MINUTES OF MEETING OF FINANCE AND
GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE HELD ON MONDAY 25 JUNE 2007


* Cllr J Barfoot
* Cllr K Warnell
* Cllr A Burlton (Vice-Chairman)
* Cllr M Wood
* Cllr Mrs J Demonti
* Cllr C Woodward
* Cllr R Gilbert
* Cllr J Wyllie (Chairman)
Cllr A Graham
* Cllr Mrs D Hollebon (ex Officio)

* denotes present


94. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Cllr Graham.

95. DECLARATION OF INTEREST

None.

96. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 16 APRIL 2007

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

97. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 21 MAY 2007

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

98. MATTERS ARISING

None.

99. ACCOUNTS AND BUDGET STATEMENT TO 20 JUNE 2007

(i) Accounts

Members had been circulated with a copy of the attached list of accounts for payment and commented upon the following items:-
a) Payment of Rates - for 2008/2009 and subsequent years arrangements to be made to discharge payments in respect of rates by monthly direct debit. b) Staff Training - that the Clerk instigate a rolling programme for staff training to be submitted to the next meeting of the Personnel, Health and Safety Working Party c) Utility Payment (Gas) - the Clerk to explore partnership arrangements for the provision of gas with East Herts Council and Herts County Council. d) Grants - that the criteria for determining the payment of grants be an agenda item for discussion at the next meeting. e) Carnival - i) that a budget for the 2008 Carnival be presented for discussion as an agenda item at the next meeting ii) that a feedback be obtained from all those participants in the Carnival
RESOLVED: that the accounts as set out in the attached schedule in the sum of £187,844.46 be duly authorised for payment

ii) Budget Statement

RESOLVED: that the attached statement be received

100. SUPERANNUATION

The Clerk referred members to the external auditors' report on the 2005/2006 financial accounts and to the following comments on accounting practices and financial reporting:-

'Pension Disclosure

The current pensions disclosure included within the accounts does not comply with the SORP requirements in respect of the relevant accounting standard, FRS 17. The Council does not disclose its share of the pension fund's assets and liabilities, the financial assumptions regarding the pension scheme's valuation or the market values of assets and liabilities and their expected rates of return.'

This matter had been raised at previous meetings and a response had now been received from the Herts County Council Pensions Finance Officer, as follows, viz:-

'The calculations required need to be carried out by an actuary, and it is not something County Council staff have the expertise to do. In the first year of requiring a report, the cost is higher due to an opening position needing to be calculated. The charge the actuary would levy is £3,150, plus VAT, in total. If you need a report in future years, providing you let us know by early January, you can be included in a batch of employers who have the report as at 31 March and this will cost around £600, plus VAT per annum on an on-going basis.'

The Clerk stated that it was questionable as to whether the information was a legal requirement on local councils and the Auditor would be asked to rule accordingly.

In response to Min 665, the Clerk tabled for members' information, a list of the current and potential contributors to the scheme. Cllr Gilbert referred to the employer's percentage contribution, which he saw had risen in the current year to 322% of employees contribution (19.3%). The continuing year on year increase in the employer's rate was, he felt, to be totally unfair and represented an increasing burden on the Council Tax payer. Increasing only the employer's rate and not the employee rate was unacceptable. Members were in agreement with the sentiments expressed by Cllr Gilbert and they Recommended that the concerns expressed be detailed in a letter to NALC.

101. REPORTS TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC (Cllr Wyllie)

The Chairman informed members that he had agreed to take up an earlier suggestion, which had been mooted by a previous Councillor (G White).
Mr White had brought to the attention of the Council, a publication which had been produced by Battle Town Council and which had been circulated to all residents of the parish (population 6,000). The publication was an annual report which gave an overview of the Council's work and was, in effect, a mini-guide of the Council's composition and activities. The Chairman felt that this awareness (publication) was something which the Bishop's Stortford Town Council could consider undertaking. He felt that this would be a more effective way of informing residents of the workings of the Council as opposed to the current Annual two page spread which the Council currently publish through the news media. It would be the intention to deliver the publication to all 12,000 properties within the Town's boundary. The Chairman felt that such a booklet could be produced through the office of the Town Centre Manager (who could take on the duties of securing and producing the necessary advertising sponsorship) and this would be a means of generating extra revenue for the Town Centre Management.

