MINUTES OF THE PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE HELD ON
26 NOVEMBER 2007

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)

* Denotes present

In attendance: Cllr Woodward

428. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Cllr Armstrong, Cllr Horner and Cllr Miss Woodman.

429. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 12 NOVEMBER 2007

Min 386 Page 176. Street Naming and Numbering
That the list of potential street names be updated.

Having given effect to the above amendment, it was RESOLVED: that the Minutes be received as a correct record of the proceedings and signed by the Chairman.

430. DECLARATION OF INTEREST

Cllr Demonti Personal Planning Application 3/07/2293//FP/EH
Cllr Barfoot Personal Planning Application 3/07/2293/FP/EH Cllr Warnell Personal Planning Application 3/07/2257/FP/SE
431. PLANNING NOTIFICATIONS

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

3/07/2164/FL/EH Erection of sales & marketing suite for adjoining development. (Consent required for a period of two years) Block D, Riverside Applicant: Wilson Bowden

3/07/2165/AD/EH Advertising on hoarding inc 'V' board and other ancillary signage Block D, Riverside Applicant: Wilson Bowden

3/07/2234/FP/AK Conservatory 67 The Meadows Applicant: S Trundle

3/07/2239/FP/FM Single storey rear extension. New bay window to front elevation. Replacement of existing porch with a repositioned porch. Replacing existing flat roof on existing bay window on front of property with a pitched roof. 10 Oaklands Park Applicant: Dr Peter Ainsworth

3/07/2274/FP/LH

First floor rear extension with dormer windows to the side elevations of existing roof 2 Havers Lane Applicant: Mrs Homer

3/07/2283/FP/EH Construction of 2 detached dwellings with associated garaging parking and site access Land adj to 1 Hallingbury Road Applicant: The Croft Group

3/07/2298/FP/SE Double & single storey extension (Amendment scheme -

3/07/0650/FP) 7 Mathams Drive Applicant: Mr K Naidoo

3/07/2306/FP/SE Two storey side extension with single storey rear extension to front and rear 65 Heath Row Applicant: Mr S Sampford

3/07/2316/FP/SE Two storey side extension with new pitched roof over existing rear extension and to raise the roof ridge 27 Mary Park Gardens Applicant: Mr Richard Shore

3/07/2335/FP/FM Single storey rear extension over existing ground floor extension 67 Prestwick Drive Applicant: Mr & Mrs Adamo

3/07/2336/FP/MP Demolition of existing garage and rebuild a new garage slightly bigger than the original build 27 Grange Road Applicant: Mrs Zara Sale

3/07/2338/AD/SE To display 2 internally illuminated flexi face fascia signs 2 Bishop's Park, Lancaster Way Applicant: Clinton Cards

3/07/2339/FP/MP Single storey front extension with new sash windows to rear at first floor and to side at ground floor Clare Court, Rye Street Applicant: Mr & Mrs Swann


3/07/2340/LB/MP First floor timber framed extension with insertion of 2 no rear sash windows, removal of existing window and opening adapted for stepped access. New bathroom formed within existing bedroom. Existing kitchen fittings removed and finishes reinserted. New opening formed in Library, replacing existing door & window. Replacement of existing glazing in Loggia with new rendered facing and sliding sash windows. Clare Court, Rye Street Applicant: Clare Court

3/07/2344/FP/SE Single storey side & rear elevation 47 Penningtons Applicant: Steve Daniels

3/07/2352/FP/FM Erect single storey garden outbuilding 9 Grange Road Applicant: Clare Burgess
ii) Objections were made on the following applications:-

3/07/2228/FP/MP Two storey extension to rear & side of existing dwelling with dormer to rear existing roof 18 Pinelands Applicant: Mr Robert Davies Reason: Two storey extension onto a boundary, creating a terracing effect.

3/07/2257/FO/SE Removal of Onerous Condition for Variation of condition 3 imposed on consent

3/1767-94 FO to permit the opening of the premises Monday - Saturday 08.30 - 22.00 hours and on Sunday 11.00 - 18.00 hours. 47 Elizabeth Road Applicant: Coral Estates Ltd Reason: It was not considered appropriate to extend the opening hours since the premises were situated in a residential area and the quality of life of the residents would be adversely affected.

