MINUTES OF THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE HELD ON 27 MAY 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)

* Denotes present

In attendance: Louise Orme BSTC officer
Laura Shepherd BSTC officer

27. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Armstrong (Work commitment) and
Cllr Barnes (Holiday)

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

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

29. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 19 MAY 2008

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

30. DECLARATION OF INTEREST

Cllr J Barfoot Personal Planning Applications: 3/08/0594/FP/SE,
3/08/0702/FP/SE, 3/08/0737/FP/FH,
3/08/0753/FP/MP, 3/08/0782/FP/MP
The applicants were known to Cllr Barfoot

31. PLANNING NOTIFICATIONS

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

3/08/0526/FP/NB Retention of six solar panels on the flat roof of apartment block (amendment to planning consent: 3/06/1608) - Retrospective Whareatea Court, Dunmow Road Applicant: Michael Shanly Homes

3/08/0577/FP/FM 2 new tennis courts St Mary's Catholic School, Windhill Applicant: Mr A Sharpe

3/08/0594/FP/SE Proposed new portal frame storage building Land adjacent Doggart Pavillion, BS College, Maze Green Road Applicant: Bishop's Stortford College

3/08/0668/FP/LD UPVC conservatory on dwarf wall brick base 2 Lincoln Close Applicant: Mr Heppenstall

3/08/0670/FP/FM Alterations & extensions to existing commercial building comprising ground and first floor office extensions and new second floor residential accommodation to provide 1no one bedroom flat 29 North Street Applicant: Eurolet

3/08/0691/FP/MP Single storey rear extension 32 The Barons Applicant: Mr Paul Chapman

3/08/0702/FP/SE Conversion of existing hip roof to gable roof. Proposed loft conversion with rear dormers 55 Cannons Close Applicant: Mr P Bearman

3/08/0705/FP/SE Single storey rear and side extension 52 Portland Road Applicant: Mr Simon Valentine

3/08/0707/FP/LD Garage conversion and single storey front extension 6 Hadham Grove Applicant: Colin McCann 3/08/0723/FP/NB Garage extension - amended scheme 16 Parsonage Lane Applicant: Mr Nicholas Hadley

3/08/0735/FP/MP First floor rear extension, with part ground floor addition and loft conversion 4 Regency Close Applicant: Mr Martin O'Flaherty

3/08/0740/FP/MP Two storey side extension and single storey rear extension 121a Hadham Road Applicant: Mr David Culverhouse

3/08/0745/FP/SE Erection of single storey rear extension 11 Aynsworth Avenue Applicant: Mr Michael Ellen

3/08/0761/FP/FM Proposed rear extension 89 Apton Road Applicant: Mr & Mrs Fitton 3/08/0782/FP/MP Change of use required from B1 offices to a Beauticians 12 Water Lane Applicant: Mr N Cooper, Coopers of Stortford

3/08/0784/FP/MP Double storey side and single storey rear extension 16 Gilbey Crescent Applicant: Mrs S Engeham

3/08/0804/FP/LD Erection of a single storey rear extension 69 Marguerite Way Applicant: Mrs Anne Morris

ii) Objections were made on the following applications:-

3/08/0677/FP/FM Erect single garage with pitched roof Hawthorn Cottage, Hadham Road Applicant: Mr Richard Daley Reason: The proposal would be contrary to policies ENV1 (appendix i, section c), ENV8 and ENV11 of the East Herts Local Plan 2nd Review. The development would also be out of keeping with the street scene.

3/08/0676/FP/FM Single storey extension to existing garage to form one bed dwelling Hawthorn Cottage, Hadham Road Applicant: Mr Richard Daley Reason: The proposal would be contrary to policy ENV1 of the East Herts Local Plan 2nd Review. Members felt that the proposal would not be in keeping with the local environment and street scene and would also affect the quality of life of those residents in the neighbouring properties.

3/08/0709/FP/NB Conversion and extension of garage into summer house 5 Foxdells Lane Applicant: Nick Fulbrook 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 accommodation or for any commercial activities. This would ensure the 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.