The current establishment of the Town Centre Management comprised the Manager, Janine, who worked 32 hours part-time and her assistant Leigh, who worked 6.5 hours per week. With effect from 1 September 2007, the post of Assistant would be redundant. By retaining the services of Leigh to assist in the production of the booklet, this would address the lone working situation which would arise if Leigh's post became redundant. The income generated would supplement the revenue of the Town Centre Management and it was hoped that the activity would be self-financing. Other activities which could be embraced by carrying out the function as referred to above, could be the TIC Accommodation Guide and the Town Guide, etc.

Members were informed that a similar type of report had been produced some 15 years ago, albeit not on an elaborate scale.

Concern was expressed that the publication would not be widely read, even though widely distributed. Doubts were also cast on the self-financing remark and a question was raised as to the source of revenue. A member stated that it was extremely difficult to raise revenue from sponsorship. Concern was also expressed regarding the employment of another member of staff.

The Clerk expressed his concern with regard to the proposal, which he felt was tantamount to increasing the present establishment (creating a post) and he hinted at discussions currently being undertaken by the Town Centre Manager which could address the lone working situation. The Clerk also felt that the production of any information concerning the Town Council's composition and activities should be solely down to the Town Council and not the Town Centre Management. The role of the Town Centre Management should be primarily to promote the retail and commercial activities of the Town to secure its vibrancy.

In order to further discussion on this matter, it was Resolved that a full report be prepared for debate at the next meeting of the Finance and General Purposes Committee.

102. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA

Grants

103. URGENT/ANY OTHER BUSINESS

None.


There being no further business, the meeting closed at 8.55pm

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON 18 JUNE 2007

* Cllr K Armstrong
* Cllr C Horner
* Cllr J Barfoot
* Cllr D Peek
* Cllr K Barnes
* Cllr R Taylor
* Cllr A Burlton
* Cllr K Warnell
* Cllr Mrs J Demonti
* Cllr 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

79. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Apologies were received from Cllr Gilbert.

80. DECLARATION OF INTEREST Cllr Wood Grants Age Concern Personal and Prejudicial Cllr Graham Grants Actability Personal Cllr Peek Grants Age Concern Personal and Prejudicial

81. MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL STATUTORY TOWN COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 21 MAY 2007 RESOLVED: that the Minutes of the Annual Statutory Town Council meeting held on 21 May 2007 be confirmed as a correct record of the proceedings and be signed by the Town Mayor.

82. COMMUNICATIONS i) Bishop's Stortford Air Cadets To note receipt of a letter expressing sincere gratitude to the Town Council for providing a grant of £2,000 towards the cost of a new minibus.

ii) Town Twinning Weekend The Town Mayor referred to the very successful Town Twinning Weekend and she extended her gratitude to staff and Councillors for their input into the occasion.

iii) Carnival - 23 June 2007
Members were reminded that the Carnival and Fun Day was being held on this coming Saturday and gratitude was extended to those members and staff volunteering their services.

iv) Consultation Document - Mental Health Services in North Essex
The Town Mayor referred to the receipt of the above Consultation Document and she requested that this matter be discussed at the next meeting of the Town Council.

v) Proposals to Extend the Stort Navigation
A letter had been received from Cllr Peek expressing his concern to learn at the Community Voice Meeting, that Officers of both East Herts Council and British Waterways had suggested that a binding agreement had been reached with Bishop's Stortford Town Council concerning the proposals to extend the River Stort navigation.

Cllr Peek referred to correspondence in November 2006 when the Town Council had been notified that British Waterways would not be pursuing any development of the Stort Navigation north of the Causeway bridge. He asked members to support a letter being forwarded to both British Waterways and East Herts Council informing them that no binding agreement had been reached. However, the Town Council was prepared to consider any options, but it was vital that full consultation with the Town Council and residents took place.

Members supported Cllr Peek's course of action.

83. QUESTIONS ASKED PURSUANT TO STANDING ORDER 24 None.

84. BUSINESS EXPRESSLY REQUIRED BY STATUTE None.

85. COMMITTEE REPORTS i) Planning and Environment Committee 21 May 2007 RESOLVED: that the Minutes of the meeting be received.

ii) Finance and General Purposes Committee 21 May 2007 RESOLVED: that the Minutes of the meeting be received.

iii) Allotments Management Committee 21 May 2007 RESOLVED: that the Minutes of the meeting be received

iv) Planning and Environment Committee 29 May 2007 RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be received.

v) Allotments Management Committee 4 June 2007 RESOLVED: that the Minutes of the meeting be received

vi) Silver Leys Management Committee 4 June 2007 RESOLVED: that the Minutes of the meeting be received vii) Planning and Environment Committee 11 June 2007 Min 63 - East Herts Affordable Housing SPD - Public Consultation Cllr Barfoot read out supporting information relative to the comments made at the Planning and Environmental Committee, making reference to a number of non-planning issues which Cllr P Demonti agreed to take up with the District Council.