3/07/2270/FP/SE Two storey side extension 26 Salters Applicant: Mr & Mrs Madill Reason: i The proposed development would result in an over development of the site ii The proposal would result in over shadowing to neighbouring properties.

3/07/2293/FP/EH Change of use of buildings to country hotel and functions rooms Wickham Hall, Hadham Road Applicant: Mr & Mrs David Harvey Reason: The proposed development would generate a large amount of additional traffic at an unsuitable junction.

3/07/2294/LB/EH Demolition of curtilage listed buildings and conversion of listed buildings to country hotel and functions rooms Wickham Hall, Hadham Road Applicant: C/O Agent Reason: i Members objected to the demolition of the listed building and considered that the proposal was an inappropriate development on Green Belt land being out of keeping with the surrounding area. ii The proposal would generate a large amount of traffic at an unsuitable junction

3/07/2297/FP/FM Removal of garage door & insertion of bay window 33 Apton Road Applicant: Mr Paul Dellow 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 ENV9 and appendix iv of the East Herts Local Plan Second Review.

3/07/2346/FP/LH Storage racks within good yard - amended scheme reducing largest racks and changing the style T Brewer & Co Ltd, 110 Dunmow Road Applicant: T Brewer & Co Ltd Reason: i Over bearing aspect due to the excessive height ii Overlooking neighbouring gardens iii Detrimental to the quality of life in a residential area.

432. PLANNING DECISIONS

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

433. APPEALS

To note the following appeal inquiry:

3/06/2394/FP Erection of 21 no self contained 2 and 3 bed flats
Oxford House, London Road
Appellant: Mr C Gridley, GQ Properties
Date: 22 January 2007
Time: 10.00
Venue: Council Chamber, Wallfields

434. STREET NAMING AND NUMBERING

None to date.

435. 20 MPH SPEED LIMITS IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS (CLLR WOODWARD)

Cllr Woodward advised members that he had obtained a copy of the Department of Transport guidelines concerning the implementation of 20mph speed restrictions in residential areas. Cllr Woodward had noted from the guidelines that 450 such restrictions currently existed throughout the country and that permission no longer needed to be obtained from the Secretary of State to implement the restrictions. In areas where
20 mph speed limits had been implemented, child road accidents had been reduced by 67% and traffic flow had also been reduced, with little accident migration to surrounding roads.

Cllr Woodward considered that the Parsonage Lane area of town would be an ideal location for the implementation of 20 mph limits based on the fact that three primary schools were situated in the locality and he confirmed that the local schools, the Residents Association and the Police were supportive of the proposal.

Whilst members were generally supportive of the proposal, concern was expressed that a piecemeal approach would not necessarily be the most appropriate way forward and that 20 mph speed restrictions should be implemented in all residential areas within the Town in order to avoid confusion for motorists. It was also felt that such matters could possibly be best addressed within the Town Plan. Nevertheless, in view of the uniqueness of the Parsonage Lane area and its proximity to three schools, members agreed to write to the Highways Joint Members Panel to request that a 20 mph speed restriction be implemented in the Parsonage Lane area.

RESOLVED: that a letter be forwarded to the Chairman of the Highway Joint Member Panel requesting that, as a trial location, consideration be given to the implementation of a 20 mph speed restriction in the Parsonage Lane area of Town

436. SHAPING BISHOP'S STORTFORD BOARD (CLLR WOODWARD)

Cllr Woodward stated that he had raised this item because he considered that a representative from the Planning and Environmental Committee should be represented on the East Herts Council, Shaping Bishop's Stortford Board.

RECOMMENDED:

1. that Cllr Woodward fill the vacancy on the Planning and Environmental Committee
2. that the Town Council seek representation for the Planning and Environmental Committee on the Shaping Bishop's Stortford Board and that Cllr Woodward be the nominated representative.

437. UP-DATED REPORTS
i Improved Cycle Facilities - (First raised 3 September 2007)
The Chairman would report on this matter at the next meeting.
ii. Boars Head, Windhill
To note that East Herts Council Enforcement had contacted the owner of the property regarding the replacement windows and Sky Sports banner.

iii
Bus Stops and Bus Services - (First raised 12 November 2007)
Members noted the attached response from David Neilan, Passenger Transport Unit, Herts County Council. 438. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA

(i) Street Naming (Cllr Woodward).
To update the list of proposed street names.

