Avenue Road Applicant: Ms Nikky Grange

3/08/1226/FP/SE Second storey side extension - amended scheme 7 Hawthorn Rise Applicant: Mr A Whale

3/08/1240/FO/NB Removal of onerous condition of planning permission granted under 3.07/0269/FP restricting the hours of use of the car park Red, White and Blue Open Space, Cannons Mill Lane Mr I Sharratt Note: Members suggested that the condition be removed for an initial six month period in order to provide the opportunity to monitor the situation. It was also suggested that the matter be brought to the attention of the local police for monitoring.

ii) Objections were made on the following applications:-

3/08/1078/FP/NB Demolition of existing house and construction of new 5 bedroom detached dwelling 9 Crescent Road Applicant: Mr I D Jack Reason: i Out of keeping with the street scene by virtue of the proposed height and bulk of the dwelling. ii Over development of the site.

3/08/1089/FP/MP

New external terrace formed extending into paved area Chicago Rock Café, Anchor Street Applicant: 3D Entertainment Group Reason:

i The proposed terrace and extension to the pavement would lead to a further narrowing of an already narrow road.

ii The proposal would impact on both pedestrians and wheelchair users who would have to negotiate around the terrace.

iii Noise disturbance to local residents. Note: Members considered that the terrace did not comply with smoking legislation in that it was enclosed on four sides.

3/08/1122/FP/SE Side and rear extensions to single storey dwelling including 2no bay windows 47 Cannons Close Applicant: Mr and Mrs Hampton Reason: Contrary to the Town Council Policy BSP002. The garage should be used for the housing of private vehicles and not as additional accommodation or for any commercial activities. This would ensure the continued provision of off street parking facilities in the interest of highway safety and would safeguard the amenities of adjoining occupiers in accordance with Policy ENV9 and appendix iv of the East Herts Local Plan 2nd review. Note: Members noted that Roman remains had been discovered in this vicinty in the past and recommended that, should planning permission be granted, an archaeological survey should take place prior to the commencement of any building work.

3/08/1140/FP/FM Front extension to garage with two storey extension above incorporating front dormer window 29 Tailors Applicant: Mr Ross Mason-Smith Reason:

i Loss of light to occupier of No 28 Tailors

ii Detrimental to the street scene

iii The provision of a flat roof dormer window would set an undesirable precedent in the area iv Gross over development of a small site.

3/08/1145/AD/NB Replacement of existing Boots illuminated and non-illuminated signage 16-18 Potter Street and 2-10 Church Street Applicant: Boots the Chemist Reason: Contrary to BSP001. The proposed signage would be situated in the designated Conservation Area where there was a commitment to preserve and enhance the special character and appearance of the area. The provision of internally illuminated signage was deemed to be detrimental to the street scene and detracted from the overall ambience of the area.

3/08/1165/FP/NB Reconstruction of existing double garage incorporating raising the ridge height. Part conversion of garage to form utility room 1 Grosvenor Close Applicant: Mr Nigel Paget Reason: Contrary to the Town Council Policy BSP002. The garage should be used for the housing of private vehicles and not as additional accommodation or for any commercial activities. This would ensure the continued provision of off street parking facilities in the interest of highway safety and would safeguard the amenities of adjoining occupiers in accordance with Policy ENV9 and appendix iv of the East Herts Local Plan 2nd review.

3/08/1234/OP/SE Outline consent sought for 1no two bedroom bungalow with associated parking and amenity garden for units 1-5 199 London Road Applicant: Mr Peter Walker Reason: i Over development of the site ii Loss of amenity land for the five units currently at the site, contrary to the original planning permission.

149. PLANNING DECISIONS

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

150. APPEALS

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

3/08/0305/FP/NB Demolition of existing house and construction of 12no apartments within 3 /4 stories
100 Rye Street

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

3/07/2414/FP Erection of two storey front and side extension
1 Chequers
Appellant: Nigel and Leonie Smith
Appeal Dismissed


Note: Cllr Miss Woodman declared a personal interest in this appeal decision. The Appellants were known to
Cllr Miss Woodman.

RESOLVED: that the appeals be noted.

151. STREET NAMING AND NUMBERING

None.

152. REGIONAL SPATIAL STRATEGY

RECOMMENDED: that Cllr Armstrong be invited to represent the Town Council at the Examination in Public. The Clerk should be requested to attend in the event of
Cllr Armstrong's unavailability.