3/08/0716/FP/SE Front single storey extension. Side two storey extension 19 Hayley Bell Gardens Applicant: Mr Ferro Reason: i Over development of a small site ii The extension would be over bearing and would create a terracing effect with neighbouring properties

3/08/0728/FP/FM First floor side extension, single storey ground extension and porch 26 Thornbera Road Applicant: Mr Neil D'Mello Reason: The proposed extension would be in close proximity to the boundary of number 25 Thornbera Road and would affect the occupier's quality of life.

3/08/0737/FP/FH Change of use of building and land from car/van sales (Sui Generis) to taxi office (Sui Generis) 160 Dunmow Road Applicant: Associated Taxis Reason:

i The proposal would be contrary to policy EDE3 of the East Herts Local Plan 2nd Review.

ii The proposal would constitute an inappropriate change of use for the area.

iii The noise disturbance at night would be considerably increased by that already experienced by residents.

iv The quality of life for East Road residents would be greatly reduced.

3/08/0753/FP/MP Change of use for existing garage to become part of main dwelling, playroom and 4th bedroom. Replace flat garage roof with modest pitch roof with slate tiles. 37 Newtown Road Applicant: Mr David Russell 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 accommodation or any commercial activities. This would ensure the 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.

3/08/0769/FP/SE Proposed single storey side extension, partial loft conversion with rear dormer and extension to existing conservatory 93 Cannons Close Applicant: Mrs M Pitman Reason: The proposal would include the demolition of a garage resulting in the loss of off street parking space.

32. PLANNING DECISIONS

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

33. APPEALS

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

3/07/2697/FP/CD Conversion of existing garage to habitable room
Single storey rear extension, first floor side extension
8 Penningtons
Appellant: Mr Robert Freestone

3/07/1562/FP/LH Two storey rear and side extensions (retrospective) amendments to schemes approved under planning permissions 3/06/0005/FP and 3/06/2434/FP
26 Thorley Park Road
Appellant: Mark Skeggs

3/07/1917/FP/LH One and a half storey side extension comprising new
Playroom and additional bedroom to roof space with dormer window to front elevation
43 Primrose Close
Appellant: Mr S Blackery

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

3/07/2067/FP/SE Front and single storey extension, two storey side extension
19 Hayley Bell Gardens
Applicant: Mr Ferro

To note the following appeal to be determined by public inquiry procedure:

3/07/2558/FP Change of use from A1 (retail) to mixed A1/A3 (retail/café) - retrospective
Caffe Nero, 30 Potter Street
Appellant: Caffe Nero

RESOLVED: that the appeals be noted.

34. STREET NAMING AND NUMBERING

None to date.

Members sought an updated report on Street Naming from East Herts Council.

35. UP-DATED REPORTS
i Jackson Square Car Park
Members noted the reply from Andrew Pulham and await further information.
36. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA

None to date.

37. URGENT BUSINESS

Proposed Eco-Town at Elsenham
A letter from N J Baker (Chairman of the Joint Parish Councils Steering Group) regarding the proposed Eco-Town at Elsenham was tabled for discussion. Members requested that this matter be referred to the next Town Council meeting and requested the Town Mayor to invite a representative from Henham Parish Council to attend to give a formal presentation.

Size of Planning & Development Committee
Members expressed their concern regarding the size of the newly formed Planning and Development Committee and RECOMMENDED that consideration be given to the increase the membership by another 1 or 2 at the next Town Council.

Members also discussed the possibility inviting members of the Youth Council to regularly attend the Planning and Development Committee meetings on a non-voting basis.

The Boars Head, High Street
Cllr Woodward informed Members that two Sky Sports banners had re-appeared at The Boars Head without planning permission. He also noted that the Regency style writing above the front windows had been painted over. Cllr Woodward requested that a letter be sent to East Herts Council to address both these matters.

Planning Issues Seminar for Councillors
Members discussed the forthcoming Training Seminar on Planning Issues which was being run for East Herts Councillors. Members agreed that training in this area was essential and requested that Jeff Hughes (EHC) be contacted to ascertain whether the Bishop's Stortford Town Councillors on the Planning and Development Committee would be able to attend or whether a separate seminar could be arranged.

Meeting closed at 8.55pm

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON 19 MAY 2008

Cllr 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 Ms 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
* Cllr J Wyllie

* denotes present

In attendance: 2 members of public
John Ingham - Town Clerk
Tricia Carpenter - Asst Town Clerk

1. ELECTION OF TOWN MAYOR FOR THE ENSUING CIVIC YEAR

RESOLVED: that Cllr Taylor be duly elected to serve as Town Mayor for the ensuing civic year 2008/2009.