(ii) Remit of the Planning and Environmental Committee (Cllr Woodward)
To update the remit of the Committee

439. URGENT BUSINESS

Sponsorship of Litter Bins
Cllr Taylor had noted from a recent press release that East Herts Council was pursuing the Town Council's proposal to seek sponsorship of litter bins.


There being no further business, the meeting closed at approximately 8.50 pm

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON 19 NOVEMBER 2007


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: Ms Janine Garner - Town Centre Manager


402. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Apologies were received from Cllr Armstrong.

403. DECLARATION OF INTEREST None.

404. MINUTES OF THE TOWN COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 15 OCTOBER 2007 RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be confirmed as a correct record of the proceedings and signed by the Town Mayor.

405. COMMUNICATIONS i) Town Mayor's Quiz Night 17 November 2007 To note that the raffle raised £291.00. The Mayor passed on her gratitude to all who took part in the quiz, and to those who donated raffle prizes. ii) Diamond Wedding Anniversary Members requested that a letter of congratulations from the Council be forwarded to the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh on the occasion of their 60th Wedding Anniversary.


iii) Business Cards Cllr Barfoot had kindly offered to produce individual business cards for Town Council members free of charge and members were asked to provide
Cllr Barfoot with the information members wished to be included.

406. QUESTIONS ASKED PURSUANT TO STANDING ORDER 24 None.

407. BUSINESS EXPRESSLY REQUIRED BY STATUTE None.

408. COMMITTEE REPORTS i) Planning and Environment Committee 22 October 2007 RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be received ii) Finance and General Purposes Committee 5 November 2007 Min 373 (ii) Budget Statement Members requested clarification from the Clerk regarding the status of Mrs Percival's presence in the office. RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be received

409. WORKING PARTIES i) Drugs and Substances Working Party 11 October 2007 Min 5.Vale House Members expressed concern regarding the loss of County Council funding to Vale House and were disappointed to note that the funding would be diverted to the larger Organisations, Turning Point and Westminster Drug Project. Members requested that a letter be forwarded to Hertfordshire County Council and to the Government (copy to Mark Prisk MP) deprecating the decision and seeking confirmation as to the services to be provided to Bishop's Stortford by Turning Point and Westminster Drugs Project. RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be received. Note: Members noted the poor attendance at the Working Party over recent years and requested that the Chairman provide a report to the next meeting regarding the future of the Working Party.

ii) Town Plan Working Party RESOLVED: i that a representative from Churches Together be invited to join the Working Party ii that Bishop's Stortford Town Council, working in partnership with members of the public and key stakeholders, produce a Town Plan for Bishop's Stortford iii that the Working Party be expanded iv that the minutes be received.

410. YOUTH COUNCIL RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting held on 1 November 2007 be received.

411. GRANT APPLICATIONS i) Victim Support An application had been received from Sue Dunkley of Victim Support, seeking a grant of £200 towards administration costs for the service provided in Bishop's Stortford. RESOLVED: that the sum of £200 be approved.

412. SHOP MOBILITY Ms Janine Garner attended the meeting in order to provide members with background information to the Shop Mobility Scheme. Ms Garner advised members that she had been a member of a working group for the past five years tasked to investigate a shop mobility scheme for Bishop's Stortford. The shop unit in Jackson Square had been provided as part of a Section 106 Agreement and funding for the first five months of operation had been provided. The Working Group had been in discussion with the Association of Shopmobilities, and had liaised with users of other Town schemes and potential users of the Bishop's Stortford scheme. The group, she stated, had deliberately opted to start small, and expand as and when further funding became available and the level of interest in the scheme had been determined.
East Herts Council had offered Bishop's Stortford Town Council first refusal to operate the scheme, however several other groups had shown an interest. It was, stated Ms Garner, now important for the Town Council to decide whether it wished to operate the scheme because the start of the funding period had already passed.


Whilst members were supportive of the concept of Shopmobilty, members considered that the other interested parties would be better placed to operate the scheme due to their expertise in securing additional funding of this nature. Members however wished to ensure that the Town Centre Manager continued to offer assistance to whichever group was awarded the Contract.