153. PROPOSED PELICAN CROSSING - A1250 DUNMOW ROAD

Members had been circulated with a copy of a letter from Hertfordshire County Council requesting members' comments regarding the installation of a Pelican Crossing at the above location. Members welcomed the proposal, but requested that the footpath be extended and the bus stop be relocated to a position closer to the crossing.

RESOLVED: that the above comments be forwarded to Hertfordshire Highways.

154. UP-DATED REPORTS

None.

155. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA

School Sites Planning Application
To note that this matter would be referred to the next meeting of the Town Council to consider whether the applications should be determined by the Planning and Development Committee or the Town Council. Nevertheless, it was:

RECOMMENDED:
i that, in view of the closing date for receipt of comments being 19th September 2008, the applications be considered on Wednesday 10 September 2008 instead of Wednesday 17th September 2008.
ii. that the meeting be held in the Waytemore Room of the East Herts Council Offices, The Causeway, in order to accommodate those members of the public wishing to attend.

Street Naming - New East Herts Council Policy.

156. URGENT BUSINESS

East of England Regional Plan
To note that this plan was the subject of a review.

Former Sainsbury Building, South Street
Cllr Miss Woodman expressed concern that the building had been left unsecured on the upper floor, which she considered was a fire hazard.


Meeting closed at 9.16 pm

MINUTES OF MEETING OF FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE
HELD ON MONDAY 21 JULY 2008

* Cllr A Burlton
* Cllr K Warnell
* Cllr Mrs J Demonti
* Cllr M Wood
* Cllr R Gilbert
Cllr Miss C Woodman
Cllr A Graham
* Cllr J Wyllie
* Cllr Mrs Hollebon
Cllr R Taylor (ex-officio)

* denotes present

In attendance: John Ingham, Town Clerk
135. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Graham (holiday),
Cllr Miss Woodman (personal, health issue)

136. DECLARATION OF INTEREST

None.

137. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 9 JUNE 2008

RESOLVED: that the minutes be accepted as a true record of the proceedings and signed by the Chairman.

138. MATTERS ARISING

None.

139. ACCOUNTS AND BUDGET STATEMENT TO 1 JULY 2008

(i) Accounts

Members had been circulated with a copy of the attached list of accounts for payment.

RESOLVED: that the accounts as set out in the attached schedule in the sum of £73,717.85 be duly authorised for payment

(ii) Budget Statement

Members requested the Clerk to provide information on the following:-
Code Actual to date £ i) Corporate Management 1156 Internal Audit - 600 ii) Corporate Management 1157 Audit Fee - 10,000 iii) Central and Support Services 1136 Community Maintenance - 803 iv) Sworder Field 1735 Maint of Play Equipment - 2,967 v) TIC 11535 Box Office 264 11583 Box Office Reimbursement 2,006
In addition, members requested an explanation on the use of 'do not use' codes against which a budget had been allocated, viz:
Cemetery Code 1430 Budget £220 1443 £ 60 14578 £680
RESOLVED: that the contents of the Statement be received

140. COST IMPLICATIONS - ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

The Clerk informed members that this item had been included on the agenda in anticipation of any expenditure which might be forthcoming from suggestions made at the Committee meeting. Such expenditure to be considered at the budget meeting.

The following items were topics discussed:-

i) Work to the Moat (as riparian owners)

ii) Gardening services for the elderly (5,400 people over 60)

iii) Town enhancement:-
- Additional planters - South Street
- Gateway features at entrance to the Town
- Provision of fun litter bins
- Encouragement to Youth Council to talk to Primary Schools on the
need to address litter problem
- Cycle racks in South Street
- Provision of cigarette disposal units in the Town

Members expressed their concern that the Committee appeared to be delving into matters beyond its remit, especially in matters of a Social Services nature (gardening services). It was also pointed out that the litter was not a matter for the Town Council to take action upon, this being the prerogative of the District Council. There was also a capital and revenue implication of a number of the matters discussed and, in any event, it was never the intention that the Committee would be a spending Committee.

141. GARDEN OF REST - NEWTOWN ROAD

Members had been circulated with a copy of a survey compiled by Roger Carlton Associates, on the condition of the boundary wall fronting the Garden of Rest in Newtown Road.

The conclusion contained in the report was that the brick piers could be
dangerous and remedial work should be instigated as soon as possible. In
addition, two options were proffered with regard to the wall, ie. either, remove to ground level and replace entirely, or, remove all structure to a level of six courses above ground and replace. The Clerk stated that a forth option would be to remove the wall completely and replace with a hedge.

