MINUTES OF MEETING OF FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE
HELD ON MONDAY 31 MARCH 2008

* 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)

In attendance: Tricia Carpenter, Asst Town Clerk

* denotes present

647. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Burlton. (Previous engagement) and Cllr Warnell (Work commitment)

648. DECLARATION OF INTEREST

None.

649. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 11 FEBRUARY 2008

Declarations of Interest

To note that Cllr Wood had declared a Personal and Prejudicial interest regarding the Apton Centre lease and vacated the Chamber during the discussion on this item.

RESOLVED: Having given effect to the above amendment it was RESOLVED that the minutes be accepted as a true record of the proceedings and signed by the Chairman.

650. MATTERS ARISING

Link Road Car Park

It was requested that the lease agreement with East Herts Council for the use of the Link Road Car Park be checked to ascertain a notice clause was included in the Agreement.

651. GERSHON SYSTEM SUB-COMMITTEE

Minutes of the Meeting held on 23 February 2008

Binding Minutes

RESOLVED: that as a cost cutting exercise, future Town Council Agenda and Minutes be no longer covered or bound, but stapled as Committee Agenda.

RESOLVED: that the Minutes be received

652. ACCOUNTS AND BUDGET STATEMENT TO 31 MARCH 2008

(i) Accounts

Members had been circulated with a copy of the attached list of accounts for payment. A general comment was made with regard to the advert placed in the BT phone book and whether this was considered a necessary expense.

RESOLVED: that the accounts as set out in the attached schedule in the sum of £46,639.72 be duly authorised for payment

(ii) Budget Statement

Members had been circulated with the attached budget statement to
17 March 2008. A request was made that for the accounts 2008/09 the wages and salaries be accurately broken down between the budget headings.

RESOLVED: that the Statement be noted

653. BURIAL FEES

RESOLVED: that this item be deferred.

654. FINANCIAL REGULATIONS

Members had been circulated with draft Financial Regulations for consideration.

RECOMMENDED: that the Financial Regulations, as presented, be adopted.

655. TOWN NEWSLETTER

The Chairman was pleased to circulate to members the published copy of the first Town Council Newsletter, which had been produced in association with Axis Magazine, at no cost to the Town Council. Members were impressed by the quality of the publication and wished to commend all those involved in its production. It was also requested that copies of the publication be available at the Community Centres, Rhodes Arts Complex and the Tourist Information Centre.

The Chairman advised members that one of the criteria to achieve Quality Status was the production of a newsletter four times per year. At present, it was not clear whether Axis Magazine would be in a position to meet this requirement, and therefore the Chairman was investigating alternative options.

656. GRANTS

Members had been circulated with a copy of the Town Council's current Grant policy. Members requested that a copy of the policy be enclosed with the application form to all applicants and a note be added detailing the total grant fund available in each financial year. (ie £11,000 for 2008/2009)

RESOLVED: that the grant policy be received.

657. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA

1. Bank Account for TCMP
2 Regular report from TCMP - Town Council Agenda
3. Regular report from Town Mayor - Town Council Agenda
4. Burial Fees

658. URGENT BUSINESS

None.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.25pm.
 

MINUTES OF THE PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE HELD ON
25 MARCH 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: 5 Members of the public

636. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Armstrong, Cllr Barnes, Cllr Taylor and Cllr Woodward. Cllrs Barnes, Taylor and Woodward's absence was due to their attendance at an Extraordinary Meeting of the East Herts District Council.

637. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 10 MARCH 2008

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

638. DECLARATION OF INTEREST

Cllr Miss Woodman Personal Interest Appeals 3/07/2414/FP/SE
The appellants were known to
Cllr Miss Woodman
639. PLANNING NOTIFICATIONS

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

3/08/0319/FP/FM Erection of side and rear extensions and loft conversion 43 Elm Road Applicant: N Whitty

3/08/0337/FP/NB Demolition of existing bungalows and erection of six 2 bedroom houses with car parking 2-16 Mill Street Applicant: Mr Andrew Hull, South Anglia Housing

3/08/0364/FP/EH Removal of 4.0m section of existing pedestrian guardrail and erection of 4.0m section of low brick wall with steel railings mounted above Access to Mastermans Wharf, The Causeway Applicant: Wilson Bowden Developments Ltd