A concern was expressed with regard to the sentiments expressed by
Cllr Barfoot, in that it was not just social housing which was the problem but social, affordable, shared equity and concealed provision. The comments therefore were not supported. However, members were supportive of the comments made by Cllr Horner.
RESOLVED: that the comments attributable to Cllr Horner be adopted as the Town Council's formal response.
Note: Cllr Barnes, having another engagement, vacated the Chamber at this juncture in the meeting.
Min 64 - Planning for Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation in the East of England Issues and Options - Public Consultation RESOLVED: that the Recommendation be not supported and that the item be brought back to the next Town Council meeting for further discussion 86. WORKING PARTIES None. 87. YOUTH COUNCIL Minutes of the meeting held on 17 May 2007
RESOLVED: that the Minutes be received

88. GRANT APPLICATIONS i) Age Concern An application had been received from the above organisation in the sum of £7,500 to provide funds to assist in the cost of running the Centre. RESOLVED: that the application be deferred for the receipt of further information
Note: Cllr Peek and Cllr Wood, having declared a personal and prejudicial interest at the commencement of the meeting, vacated the Chamber during the discussion which ensued.

ii) Actability An application had been received from the above organisation in the sum of £2,000 to provide funds to assist in maintaining the current work with disabled persons. RESOLVED: that a grant of £2,000 be approved iii) Stortford Music Festival An application had been received from the above organisation in the sum of £400 to assist with the cost of staging the event which took place on 5 and 6 May 2007. RESOLVED: that the sum of £400 be approved

89. LOCAL AUTHORITIES (MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT) ORDER 2007 i) Correspondence from the Standards Board
A letter had been received from the Standards Board for England, setting out in general terms, information concerning the procedures for adoption.

RESOLVED: that the contents of the letter be noted

ii) Model Code of Conduct
Members had been circulated with a copy of the attached draft Model Code of Conduct.

RESOLVED: that the draft Code of Conduct, as attached, be adopted, including paragraphs 12 (2)

iii) Registerable Interests Form (Order 2007) Members had been circulated with the above Forms, with a request that they be completed and returned to the Clerk as soon as possible.

90. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA i) Public Participation at Planning Meetings (Cllr Wyllie)
ii) Invitation to Inspector Andy Piper to attend September 2007 meeting of the Town Council

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 8.38pm.

MINUTES OF THE PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE HELD ON
11 JUNE 2007

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

* Denotes present


55. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Cllr Demonti and Cllr Miss Woodman.

56. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 21 MAY 2007

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

57. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 29 MAY 2007

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

58. DECLARATION OF INTEREST

Cllr Armstrong Personal Planning Application 3/07/0749/FP/AK
Planning Application 3/07/0882/FP/NB
Planning Application 3/07/0944/FP/JL
Planning Application 3/07/0987/FP/SE
Cllr Warnell Personal Planning Application 3/07/0987/FP/SE
Cllr Barnes Personal Planning Application 3/07/0942/FP/AY

59. PLANNING NOTIFICATIONS

i) No objections were raised on the following applications:

3/07/0749/FP/AK Installation of 2no covered trolley bays and installation of new recycling area, also works to improve car park vehicular circulation Tesco Stores Ltd, Lancaster Way Applicant: Tesco Stores Ltd

3/07/0872/FP/SCD Change of use from grassland to allotments and new access Farnham Road Applicant: Dr J T Wallace

3/07/0876/FP/MP Decking area to rear with ramp to provide disabled access and 1.8m willow hurdle screen fence 20 Wrenbrook Road Applicant: Mrs Angela Jones

3/07/0882/FP/NB Demolish existing dwelling, erect 2no dwellings with integral garages and new crossovers 27 Barrells Down Road Applicant: Pineview Ltd

3/07/0888/FP/LH Garage extension 16 Parsonage Lane Applicant: Mr N R Hadley

3/07/0942/FP/AY Enclosure of existing service yard to form stores Bishop's Stortford Football Club, Woodside Applicant: Bishop's Stortford Football Club

3/07/0944/FP/JL Proposed 3 x 3m parasol incorporating heating and light erected on existing patio area The Cock Public House, 2 Stansted Road Applicant: Punch Taverns