Members discussed the merit of the Clerk's suggestion, of which a number were in favour. However, on balance, it was felt that, given the location of the wall and its position within the Conservation Area, that a replacement wall would be more appropriate.

Members were referred to quotations received for replacing the wall entirely, from:-

George Markwell Builders Limited;
F M Suckling Ltd;
Building Services Stansted.
RESOLVED: i) That the Clerk enter into discussions with George Markwell Builders Ltd on the details of the work proposed to be undertaken and subject to a satisfactory outcome, the work be authorised up to a maximum of £10,000
ii) That the proposed expenditure be met from the Town Council's balances

142. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA

Councillors Allowances (Cllr Warnell)
General - Wages/Overtime (Cllr Warnell)
Expenses and Petty Cash (Cllr Wyllie)

143. URGENT BUSINESS

None.

144. DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING

Monday 1 September 2008


There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.05pm.

MINUTES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE HELD ON MONDAY 14 JULY 2008

* Cllr J Barfoot
* Cllr Ms S Wilcock
Cllr A Burlton
* Cllr Miss Woodman
* Cllr Mrs D Hollebon
* Cllr C Woodward (Chairman)
* Cllr C Horner Cllr J Wyllie

* denotes present

In attendance: Cllr D Peek
John Ingham, Town Clerk



123. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Cllr Burlton (previous engagement) and
Cllr Wyllie (work commitment)

124. DECLARATION OF INTEREST

None.

125. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 19 MAY 2008

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

126. TOWN PLAN

Cllr Barfoot read out the contents of the attached notes (see Appendix A) elaborating on a number of issues contained therein. Cllr Barfoot was encouraged by the enthusiasm shown by all concerned who were all dedicated to seeing the success of the project. The cost of work in connection with the printing of the questionnaire and associated costs amounted to £5,000, of which East Herts Council had agreed to contribute £4,000. Cllr Woodward referred to the launch of the Town Plan on 3 March 2008 and to the enclosed extract of the 467 main issues raised by members of the public (see Appendix B). Specific reference was made to a number of issues which had already been the subject of action (items 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 17).

Cllr Ms Wilcock welcomed the content of the report and the progress that was being made. However, she emphasised the need to ensure that all residents received a copy of the questionnaire, which had not been the case with the distribution of the 'About Town' magazine. Cllr Horner also confirmed that he had not received either of the two issues. Cllr Barfoot re-stated that widespread publicity would be given to members of the public and he also confirmed that all businesses and clubs would be posted a copy. He further agreed to talk to the Editor of the Axis magazine specifically on the question of distribution. With regard to the analysis of the questionnaire, this would be undertaken by the Steering Committee which was a non-political body and, as such, represented an independent check. It was hoped that the analysis would be completed by mid October 2008.

127. VISION BOARD

Cllr Barfoot informed members that he had attended a number of meetings of the Vision Board discussing the way forward in introducing a vision for Bishop's Stortford, with a wide cross-section of activities being considered. The Town Plan questionnaire was a brief which would complement the undertakings of the District Council. Both projects would be working in parallel. East Herts Council was undertaking various methods of obtaining the information for its vision through various focus groups, Community Voice meetings, etc, all under the control of Cllr Tony Jackson, who had expressed a very keen interest in receiving the feedback from the Town Plan questionnaire. Cllr Barfoot pointed out that the Vision document, unlike the Town Plan, was strategic based and its brief was not individualistic. Members agreed that the Town Plan and Vision should be included on future agenda.

Cllr Woodward asked members whether there were any issues appearing on the public comments document, or any other matters which members felt that they would like to address immediately. Cllr Mrs Hollebon was concerned regarding the lack of disabled access in parts of the Town and to the lack of access for mothers with buggies. She felt that this was an area which could be the subject of a Task and Finish Group study. Cllr Peek confirmed that through his representations, a number of disabled issues had been addressed in the Thorley area and additional work was being undertaken in the current financial year in and around Friedburg and Villiers sur Marne.

Work in connection with footpaths and bus stop improvements was due to take place in the current financial year. Cllr Peek confirmed that he had requested the Highways team to look at the southern part of the Town and it was hoped that agreement could be reached on the extent of the work to be undertaken and that finances would be made available in the current financial year.