3/08/0365/FP/SE Installation of two front awnings Millars One, Southmill Road Applicant: Mr Daniel Kersey, H20 Entertainment Ltd

3/08/0366/LB/SE
Installation of two front awnings Millars One, Southmill Road Applicant: Millars One

3/08/0367/FP/MP Part existing shop front set back and new external terrace formed extending onto existing paved area with secure screens for use as a smoking shelter Chicago Rock Café, Unit 1 Anchor Street Applicant: 3D Entertainment Group

3/08/0369/FP/SE Part two storey and part single storey rear extension 58 Wentworth Drive Applicant: Mr Mike Connolly

3/08/0372/AD/SE 2 'H20' logos with Perspex face and stainless steel surround. 1 'hush' logo made from individual stainless steel letters illuminated via sign light below Millars One, Southmill Road Applicant: Mr Daniel Kersey, H20 Note: Members noted that the application was retrospective

3/08/0380/FP/NB Erect a new two storey dwelling (amended scheme approved under ref

3/07/0490/FP) Land adjoining 23 Ashdale Applicant: Mrs Claire Ledwith

3/08/0403/AD/FM Illuminated fascia, wall, entrance and projecting signs. Non illuminated wall signs Glyn Hopkins, 13 Northgate End Applicant: Glyn Hopkin

3/08/0405/FP/FM 2 storey side extension and single storey front extension 2 Park Avenue Applicant: Mr & Mrs P Griggs

3/08/0416/FP/LD Proposed roof dormers 17 Millers Close Applicant: Mr Shand

3/08/0417/AD/FM Two non illuminated fascia signs Stortford House, 231 London Road Applicant: Mrs Virginia Barlow

3/08/0420/FP/LD Proposed single storey extension and loft conversion 47 Warwick Road Applicant: Mr D Tierman

3/08/0433/AD/FM 1no vertical internally illuminated projecting sign and 1no internally illuminated menu box sign Unit C1 Jackson Square Adderley Road Applicant: Mr Andre Lussmans

ii) Objections were made on the following applications:-

3/08/0070/AD/FM Office Signage East Wing, Water House, Water Lane Applicant: Mr M Cooke, Enable Advisors Ltd Reason: The proposal was considered to be overlarge and inappropriate for a conservation area.

3/08/0170/FP/FH Demolition of existing buildings including foundations and the erection of a residential development of 18no self contained 2 bedroom flats and 2no self contained 1 bedroom flats with associated soft landscaping and parking for 23 cars (5 disabled) and 6 motorcycles, together with storage for 20 bicycles Oxford House, London Road Applicant: G Q Properties Ltd Reason:

i Overdevelopment of the site

ii Dangerous egress onto London Road

iii Totally out of keeping with the local area

iv Members expressed concern regarding the satuation of flats in Bishop's Stortford

3/08/0244/OP/FM Outline planning permission for change of use of land and erection of 1no detached dwelling with access from existing bellmouth entrance 133 Rye Street Applicant: Mr G N Keay and Mrs P J Kell Reason: Dangerous ingress and egress onto a busy road due to hazardous sight lines

3/08/0316/FP/MP Erect a 1.8m high fence to enclose front garden 51 Gibbs Field Applicant: Mrs A Eales Reason: The proposed application would be out of keeping with the open aspect of Gibbs Field

3/08/0325/FP/SE Erection of two dwellings on land to the rear of 186 Stansted Road Land r/o 186 Stansted Road Applicant: Michael Shanly Homes Reason:

i Inappropriate form of backland development

ii Overdevelopment of the area

iii Detrimental to the street scene iv Additional traffic congestion in an already busy area

3/08/0350/FP/NB Demolition of existing dwelling and construction of 5 flats with associated underground parking and amenity areas 9 Crescent Road Applicant: Mr I D Jack Reason:

i Inappropriate size, bulk and height for the area

ii Overdevelopment of the site

iii Overlooking of neighbouring properties

iv Out of keeping with the street scene

v Creation of a traffic hazard

vi Loss of mature trees The development of more flats was considered inappropriate in Bishop's Stortford given the current economic climate.

3/08/0391/FP/MP Two storey and single storey rear extensions to provide 2 no studio flats and 1 no one bed flat 48-50 Hockerill Street Applicant: Eurolet Reason:

i Overdevelopment of a small site

ii Inappropriate residential development in a commercial area

iii Lack of parking provision

3/08/0394/FP/NB Demolition of detached garage and erection of single storey rear and side extension 140 Apton Road Applicant: Mr Dominic Tisi 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.