3/07/0956/FP/AK 2 storey rear extension to replace existing single storey 51 Newtown Road Applicant: Mr and Mrs Bird

3/07/0966/FP/SE Single storey extension to rear and double storey extension to side of existing dwelling 27 Zambesi Road Applicant: Mr and Mrs Knight

3/07/0967/FP/SE Single detached garage with study and library to rear 29 Zambesi Road Applicant: Mr and Mrs Devall

3/07/0992/FP/NB Installation of roof plant Marks and Spencer PLC, 11-15 South Street Applicant: Marks and Spencer PLC

3/07/0996/FP/NB Installation of roof top air conditioning unit Wilkinson Store, Jackson Square Applicant: Wilkinson Group of Companies

3/07/1000/FP/SCD Triple garage with games room over Southbank, 13 Avenue Road Applicant: Mr and Mrs Thorpe 3/07/1007/AD/NB Externally illuminated external shop fascia Wilkinson Store, Jackson Square Applicant: Wilkinson Group of Companies

3/07/1009/FP/NB Front porch and two storey rear extension 11 Grange Park Applicant: Mr and Mrs K Basavaraj

3/07/1012/FP/AK First floor rear extension and new highway access to Thorley Street Hillside Cottage, Thorley Street Applicant: Mr Long and Miss Johnson Note: Members wished to ensure that East Herts Council had notified Thorley Parish Council of this application.

3/07/1017/FP/AK Addition of second storey with velux windows to the front and Juliet balcony to the rear 90 Heath Row Applicant: Mr and Mrs Slater

3/07/1024/FP/NB Change of use of the flat above Specsavers to form a laboratory and staff facilities to serve ground floor retail outlet Specsavers Opticians, 16A South Street Applicant: Specsavers Optical Superstore

3/07/1046/AD/LH 2 x poster panels (illuminated) forming an integral part of a bus shelter (which has been relocated.) Opp 25-27 Elizabeth Road Applicant: Clear Channel Outdoor Note: Members noted that this shelter was situated in a residential area and wished to be assured that the illumination would be switched off after the last bus had departed.

3/07/1074/FP/AK Double storey rear extension with a single storey side extension 45 Barrells Down Road Applicant: Mr M Brewer

3/07/1077/FP/LH Single storey rear extension 44 Thorley Park Road Applicant: Mr and Mrs R Jones

3/07/1092/FP/NB First floor extension over existing kitchen (lounge). Two storey end extension - garage with bedroom and study over Windhill Cottage, Windhill Applicant: Mr and Mrs A M Clarke

3/07/1095/FP/MP Change of use and conversion of existing ground floor office to form 2 bed flat 14 Hockerill Street Applicant: Roger Carlton

3/07/1096/LB/MP Conversion of existing ground floor office to form 2 bed flat including removal of sections of internal block wall that formed part of a later extension. Erection of internal timber studwork walls and new internal doors to match existing 14 Hockerill Street Applicant: 4 Brook Street

ii) Objections were made on the following applications:-

3/07/0736/FP/AK Change of use of the garage to a reception room 7 Woodpecker Close Applicant: M Abdul Mannan Reason The proposed development would be contrary to the Town Council's Policy BS002. The garage should be used for the housing of private vehicles and not as additional living accommodation or for any commercial activity. This would ensure that continued provision of off street parking facilities in the interests of highway safety to safeguard the amenities of adjoining occupiers and would be in accordance with Policy BE7 (ii) and appendix iv of the East Herts Local Plan.

3/07/0890/FP/AK Demolition of garage and erection of single storey side extension 110 Nursery Road Applicant: Mr and Mrs Smith Reason: The proposed development would be contrary to the Town Council's Policy BS002. The garage should be used for the housing of private vehicles and not as additional living accommodation or for any commercial activity. This would ensure that continued provision of off street parking facilities in the interests of highway safety to safeguard the amenities of adjoining occupiers and would be in accordance with Policy BE7 (ii) and appendix iv of the East Herts Local Plan. If allowed, the proposal would exacerbate an already horrendous parking problem in Nursery Road.

3/07/0981/FP/LH New two storey two bedroomed dwelling Land adjacent to 2 Norfolk Way Applicant: Mr Wayne Bloomfield Reason: i Over development of the site ii Detrimental to the street scene iii Lack of amenity space for the proposed dwelling iv Members considered that the proposal was an example of town cramming.