2. TO RECEIVE TOWN MAYOR'S DECLARATION OF OFFICE

Cllr Taylor duly signed his Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

3. ELECTION OF DEPUTY TOWN MAYOR

RESOLVED: that Cllr Woodward be duly elected to serve as Deputy Town Mayor for the ensuing civic year 2008/2009.

4. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Cllr Armstrong (business commitment),
Cllr Peek (business commitment), Cllr Graham (business commitment).

5. DECLARATION OF INTEREST

None.

6. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

None.
7. STANDING ORDERS FOR THE REGULATION AND PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL

RESOLVED: that the current Standing Orders be received.

8. CALENDAR OF MEETINGS FOR THE ENSUING YEAR

RESOLVED: that the calendar of meetings for the forthcoming civic year be approved

9. APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO STANDING COMMITTEES

(a) Planning Committee
RESOLVED: That the membership of the Committee be reduced to seven and comprise the following:-

Cllr Armstrong
Cllr Barfoot
Cllr Barnes
Cllr P Demonti
Cllr Horner
Cllr Woodward
Vacancy

(b) Allotments Management Committee
RESOLVED: That the membership of the Committee be increased to nine and comprise the following:-

Cllr Armstrong
Cllr Barnes
Cllr Mrs J Demonti
Cllr P Demonti
Cllr Gilbert
Cllr Peek
Cllr Ms Wilcock
Cllr Wood
Cllr Woodward

(c) Silver Leys Management Committee
RESOLVED: That the membership of the Committee be increased to nine and comprise the following:-

Cllr Armstrong
Cllr Barnes
Cllr Mrs J Demonti
Cllr P Demonti
Cllr Gilbert
Cllr Peek
Cllr Ms Wilcock
Cllr Wood
Cllr Woodward

(d) Finance and General Purposes Committee
RESOLVED: That the membership of the Committee comprise the following:-

Cllr Burlton
Cllr Mrs Demonti
Cllr Gilbert
Cllr Graham
Cllr Mrs Hollebon
Cllr Warnell
Cllr Wood
Cllr Woodward
Cllr Wyllie

(e) Environmental Committee
RESOLVED: That the membership of the Committee be confirmed at eight and comprise the following:-

Cllr Barfoot
Cllr Burlton
Cllr Mrs Hollebon
Cllr Horner
Cllr Ms Wilcock
Cllr Miss Woodman
Cllr Woodward
Cllr Wyllie

10. APPOINTMENTS TO TASK AND FINISH GROUPS

(a) Former Allotment Land

RESOLVED: that the membership of the Group comprise the following:-

Cllr P Demonti
Cllr Gilbert
Cllr Graham
Cllr Warnell
Cllr Wood
Cllr Woodward
(b) Playground

RESOLVED: that the membership of the Group comprise the following:-

Cllr Mrs Hollebon
Cllr Horner
Cllr Warnell
Cllr Wilcock
(c) Appeals and Disciplinary

RESOLVED: that the membership of the Group comprise the following:-

Cllr Burlton
Cllr P Demonti
Cllr Wood
Cllr Woodward
(d) Green Issues

RESOLVED: that the Group be dissolved and the remit passed to the newly formed Environmental Committee

(e) Standing Orders

RESOLVED: that the Standing Orders Working Party be reconstituted as a Task and Finish Group and comprise the following:-

Cllr Burlton
Cllr P Demonti
Cllr Wood
Cllr Miss Woodman

11. POWERS AND DUTIES OF TOWN COUNCIL AND COMMITTEES

(i) Town Council RESOLVED: that the attached Powers and Duties of the Town Council, as amended, be duly confirmed

(ii) Finance and General Purposes Committee RESOLVED: that the attached Powers and Duties of the Committee be duly noted

(iii) Planning and Development RESOLVED: that the attached Powers and Duties of the Committee be duly noted

(iv) Environmental Committee RESOLVED: that the amended Powers and Duties of the Committee be confirmed

(v) Allotment Management Committee RESOLVED: that the Powers and Duties of the Allotment Management Committee be duly noted (vi) Powers and Duties of the Town Council (Trustee) RESOLVED: that the Powers and Duties of the Town Council (Trustee) be duly noted

12. APPOINTMENT OF REPRESENTATIVES TO OUTSIDE BODIES

RESOLVED: that the member representation on outside bodies, as set out on the attached schedule be approved

13. LIST OF DEEDS

RESOLVED: that the list of deeds, as attached be noted

14. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING OF THE TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON 12 MAY 2008

Min 719 - Declaration of Interest
To note that Cllr Wilcock had declared a personal and not a prejudicial interest.