3/08/0401/FP/MP Erect a 1.83m (6ft) panelled fence to enclose lane to the side and rear of property 59 Abbotts Way Applicant: Mrs Elizabeth Campbell Reason: The application would be detrimental to the open aspect of Abbotts Way. Members also expressed concern at the possible enclosure of amenity land.

3/08/0412/FP/LD Small 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:

i 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.

ii Loss of hardstanding in front of property

3/08/0413/FP/NB Continued use of annexe as independent residential accommodation - retrospective 13 Warwick Road Applicant: Mr A Holmes Reason: The annexe was considered to be an inappropriate backland development being tantamount to a separate dwelling in the garden Note: Members requested that continued use of this annexe as a residential property cease and appropriate enforcement action initiated.

3/08/0440/FP/MP Increase height of stepped rear garden wall to one level 17 Hipkins Applicant: Mr M Fairweather Reason:

i Detrimental to the street scene

ii The stepped section of wall would result in the wall being higher than 1.8m
Note: At this point in the meeting Cllr Woodward, having already tendered his apologies, arrived at the meeting.

640. PLANNING DECISIONS

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

641. APPEALS

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

3/07/1928/FP/AK Alterations to existing elevations - replace garage doors
with door and window, replace rear door and window with
french doors to enable the conversion of the garage to play/garden room
207 Rye Street Appellant: Mrs O'Leary and Miss Trilo'Blanco

3/07/2414/FP/SE First floor front and two and single storey side extension
1 Chequers
Appellant: Mr N & Mrs L Smith

To note the following appeal decisions against enforcement action issued by the Planning Inspectorate:

E/06/0477/A Change of use of land from agricultural to a commercial
use for the storage and distribution of scaffolding without
planning permission
The Old Barracks, Silver Leys
Appellant: Abbotts Scaffolding Ltd
Appeal Dismissed

E/06/0477/A Unauthorised erection of a 2.6m high corrugated iron and
Scaffold fence and gates and the siting of unauthorized structures on the land
The Old Barracks, Silver Leys
Appellant: Abbotts Scaffolding Ltd
Appeal Dismissed

RESOLVED: that the appeals be noted.

642. STREET NAMING AND NUMBERING

None to date.

643. THE VALIDATION OF PLANNING APPLICATIONS AND THE NATIONAL STANDARD APPLICATION FORM

RESOLVED: that the documents be commended and noted.

644. UP-DATED REPORTS

i. Illegal Parking outside Brake Brothers, Dunmow Road
Members requested that a further email be sent to Inspector Piper requesting that action be taken against those motorists parking illegally.

ii Jackson Square Car Park
Members requested an update of the proposed timescales for the alterations of the car park.

645. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA

1. British Waterways Design Study (Cllr Woodward)
(To note that this document will be forwarded when completed)
2. Pollution of the River Stort (Cllr Woodward)
(Response awaited from Environment Agency)
3. 'Shine' - Churches Together (Cllr Horner)

646. URGENT BUSINESS

None.


Meeting closed at 8.55pm
 

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON 17 MARCH 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

622. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Apologies were received from Cllr Graham, Cllr Miss Woodman and Cllr Woodward

623. DECLARATION OF INTEREST Cllr Taylor Personal - Grant Application - Crime Prevention Panel -
Council's representative on the Panel

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

625. MINUTES OF THE TOWN COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON
18 FEBRUARY 2008 RESOLVED: that the Minutes of the Meeting held on 18 February 2008 be confirmed as a correct record of the proceedings and signed by the Town Mayor

626. COMMUNICATIONS i) Civic Dinner/Dance The Town Mayor thanked all members who had supported the above event which had been a successful evening with the raffle having raised £565 for the Mayor's Charity.
The Town Mayor was pleased that a number of Youth Councillors had been in attendance.

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

628. BUSINESS EXPRESSLY REQUIRED BY STATUTE None to date.

629. COMMITTEE REPORTS i) Planning and Environment Committee 25 February 2008 RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be received

630. WORKING PARTIES i) Misuse of Drugs and Substances Working Party - 17 January 2008 Cllr Taylor apologised to members that the Minutes were not available and he would use his best endeavours to ensure that they were available for the next meeting.