3/07/0982/FP/LH Front and rear single storey extensions 2 Norfolk Way Applicant: Mr Wayne Bloomfield Reason: Members considered that the proposal would represent an over development of the site with an undue increase to the footprint of the property.

3/07/0983/FP/MP Application to retain fence and boundary alterations - retrospective 33 Abbotts Way Applicant: Mr P Grace Reason: The height of the fence was in excess of the 1.8m limit for a boundary fence.

3/07/0987/FP/SE New detached dwelling and garage with demolition of existing dwelling 84 Havers Lane Applicant: Mark Kinnard Reason: i Gross over development of the site ii Out of keeping with the street scene iii The proposed development was considered to be of excessive height in relation to the adjacent properties iv Over shadowing of adjacent properties v Members objected to the demolition of a habitable dwelling prior to a suitable alternative being presented. vi Overlooking to adjacent properties.

3/07/1033/FP/AK Single storey rear extension and conversion of existing car port to habitable accommodation 23 Pewterers Avenue Applicant: Mr and Mrs J Martin Reason: i The proposal would be detrimental to the street scene and would set an undesirable precedent. ii Members expressed concern regarding the loss of off street parking spaces.

3/07/1050/AD/NB Installation of new internally illuminated fascia sign, new internally illuminated projecting sign and installation of corporate banner at first floor level. Unit 2, 28-32 Potter Street Applicant: Fat Face Ltd Reason: The proposal would be contrary to the Town Council's Planning Policy BS001. The provision of illuminated signage was deemed to be detrimental to the street scene and would detract from the overall ambiance of the Town. The sign was considered garish.

iii No comment was made on the following application:

3/07/0754/FP/SE Amended Plan 1077:021G replaces plan 1077/021D shows plots 7, 8 and 9 in original planning approval position. New garage position and driveway repositioning for plot 3 and brick cill details to 3 houses (amendment to scheme approved under ref: 3/06/1520/RP) St Michaels Mead Neighbourhood Centre, Milliners Way Applicant: Stonebond Properties Ltd

60. PLANNING DECISIONS

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

61. APPEALS

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

3/06/1760/FP/LH Demolition of existing building and erection of 4no 2 bed and 2no 1 bed flats with associated landscaping and parking
275 Stansted Road
Appellant: Rednar Developments

ii. To note the following appeal to be determined by Public Inquiry procedure:

3/06/1546/CL/EH Airport related car park
Woodlands Lodge, Dunmow Road
Appellant: Mr and Mrs Kingsbury

RESOLVED: that the appeals be noted.

62. STREET NAMING AND NUMBERING

Development at St Michael's Mead

RESOLVED: that Turners Court and Milliners Green be recommended for acceptance.

63. EAST HERTS AFFORDABLE HOUSING SPD - PUBLIC CONSULTATION

Members had been previously circulated with a copy of the above Consultation document issued by East Herts Council.

The Chairman recommended that the comments of individual members be forwarded to the Clerk in order for a full response to be compiled on behalf of the Council. Notwithstanding the Chairman's recommendation, members proffered the following comments on the Consultation.

Cllr Barfoot was of the opinion that the 40% recommended social housing provision was excessive to meet the social housing need of the residents of Bishop's Stortford and he further expressed his opinion that the document recommended the building of too many smaller properties i.e flats.

Cllr Horner was of the opinion that the document did not indicate strongly enough the link between the suitability of the size of the site for affordable housing and a financial contribution where the full affordable housing provision was considered unsuitable. Cllr Horner was also of the opinion that the balance between the proposal to build three bedroom properties and flats was wrong, with too many flats being recommended.

RECOMMENDED: that the above comments be included in the Town Council's response to the Consultation.

64. PLANNING FOR GYPSY AND TRAVELLER ACCOMMODATION IN THE EAST OF ENGLAND ISSUES AND OPTIONS - PUBLIC CONSULTATION

Members had been circulated with a copy of the attached Consultation Document issued by the East of England Regional Assembly.

The general consensus of opinion was that the residents would not support such accommodation being provided within East Herts.

RECOMMENDED: that the document be noted.

65. LORRIES ACCESSING DUNMOW ROAD (CLLR BARFOOT)

Cllr Barfoot drew members' attention to the concern expressed by residents of Dunmow Road regarding lorries in excess of 7 tonnes regularly accessing the Town Centre. The matter had been taken up with Mark Prisk MP, who had been advised by Hertfordshire Highways that the enforcement of the ban was a Police matter. Members requested that a letter be forwarded to Inspector Piper requesting that the Police carry out spot checks of lorries on Dunmow Road to ensure the implementation of the ban.