RESOLVED: that the Town Council decline the invitation to operate Shop Mobility in Bishop's Stortford

413. REPORTS TO THE TOWN COUNCIL Cllr Wyllie stated that he had raised this item because he had become concerned that a number of recent reports referred to the Town Council had not provided sufficient detailed information for the Council to make an informed decision and as a result delays had occurred in the decision making process. Cllr Wyllie considered that the Town Council should formulate a list of the requirements it would wish to see included in future reports. Cllr Graham suggested that a more suitable way forward would be for the Clerk to prepare and present an introductory report for members to consider, with the appropriate detailed information being presented once the Council had determined what further specific information it wished to receive. RESOLVED: that new items to be considered by the Council be referred as introductory items.

414. PERSONNEL HEALTH AND SAFETY Members had been circulated with a report produced by the Clerk containing recommendations regarding the future remit of the Personnel Health and Safety Working Party.

RESOLVED: i that the current Personnel Health and Safety Working Party be disbanded. ii that matters relating to Personnel be the responsibility of the Clerk, with matters affecting changes in the establishment being referred to the Finance and General Purposes Committee. iii That a new Committee, with responsibility for Appeals and Disciplinary Matters, comprising members of the previous Personnel, Health and Safety Working Party be set up. To meet only if required. iv That the Clerk's appraisal be the responsibility of Group Leaders and the Mayor.

415. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA i Consideration to relocate Council Chamber to Rhodes Arts Complex
(Cllr Wyllie) ii Future of Drugs and Substances Working Party (Cllr Taylor) There being no further business, the meeting closed at 9.12pm  

MINUTES OF THE PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE HELD ON
12 NOVEMBER 2007

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)

* Denotes present


In attendance: Cllr Woodward
4 members of the public (for Planning Application 3/07/2115/FP/AK)

380. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Cllr Armstrong and Cllr Miss Woodman.

381. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 22 OCTOBER 2007

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

382. DECLARATION OF INTEREST

Cllr Barfoot Personal Planning Application 3/07/2096/FP/CD
Cllr Barfoot Personal Planning Application 3/07/2169/FP/LH Cllr Demonti Personal Planning Application 3/07/2067/FP/SE Cllr Demonti Personal Planning Application 3/07/2096/FP/CD

383. PLANNING NOTIFICATIONS

i) No objections were raised on the following applications:-
3/07/1971/FP/SE Car park barrier for private residential block of flats Cygnet Court, Stort Road Applicant: Cygnet Court Management 3/07/2056/FP/SE Two storey side extension 86 Thorley Hill Applicant: Mr and Mrs Lynch 3/07/2096/FP/CD Change of use required from B1 to A1 10 Water Lane Applicant: Neil Cooper, Coopers of Stortford 3/07/2116/FP/EH Change part of the use from shop to residential use 119-121 South Street Applicant: Mrs Chantelle Hayden

3/07/2117/FP/EH

Demolish and rebuild part of existing shop and change of use that part to residential use. 119-121 South Street Applicant: Mrs Chantelle Hayden

3/07/2132/FP/AK Exterior staircase to first floor workshop/store above double garage at rear of house/end of rear garden 125 Stansted Road Applicant: Brian Roberts

3/07/2148/FP/FM Installation of new shop front to existing prepared opening in restaurant. Installation of door in brick elevation Unit C1 Jackson Square, Adderley Road/Riverside Applicant: Andrei Lussmann

3/07/2169/FP/LH Two storey side extension with dormer windows 11 Avenue Road Applicant: Mr and Mrs D Warrington

3/07/2173/FP/AK Single storey rear extension and new pedestrian access 40 Broadleaf Avenue Applicant: Mr Paul Martin

3/07/2176/FP/AK Three storey extension to rear of property 13 Avenue Road Applicant: Mr and Mrs Thorpe

3/07/2180/FP/LH Change of use of part of building from workhouse/office to Mosque and Islamic study centre (Retrospective) Millars Two, Southmill Road Applicant: Mr Dilware

3/07/2201/FP/AK First floor rear extension 49 Grange Road Applicant: Mr Woods

3/07/2207/FP/AK Replacement of existing concrete/paved patio and bridge with tiered hardwood deck across stream The Piggeries, Pig Lane Applicant: Mr and Mrs Nichol