631. YOUTH COUNCIL Minutes of the Meeting held on 6 March 2008 RESOLVED: that the Minutes of the meeting be received

632. GRANT APPLICATIONS

i) Bishop's Stortford Crime Prevention Panel An application had been received from the Treasurer of the Crime Prevention Panel seeking a grant in the sum of £300 to provide promotional material. RESOLVED: that the grant of £300 be approved

ii) Citizens Advice Bureau An application had been received from the above Organisation, seeking a grant in the sum of £1002.04 to enable the purchase of 10 chairs for use by advisors. RESOLVED: that a grant be approved for the purchase of the chairs not exceeding £1002.04 and that the Clerk liaise with the Organisation with a view to the purchase arrangements Note: At this juncture, Cllr Woodward joined the meeting.

633. DRAFT REGIONAL SPATIAL STRATEGY SINGLE ISSUE REVIEW: PLANNING FOR GYPSY AND TRAVELLER ACCOMMODATION IN THE EAST OF ENGLAND Members had been circulated with a copy of the above document. RESOLVED: that the contents of the above be noted

634. URGENT BUSINESS None.

635. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA

i Presentation by the Rural Housing Trust

ii. Review of Standing Orders

iii. Christmas period closure (2008) (Cllr Gilbert)

iv. Complaints Procedure

v. To review the remit of the Planning and Environmental Committee There being no further business, the meeting closed at 8.00pm  

MINUTES OF THE PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE HELD ON
10 MARCH 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: 8 Members of the public

603. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Cllr Armstrong, Cllr Barfoot and Cllr Miss Woodman.

604. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 25 FEBRUARY 2008

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

605. DECLARATION OF INTEREST

Cllr Horner Personal Interest Planning Application 3/08/0323/FP/MP
Cllr Warnell Personal Interest Planning Application 3/08/0323/FP/MP
Cllr Demonti Personal Interest Planning Application 3/08/0304/FP/SE

606. PLANNING NOTIFICATIONS

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

3/08/0049/AD/SE Non illuminated shop front signage and traditional hanging sign 35A South Street Applicant: Alice Preston

3/08/0260/FP/EH Two storey rear extension 21 Haymeads Lane Applicant: Mrs E Douglass

3/08/0262/FP/NB To extend the existing rear single storey extension 38 Portland Road Applicant: Mr James Grainger

3/08/0284/FP/SE Single storey side/rear extension 23 Church Manor Applicant: Mr J Bedwell

3/08/0293/FP/FM Fitting a solar hot water system to property 44 Manston Drive Applicant: Mr Simon Carter

3/08/0300/FP/LD Proposed single storey rear extension to existing house 92 Stortford Hall Park Applicant: Mr Stephen Dawe

3/08/0301/FP/SE Side ground floor extension to create new garage and utility room and new timber built garden shed 69 Warwick Road Applicant: Mr Laurence Brittain

3/08/0304/FP/SE Proposed new extension to staff room Wynch Cottage, Bishop's Stortford College, Maze Green Road Applicant: The Bursars Office, BS College

3/08/0309/FP/MP Attach satellite dish to the front of the building 4-5 Snowley Parade Applicant: Mr Mark Caulfield Note: Provided painting was undertaken to ensure the dish blended in with the building.

3/08/0314/FP/SE Two storey extension Woodbine Cottage, 1A Ashby Rise Applicant: Mr N Self

3/08/0323/FP/MP Two storey extension to existing dwelling 56 Windhill Applicant: Mr Robin Francis

3/08/0330/FP/FM 2 storey and single storey rear extensions 14 The Ridings Applicant: Mr R Eynon

3/08/0351/FP/FM Rear conservatory 31 Irving Close Applicant: Mr Bonar

3/08/0352/FP/SE Reinstatement of door to rear elevation and unblock previously internal blocked up window Millars One, Southmill Road Applicant: Mr Stephen Webb, C & W Ltd Note: Members were disappointed to note that the application was retrospective.

3/08/0353/LB/SE Reinstatement of door to rear elevation and unblock previously internal blocked up window Millars One, Southmill Road Applicant: Mr Stephen Webb, C & W Ltd Note: Members were disappointed to note that the application was retrospective.

ii) Objections were made on the following applications:-

3/08/0259/FP/FM Erection of single storey side extension 65 Penningtons Applicant: A Walkley Reason: The proposed extension was considered to be of poor design and out of keeping with the street scene.