66. PROLIFERATION OF A BOARDS (CLLR MISS WOODMAN)

RESOLVED: that in the absence of Cllr Miss Woodman, this item be deferred to a future meeting.

67. UP-DATED REPORTS
i Flooding/Drainage Issues (First raised 29/5/2007)
Members noted the content of the attached response from Peter Massie, Hertfordshire Highways dated 30 May 2007.

68. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA

Parking on Pavement in Hockerill (Cllr Barfoot)
Proliferation of A Boards (Cllr Miss Woodman)
Clarification of Government proposal to streamline Planning Law. (Cllr Armstrong)
Roundabout at junction of London Road/Crescent Road (Cllr Barfoot)

69. URGENT BUSINESS

None.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 9.15pm.

MINUTES OF ALLOTMENT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MONDAY 4 JUNE 2007

* 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 M Wood
* Cllr Miss C Woodman
* Cllr C Woodward (Vice-Chairman)
* denotes present

37. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

None.

38. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Agenda item 5
Current Waiting List and Vacant Plots Cllr Miss Woodman Personal

39. MINUTES OF THE MEETINGS HELD ON 29 JANUARY 2007 AND
21 MAY 2007

i) Minutes of 29 January 2007

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

ii) Minutes of 21 May 2007

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

40. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

Min 283 (i) - Trees around Sewage Works - Hallingbury Road West
A letter had been received from Thames Water confirming that an inspection of the trees had taken place and an estimate was being prepared to establish the cost of reducing them in height. As funding to carry out the works may need to be sought, no definite date could be given as to when the work would commence.

Min 505 - Plot Rotovation
To note that J F Sallows, Landscape Contractor, had undertaken the work of rotovating the vacant plots on the sites identified.

41. CURRENT WAITING LIST AND VACANT PLOTS

Members had been circulated with a copy of the current waiting list and vacant plots. With regard to the waiting list, Cllr Demonti felt that it was distorted and did not represent the true position, as a number of persons were shown requesting more than one site.

A general concern was raised with regard to the number of plots shown as empty and unusable and members felt that an inspection of these plots should be made to establish whether they could be brought under cultivation in order to satisfy the demand from people on the current waiting list. The Clerk was requested to action this matter.

42. ALLOTMENT COMPETITION

Members were informed that judging of the Allotment Competition was scheduled to take place during the week commencing 2 July 2007. A firm date was awaited from Mr Crouchman.

Mr Cornell requested that the Allotments and Gardens Association be notified of the results well in advance of the September Harvest Supper.

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

i) Repair to Allotment Shed (Ward Crescent)
Mr Cornell wished it placed on record the gratitude of members of the Allotments and Gardens Association to the Town Council for providing the funds to enable the repair to be undertaken to the shed.

ii) Provision of Hard-standing (Ward Crescent)
Mr Cornell stated that it was the desire of the Allotments and Gardens Association to lay a hard-core surface to the front of the two allotment sheds situated at the entrance to the site in order to provide a hard surface for visiting lorries delivering goods. Permission for the work was sought, together with a request for consideration to be given by the Town Council to assist with defraying the cost.

Members were not averse to the work being undertaken and questioned whether enquiries could be made of the Highways Authority to establish whether surplus road materials could be made available.

iii) Plots 230 a and b (Ward Crescent)
Mr Robinson made a request for remedial work to be undertaken to repair the deep ruts in the surface.

iv) Parking Dispute in Ward Crescent
Reference was made to the recent dispute between the allotment holders and a resident of Everest Gardens. The Clerk stated that he had requested information from East Herts Council (Will O'Neill) as to the legal position with regard to the use of the layby and he was awaiting a response (Cllr Gilbert agreed to speak to Will O'Neill).

v) Vandalism - Hallingbury Road
Members were informed that the Police had apprehended a person in connection with the recent act of vandalism to the site.

44. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA

i) Publicising - Vacant Allotments (Cllr Woodward)
With the large number of flats provided as part of the central area redevelopment, to consider publicising of the availability of vacant plots.

ii) Allotment Usage by Persons with Disabilities (Cllr Woodward)
Young offenders from North Herts had created allotments in Baldock for people with disabilities.

45. URGENT BUSINESS

Damaged Wall - Haymeads Lane Allotment Site
Cllr Wood drew members' attention to the above matter and he had notified the Clerk, to take the appropriate action.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 8.20pm

 

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