3/07/2212/AD/AK 3 no. Aluminum tray signs & 1 no. projection signs (externally illuminated) 32-32a South Street Applicant: Cargo Homeshop

3/07/2215/FP/AK Single storey front extension 137 Parsonage Lane Applicant: Mrs L Watkins

3/07/2221/FP/LH
Remove existing terrapine hut & shed & construct new pavilion for tennis club use for viewing & shelter Bishop's Stortford Lawn Tennis Club, Cricketfield Lane Applicant: Bishop's Stortford Lawn Tennis Club

3/07/2236/FP/FM First floor extension 4 Westfield Road Applicant: Mr Matthew Clark
ii) Objections were made on the following applications:-

3/07/2067/FP/SE Front single storey extension, two storey side extension 19 Hayley Bell Gardens Applicant: Mr Ferro Reason: i Over development of the site ii Two storey extension onto a boundary creating a terracing effect.

3/07/2115/FP/AK Front and rear second storey extensions 8 Bishop's Avenue Applicant: Mr Matthew Goldsmith Reason: i The proposed extension was considered to be overbearing and large creating an over development of the site ii Detrimental to the street scene iii Loss of privacy due to overlooking of residents at numbers 6 and 10 Bishop's Avenue

3/07/2138/FP/SE Excavate front to ground level and rebuild wall 49 London Road Applicant: Miss Helen Thorn Reason: The proposed development would by the removal of soft landscaping and the dominance of hard surfaces be detrimental to the character and appearance of the street scene and locality.

3/07/2141/FP/SE Demolition of 184 Stansted Road and garage to 182 Stansted Road for the erection of 8 dwellings with the creation of new access and associated landscaping and parking (amended to planning permission

3/07/0704/FP) 182/184 and Land rear of, 180, Stansted Road Applicant: Shanley Homes Reason:

i The proposal would run contrary to the District Council's Policy which, in urban areas, seeks not to allow new or replacement dwellings which would change the character and amenities of the residential area. The development would be totally out of keeping with the Town in general and Stansted Road in particular.

ii The development represents an over development of the site

iii The site is a haven for wildlife with the presence of a number of protected species

iv The slope of the site to the rear of the houses would cause an unacceptable degree of over looking with a loss of amenities currently enjoyed by residents

v The demolition of perfectly good residential accommodation is to be deprecated, especially in view of them being capable of continued residential occupation. The replacement of homes with 8 new dwellings does nothing to enhance the neighbourhood or the character of the entrance of the Town.

vi The proposal flies in the face of the vision of Bishop's Stortford which contained an essential criteria for adopting Town Plans where seeking to preserve the character of the town and improve its appearance.

vii Members wished to ensure that the oak tree in the garden of an adjacent property, which was the subject of a TPO was preserved.

3/07/2214/FP/AK Single storey rear extension 38 Thornbera Road Applicant: Mrs A Hummersone 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 ENV9 and appendix

iv of the East Herts Local Plan Second Review. Note: The description on the letter from EHC was incorrect. The description on the application form was Single Storey Side Extension.

3/07/2242/FP/MH Roof dormer 38 Ashdale Mrs Purton Reason: The proposed dormer window, by reason of its size, siting, form and design would be out of keeping with and detrimental to the design and appearance of the existing dwelling and detrimental to the street scene.
384. PLANNING DECISIONS

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



385. APPEALS

The following appeal to be determined by the written representation procedure was noted:

3/07/1070/FP/NB Cinema room to rear of existing dwelling and
double garage with study over
221 Stansted Road
Appellant: Michael Devanny

The following appeal decisions issued by the Planning Inspectorate were noted:

3/07/0274/LB Construction of a timber framed orangery with
glazed lantern style roof
Grange Court, Rye Street
Appellant: Mr and Mrs Fletcher
Appeal Dismissed

3/07/0273/FP Construction of a single storey timber and glass orangery
Grange Court, Rye Street
Appellant: Mr and Mrs Fletcher
Appeal Dismissed

386. STREET NAMING AND NUMBERING

None to date.