3/08/0290/FP/NB Double storey side and single storey front extension 12 Robinson Close Applicant: Mr Malcolm Parnell Reason: i Detrimental to the street scene ii Two storey extension onto a boundary, creating a terracing effect, contrary to ENV6(b) of the East Herts Local Plan Second Review.

3/08/0305/FP/NB Demolition of existing house and construction of 12no apartments within 3 / 4 stories 100 Rye Street Applicant: Douglas & Warner Partnership Reason: i Over development of the site

ii Detrimental to the street scene, being out of character with the historic area and open aspect of The Meads

iii The proposal, being situation directly onto the pavement, would result in a canyon effect.

iv Dangerous ingress and egress into the site, being situated close to the busy Grange Paddocks junction

v The proposal was considered to be of poor design and over bearing height.

vi The proposal would result in the overlooking of bedrooms to the property at Number 101 Rye Street.

vii The open aspect stairwell would result in light pollution in the area.

3/08/0313/FP/MP Formation of new basement and erection of a single storey side extension 6 Pye Gardens Applicant: Mr John Scott Reason: The proposed side extension would be out of keeping with the surrounding houses and would compromise the original design of the development.

3/08/0315/FP/SE Proposed single storey rear extension. Proposed two storey side extension. Proposed loft conversion with front and rear dormers. Proposed partial garage conversion 1 Drovers Way Applicant: Mr and Mrs D Allen 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. The proposal would also result in an over development of the site.

3/08/0332/FP/FM Change of use from dwelling house (class C3) to use as a guest house (class C1) 35 Haymeads Lane Applicant: Mr Anand Sharma Reason: The proposal was considered to be unsuitable for the area and would lead to additional traffic in an already particularly congested traffic black spot.

3/08/0338/PT/LH Installation of new 13 metre street furniture column replacing 610 along with 2no ground based equipment cabinets LP 610 Oriole Way, Great Hadham Road Applicant: 02 Reason: The proposal would be contrary to the Town Council's Policy BSP005 - Bishop's Stortford Town Council objected to any new telephone masts on the grounds of appearance. No mast of any height should be placed within 250m of a residential area and 500m of any school. The proposed cabinets were considered to be unduly prominent within the street scene and detrimental to the visual amenity and character of the surrounding residential area. Note: As a member of the East Herts District Council Development Control Committee, Cllr Barnes wished it to be noted that he took no part in the debate and vote on this application.


iii It was noted that following application had been withdrawn:

3/08/0219/FP/NB Continuation of use as independent annexe - Retrospective
13 Warwick Road
Applicant: Mr A Holmes

607. PLANNING DECISIONS

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

608. APPEALS

None to date.

609. STREET NAMING AND NUMBERING

A letter had been received from East Herts Council acknowledging the local and historical knowledge of local members and stating that whilst the Town Council would continue to be consulted on choices for street naming, the District Council would retain responsibility for street naming and numbering throughout the District.

RESOLVED: that the contents of the letter be noted.

610. EAST HERTFORDSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL
(1) (OFF STREET PARKING PLACES)(CONSOLIDATION) ORDER NO 1 2008
(2) TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT ACT 2004 - PENALTY CHARGE LEVELS FOR PARKING CONTRAVENTIONS
(3) (CONTROL OF PARKING) (AMENDMENT)ORDER 2008 (APPLICATION TO HIGH COURT BY 10 APRIL 2008
(4) COUNCIL CHARGES AT OFF STREET CAR PARKS - NOTICE OF VARIATION

Members had been circulated with the attached Orders/Notices relating to car parks issued by East Herts Council.

RESOLVED: that the Orders be noted.


611. HOUSING CAPACITY ASSESSMENT

Members had viewed the Housing Capacity Assessment and Edge of Settlement Assessment carried out on behalf of East Herts Council and proffered the following comments:

Housing Capacity Assessment Final Report 2007

Whilst the report was a theoretical document members expressed concern that the figures contained therein could be used to discuss housing capacity based solely on physical restraints as opposed to planning or community requirements.

Land considered for development, including the re-development of car parks and garage blocks was considered wholly undesirable, as was the conversion of commercial buildings. Members considered that local employment should be encouraged and were concerned that business starter units could be lost to housing developments. The intensification of existing areas including gardens, infilling and under used garage courts should be resisted.