128. MOAT

Cllr Woodward acknowledged the work which had been undertaken by past and present Councillors in trying to keep active the matter of addressing the problems regarding the moat. Cllr Peek stated that there had been a problem for some time with the lack of flow in the stretch of water referred to as the moat. In 1968, as part of a major river improvement scheme, the River Stort had been diverted to east of Waytemore Castle, through the Town Meads. Since 1968, the level of the river had been maintained by the sluice gate which had kept the water at a relatively high level and it was true to say that the presence of the sluice gate had been an effective means of controlling water levels. As part of later improvements to the river, work had been carried out to dredge part of the moat and to remove the sluice gate with £20,000 being expended on this work. However, despite all efforts, there had been a gradual drying up of the bed to a point where there was now no water contained in the moat and there had been complaints regarding the smells.

Cllr Peek referred to a number of features in-situ upon which he elaborated, informing members of their relevance. Cllr Peek referred to a meeting which he had had in 2005 with Mr Paul Harris, the then Engineer for East Herts Council and a representative of the Environment Agency, at which the means of addressing the lack of water in the moat had been discussed. Since that meeting, the sluice gate had been removed and the level and the condition of the water in the main stretch of the Stort had improved, with there being evidence of a return of fish. There was still the problem to be addressed of how to encourage water back into the moat and a number of options were discussed. Cllr Peek had also had occasion to discuss with a former drainage engineer of East Herts Council, Malcolm South, the merits of the various options and he suggested that a formal approach be made to Mr South with a view to ascertaining his agreement, at a cost to be determined, his assessment of the means by which the lack of water to the moat could be resolved.

RESOLVED: That the Clerk take the appropriate action.

129. CYCLE ROUTES

Members had been circulated with a copy of an extract of the East Herts Highways Joint Member Panel meeting, held on 7 July 2008 (See appendix C). Concerns were raised that item 12, 'the crossing of Birchanger Wood and A120 to countryside', had not materialised, which, it was believed, was a result of the intervention of the Birchanger Wood Trust. With regard to item 10, Cllr Horner stated that an option might be to consider a route via Beldams Way, under the motorway, which would be a more suitable route for cyclists into the Town.

Cllr Woodward stated that he was in possession of a definite list of all the public rights of way, which he would make available if any member wished to have a copy.

130. GARDENING SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY

Members had been circulated with details of a garden service which was undertaken by Eastwood Town Council, together with information on the Papworth Trust, which also operated a handy persons service, which it was felt could complement any scheme that the Town Council might consider. The Clerk informed members that Eastwood Town Council had a population of between 12,000 and 13,000 and had between 80 and 90 clients on its books. The cost of the service was £7,000 per annum and the work involved was undertaken by contract labour, with no Town Council staff involvement. The services provided included grass cutting, hedge trimming, etc. and the criteria for acceptance into the scheme was that the participants should be residents of the Town, should be elderly or disabled and have no other gardening based assistance.

For information, the Clerk stated that from the National Statistics Office and based on a population of 35,000, there were 5,400 residents of Bishop's Stortford over the age of 60. The Chairman was keen to move the item forward and for discussions to be entered into with the Papworth Trust and also with East Herts Council.

Cllr Horner referred to the Schools and Youth Services work and he felt that this could be a further option in moving this matter forward. Cllr Mrs Hollebon also referred to the Scouts, Guides, etc.

RESOLVED: That the Clerk progress this matter by entering dialogue with the aforementioned organisations.

131 TOWN CENTRE ENHANCEMENT

Members had been circulated with a letter from Mr Simon Drinkwater, East Herts Council, drawing attention to the Council's desire to seek the improvements of the environment of the town centres within the district. The Town Council was asked whether there were any schemes it wished to progress in Bishop's Stortford.

Members referred to the following:

1. Extra planters required for the Town and replacement of the existing planters in South Street with more permanent structures.

2. Improvements to the land adjacent to the Kebabery with a request for East Herts Council and Barclays (owners of the site) to work together to enhance the area by removing the parked cars re-seeding, bollarding and possibly providing cast iron planters.

3. Provision of gateway features at the entrance to the Town - liaise with Stortford in Bloom.

4. Consider ways of addressing the litter problem in the Town. The Youth Council was keen to become involved by visiting primary schools to talk to the children on environmental matters. The Youth Council need the full support of the Town Council/East Herts Council in this matter.
Provision of fun litter bins could be considered and the possibility of obtaining sponsorship of litter bins could be pursued.

At this juncture in the meeting Cllr Hollebon vacated the building at 9pm.

5. Explore the possibility of pedestrianisation of the shopping area from South Street (Motorworld) to Apton Road.
6. Additional cycle racks at the southern end of South Street.
7. Provision of receptacles for cigarette disposal.

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