RESOLVED: having given effect to the above amendment, the minutes were confirmed as a correct record of the proceedings and signed by the Town Mayor

15. COMMUNICATIONS

None received.

16. QUESTIONS PURSUANT TO STANDING ORDER 24

None received.

17. SATURDAY SURGERY- ROTA FOR COUNCILLORS ON DUTY

RESOLVED: that the attached schedule be approved

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 8.30pm

 

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON 12 MAY 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 attendance: 1 Member of the public
John Ingham, Town Clerk

718. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Apologies were received from Cllr Armstrong (Work Commitment), Cllr Peek (attendance at East Herts Council Meeting) and Cllr Warnell (Work Commitment)

719. DECLARATION OF INTEREST Cllr Wyllie Personal Presentation Known to Mr Hammer Cllr Wood Personal & Prejudicial Grant Application Trustee of Age Concern Cllr Mrs Hollebon Personal & Prejudicial Stansted Airport G2 Employed by BAA Cllr Miss Wilcock Personal Stansted Airport G2 Employed by BAA

720. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION None

721. PRESENTATION BY MR JON HAMMER Standing Orders were suspended to allow Jon Hammer to give a presentation on a proposal to site a Stortford Art Wall on the Adventure Playground. Jon opened the presentation by stating that the proposal to undertake the project had been taken in association with Jamie Southwell.

Various representations had been received from young people seeking to promote a playwall, which could be visually attractive to users of the play equipment and would represent a platform for social space drawings. Being a local artist, Jon was prepared to donate his time and efforts into decorating any structure. He felt confident that, as was the situation when the old wall was in situ, any artwork would not be defaced. With regard to the siting of the wall, consideration was being given to an area adjacent to the north of the footpath crossing the Town Meads. The wall would be built on pillars to avoid any undesirable activities taking place unseen. Members support was sought.

Following the presentation, a number of comments were made by members, viz. Had planning permission been sought? If not, it was suggested that discussions should take place with officers at East Herts Council. Would any costs fall on the Town Council? Response: Discussions had taken place with a number of people with a view to costs being covered by donations and sponsorships. It was felt that the siting of the wall in the proposed area would be visually unattractive and would not complement the ambiance of the play area.

A more suitable location would be in and around the existing skateboard area. In any event, permission would need to be sought from the Brazier Trust, on whose land the structure was proposed to be sited. It was questioned in whose ownership the wall would vest? Response: It was envisaged that ownership would vest in the Town Council In conclusion, members commended Jon for his initiative and fully supported the proposal. The Town Mayor assured members that no decision would be taken on this matter without being referred back to the Town Council. RESOLVED: that the Standing Order be reinstated.

722. MINUTES OF THE TOWN COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 21 APRIL 2008 RESOLVED: that the Minutes of the Meeting held on 21 April 2008 be confirmed as a correct record of the proceedings and signed by the Town Mayor

723. COMMUNICATIONS i) Tourist Information Centre - Coffee Morning Members were reminded that the above event would take place on Tuesday 13 May 2008 at Pearse House, between the hours of 10am and 12noon. ii) Town Mayor's Civic Year Cllr Mrs Hollebon stated that, as this meeting would be the last in her Civic Year she wished to thank those members who had worked hard to support her during her period of Office.