The unconstrained capacity for Bishop's Stortford was stated to be 6233 dwellings and members considered that that figure would place an undue burden on the infrastructure of Bishop's Stortford and should not been used when calculating the capacity for the Town. The capacity should be modulated with the need for services, utilities, community density concerns and overall town planning.

Edge of Settlement Assessment November 2007

Members expressed great concern that the following sites had been identified as being Edge of Settlement and therefore theoretically with 'potential for development':

The green swathe through Thorley Park
The College Playing Fields
The nature reserve within the ASR's
The Meads
Birchanger Wood
The land South of Whittington Way.

Members would strongly oppose any proposals for developments on these sites.

RESOLVED: that the above comments form the Council's response to the Assessments and be forwarded to East Herts Council.

612. THE HERTFORDSHIRE (BARRELLS DOWN ROAD, CEDAR COURT, LINDSEY ROAD, PINELANDS, THE COPSE AND WOODLANDS, BISHOP'S STORTFORD)(RESTRICTION OF WAITING) ORDER 2008

Members had been circulated with the proposed (Restriction of Waiting) Order for Barrells Down Road, Cedar Court, Lindsey Road, Pinelands, The Copse and Woodlands.

Members noted that the proposed parking restrictions were being introduced to alleviate the commuter and airport parking in the vicinity and that in the Barrells Down Road, Lindsey Road, Pinelands area, residents were largely happy with the proposed restrictions, although those residents without driveways would be inconvenienced by the restrictions. It was noted that local members and officers spent a great deal of time working to achieve the correct balance of restrictions which would benefit local residents and that the scheme would be monitored and 'tweaked' if necessary after it had been in operation for several months.

With regard to the proposed one hour waiting restriction for Woodlands and The Copse, members had been circulated with a petition from local residents indicating that 95% of residents were unhappy with the proposal. In the light of the overwhelming opposition members were of the opinion that the Order for Woodlands and The Copse should not be implemented.

Members were unhappy that proposals for two entirely separate geographical areas had been included on one Order and were keen to ensure that the proposed Order for Barrells Down Road/ Lindsey Road/Pinelands was not delayed because it was included on the
same Order as the one for Woodlands and The Copse.

RESOLVED: that in view of the considerable opposition from local residents, the proposed one hour parking restriction for Woodlands and the Copse should not be implemented. Further discussions should take place with local residents regarding
alternative proposals for the area.


613. HOCKERILL JUNCTION

Cllr Woodward circulated for Members information an Air Quality report produced by East Herts Council in April 2007. Within the report it had been identified that Hockerill Junction was an Air Quality Management Area which suffered from high levels of Nitrogen Dioxide. The report recommended that a written action plan should be produced detailing proposals to improve the air quality, however to date this had not been forthcoming. Cllr Woodward was of the opinion that the air quality in the vicinity could be enhanced with a tree planting scheme and that the Town Council, in conjunction with the District Council should explore this possibility. Cllr Woodward indicated several areas which could benefit from tree planting, including the area of land adjacent to the Cock Public House, land adjacent to the Crown Terrace Car Park and the small parcel of land at the junction of London Road and Hockerill. Members considered that a tree planting scheme could be worth exploring but acknowledged that tree roots could cause damage to buildings and pavements and falling leaves could be a nuisance.

RESOLVED: that a letter be forwarded to East Herts Council requesting that the Air Quality Action Plan along with the Land Transportation Plan 2 be produced and that consideration be given to a tree planting scheme in the area to enhance air quality


614. UP-DATED REPORTS
i. Illegal Parking outside Brake Brothers, Dunmow Road
To note that a letter had been sent to Inspector Piper 26 February 2008
615. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA

1. British Waterways Design Study (Cllr Woodward)
2. Pollution of River Stort - Environment Agency Report (Cllr Woodward)
3. A Boards (Cllr Warnell)
4. Stansted Generation 2 (Cllr Woodward)

616. URGENT BUSINESS

Responses from Town Plan Public Meeting (Cllr Woodward)

Cllr Woodward suggested that several of the points raised by members of the public at the recent meeting were matters which could be addressed by the Planning and Environmental Committee and he requested that the Town Plan Working Party officially refer such matters to the Committee.


Meeting closed at 9.20pm

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