387. BUS STOPS AND BUS SERVICES TO PARSONAGE LANE AREA OF TOWN

The Chairman provided detailed information to members which had been supplied by Cllr Woodward. The issue had been raised by a local resident, Mrs Poole, and concerned the inconvenient siting of bus stops in the Town Centre, regular changes in bus routes without full notice and the lack of direct bus services to hospitals in Harlow, Epping and Cambridge. Mrs Poole stated that these issues were a particular problem for elderly and disabled people in the Town. Members requested that a letter be sent to the Passenger Transport Unit, Hertfordshire Highways in order to draw these matters to their attention.

Cllr Demonti advised Cllr Woodward that the Minibus Trust was investigating the possibility of a community bus service for hospital runs.

RESOLVED: that a letter be forwarded to the Passenger Transport Unit, Hertfordshire County Council, enclosing copies of the correspondence from Mrs Poole.

388. OPERATION OF BS002

Cllr Horner tabled for members' consideration an amended version of the Town Council's Policy BS002 concerning garage conversions. The amendments were minor alterations to the wording of the policy which would allow the Committee to adopt a more flexible approach when considering applications for garage conversions.


The words 'in principle' in paragraph 1 of the original policy had been deleted as had the words 'must be rigorously enforced' in paragraph 3 to allow the Committee flexibility to consider each application on its merit.

RECOMMENDED: that the revised wording of Policy BS002 be accepted.

389. CONSULTATIONS ON PLANNING APPLICATIONS

Members had been circulated with a copy of a letter from East Herts Council advising that the District Council, as part of the e-government process, would shortly be in a position to email consultees with a link to view planning applications via the East Herts Council website. The Town Council had been requested to advise whether it was in a position to receive planning applications in this manner as opposed to in paper format. Members were of the opinion that it would be extremely difficult to fully examine multiple planning applications on a computer screen and were also concerned that the Saturday Surgery service offered by the Town Council would be seriously compromised if only one member of the public was able to view a planning application at a time. Members however requested to receive both email links and paper plans for the time being in order to ascertain whether the e-planning system was workable.

RESOLVED: that the above comments be forwarded to East Herts Council.

390. SPONSORSHIP OF ROUNDABOUTS (CLLR BARFOOT)

Cllr Barfoot stated that he had re-raised this matter because he had noted that the Highways Joint Member Panel had deferred its decision regarding the sponsorship of roundabouts and he was concerned that the sponsorship programme would fail to materialise. Cllr Taylor reminded members that he had confirmed at the previous meeting that the matter had been deferred until the new East Herts Council grounds maintenance contract had been negotiated and full details of the cost involved in a sponsorship scheme had been produced. Members had also been circulated with a copy of an email from Cliff Cardoza, East Herts Council, which detailed the relevant minute of the meeting of the Highways Joint Member Panel and which confirmed that the matter would be re-discussed on 14 January 2008. Members looked forward to receiving the recommendations of the meeting in due course.

391. JACKSON SQUARE CAR PARK (CLLR BARFOOT)

Cllr Barfoot stated that he had raised this matter due to public concern regarding the traffic management of the East Herts Council Car Park at Jackson Square and the traffic chaos caused by the positioning and phasing of the traffic lights at the exit to the car park during busy periods. Cllr Barfoot considered that with some re-routing of traffic within the car park and with minor structural alterations the problem could be solved. Members suggested that the parties involved, namely Hertfordshire Highways, East Herts Council and Wilson Bowden (owners of the freehold to the car park) should be invited to attend a special meeting of the Planning and Environmental Committee in order that members' suggestions to resolve the problem could be discussed.

RESOLVED: that representatives from Hertfordshire Highways, East Herts Council and Wilson Bowden be invited to attend a meeting of the Planning and Environmental Committee to take place on a Tuesday evening in January 2008.

392. UP-DATED REPORTS

i Improved Cycle Facilities - (First raised 3 September 2007)
The Chairman would report on this matter at the next meeting.

ii A Boards - (First raised 20 August 2007)
To note the attached response dated 6 November from Claire Stokes, Environmental Health Officer, East Herts Council.

iii Sponsorship of Litter Bins - (First raised 20 August 2007)
To note the attached response from the Town Centre Manager.

iv. Boars Head, Windhill
To note that East Herts Council Enforcement had contacted the owner of the property regarding the replacement windows and Sky Sports banner.

v. Illegal Parking, Dunmow Road
To note that this matter had been reported to Inspector Piper 26 September 2007

vi Lamp Column, Thorley Street
To note the attached response from Hertfordshire Highways dated 24 October 2007.

393. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA

(i) 20mph Speed limits within residential areas of the Town.
Cllr Woodward requested that the Committee consider whether the implementation of 20mph speed limits should be requested in Parsonage Lane and other residential areas.

(ii) 'Shaping Bishop's Stortford' Board.
To consider whether the Committee should request representation on the Board.

394. URGENT BUSINESS

None

There being no further business, the meeting closed at approximately 9.20 pm
 

MINUTES OF MEETING OF FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE
HELD ON MONDAY 5 NOVEMBER 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



369. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

None.

370. DECLARATION OF INTEREST

None.

371. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 10 SEPTEMBER 2007

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

372. MATTERS ARISING

Min 252 (iii) - Pension Disclosure
The Clerk confirmed that there was no legal requirement for the information to be provided in the 2007/2008 accounts. However, such information would be required for the 2008/2009 accounts. The cost involved would amount to approximately £3,600pa.

373. ACCOUNTS AND BUDGET STATEMENT TO 19 OCTOBER 2007

(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 use of bottled water for the staff, which, it was felt, was not only costly but its transportation was not felt to be environmentally friendly. The Clerk was requested to investigate alternative methods of providing filtered water and to establish whether the current contract for the supply could be terminated.

RESOLVED: that the accounts as set out in the attached schedule in the sum of £50,641.50 be duly authorised for payment

ii) Budget Statement

Central Support - Administration Costs
Code 1161 New Domain Name

The Chairman informed members that the new domain (www.bishopsstortfordtc.gov.uk) was now operational and he had been advised by the Clerk that both the new name and the current name (tc@bishopsstortford.org) would run in tandem for the present time. The Chairman suggested that tc@bishopsstortford.org be given over solely for the use by the TIC as, legally, it was not possible to advertise on a Government website. Members concurred with the Chairman's suggestions and they requested the Clerk to action.

The Chairman referred to the presence in the office of former employee,
Mrs K Percival. The Clerk stated that Mrs Percival had agreed, pending her departure from Hertfordshire, to mentor Miss Walling in her studies and to provide occasional accounting back-up. Members requested that a letter be forwarded to Mrs Percival expressing their appreciation.

RESOLVED: that the attached statement be received

374. GRANTS - CALCULATION CRITERIA (Cllr Barfoot)

Cllr Barfoot tabled, for members' information, a discussion paper based on his proposal for improving the grant procedure. Cllr Wood expressed his unease at having to deliberate on a discussion paper at such short notice and that it would be inappropriate to consider the matter at the meeting.

RESOLVED: that this matter be referred to the next meeting of the Finance and General Purposes Committee

375. REPORTS TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC (Cllr Wyllie)

Cllr Wyllie informed members that he had spoken to a representative of Access Magazine who had expressed an interest in the project which could be undertaken at no cost to the Town Council. Cllr Wyllie confirmed that his discussions were ongoing and, hopefully, by the time of the precept meeting he would have a clearer picture of what costs were likely to be incurred.

376. GERSHON SYSTEM (Cllr Wyllie)

Members considered the vacancy on the Gershon System Working Party and Resolved that Cllr Wood be duly elected to serve.

With regard to the inaugural meeting, members agreed to discuss a convenient date following the close of the meeting and that the Clerk would be notified accordingly. Cllr Wyllie stated that members would self-minute the meeting.

377. COLLECTIVE PURCHASING POLICY

RESOLVED: that this matter be referred to the Gershon System Working Party

378. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA

i) Budget Requirements
Members were informed that the budget meeting was scheduled for Monday 3 December 2007 and requests for items to be included should be forwarded to the Clerk as soon as possible.

ii) NALC Circular
Report of the Chief Executive - 25 September 2007 had been circulated to all members.

iii) Asset Valuation
The Clerk was requested to forward a copy of the Valuation to all members of the Committee

379. URGENT/ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Sale of Land/Purchase of Apton Day Centre

The Clerk informed members that the above transaction had now been concluded and the freehold of the Apton Day Centre had now been transferred to the Town Council. Additional expenditure had been necessary to secure a release of a covenant on the Town Council land imposed by the Catholic Church, together with other related costs. The total additional sum amounted to £13,000.

RESOLVED: that the above be noted

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