724. QUESTIONS ASKED PURSUANT TO STANDING ORDER 24 None.

725. COMMITTEE REPORTS i) Planning and Environment Committee 28 April 2008 Min 710 Responses referred from the Town Plan Working Party RESOLVED: that the Town Plan Steering Committee filter the list and refer those matters which could be addressed immediately to the first meeting of the newly formed Environmental Committee RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be received

726. WORKING PARTIES i) Misuse of Drugs and Substances Working Party - 17 January 2008 Cllr Taylor stated that the minutes of the meeting were still not available but he was hopeful of securing them in time to submit to the June meeting of the Town Council. ii) Standing Orders Working Party - 15 April 2008 Members were mindful of the emailed response to the document issued by Cllr Woodward to all members and in view of the detailed information contained therein it was RESOLVED: that the matter be referred to a re-constituted Working Party (Task and Finish Group) to finally resolve the issue. RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be received iii) Town Plan Working Party - 15 April 2008 Min 683 Feedback from the first meeting of the Steering Group RESOLVED:
1. that the Terms of Reference of the Steering Committee, as attached, be ratified; 2. that a Discussion Forum be set up, to be linked to the Town Council website and
moderated by Town Council staff subject to:-
i. A three month trial
ii. A disclaimer confirming that the views as presented were not the views of the Town Council
iii. No additional staff be employed to carry out the moderating role. RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be received

727. YOUTH COUNCIL Minutes of the Meeting held on 8 May 2008 The above minutes were tabled. RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be received.

728. GRANT APPLICATIONS Age Concern An application had been received from Age Concern seeking a grant in the sum of £8,000 to support the running costs of the Centre for the financial year 2008/2009 precept. RESOLVED: that the grant be refused on the grounds that provision for such expenditure had already been included in the Town Council's 2008/2009.

Note: Members referred to the supporting financial information and expressed their concern that no reference was made to the receipt of the grant from the Town Council.

Note: Having already declared a Personal and Prejudicial interest, Cllr Wood vacated the Chamber during the discussion on this item.

729. NATS TERMINAL CONTROL NORTH The Town Mayor stated that members had been made aware that the Consultation deadline had been extended to 19 June 2008.

The general consensus of opinion was that, whilst there may be winners and losers, the overwhelming feeling expressed by members was that the planned departure routes to the South West would be detrimental to Bishop's Stortford.

The proposal to move aircraft over the Thorley area which had seen a large population increase in recent years and to increase over flying of densely populated areas of the Town would further exacerbate the noise and pollution levels already experienced and be detrimental to the quality of life of those residents affected. Furthermore, it was noted that the change in the NPR would impact on the proposed school development site planned for land off Whittington Way. Of concern also was that any deviation from the centre line departure swathe could have serious consequences for Bishop's Stortford in the event of an aircraft disaster - reference being made to the Korean air crash a number of years ago. However, members were informed that 98% of all departures were within the 1.5 km swathe.

A general remark was made that the constitution of NATS leaned heavily towards the commercial sector and the underlying proposal was merely a cost saving exercise commercially attractive to shareholders. RESOLVED: that the Clerk compile the Town Council's response to the Consultation document.

730. STANSTED GENERATION 2 - AIRPORT ACCESS FROM M11 AND A120 RESOLVED: that the item be deferred until the next meeting of the Town Council. Note: Cllr Gilbert wished that it be recorded that he did not support the deferral.

731. STANSTED GENERATION 2 - DEVELOPMENT OF A SECOND RUNWAY RESOLVED: that the item be deferred until the next meeting of the Town Council. Note: Cllr Gilbert wished that it be recorded that he did not support the deferral.

732. 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 submission made by East Herts Council to the Consultation document. RESOLVED: that the Town Council fully support the East Herts Council's submission and respond to the Consultation document accordingly.

733. URGENT BUSINESS Cllr Wyllie referred to the recently introduced practice of using recycled envelopes to deliver information to Members and he praised the initiative of the new member of staff, Miss Laura Shepherd. Cllr Wyllie requested that the Town Mayor forward a letter of appreciation to Laura.

734. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA i Presentation by the Rural Housing Trust ii Remit of the Playground Task and Finish Group. iii Stansted Generation 2 Consultation document. a) Airport Access from M11 and A120 b) Development of a Second Runway There being no further business, the meeting closed at 8.41pm

To view the Minutes for a particular month, select a link from the list below:

October 08
September 08
August 08
July 08
June 08
May 08
April 08
March 08
February 08
January 08

December 07
November 07
October 07
September 07
August 07
July 07
June 07
May 07
April 07
March 07
February 07
January 07