MINUTES OF THE PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE HELD ON
22 OCTOBER 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

349. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

None.

350. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 8 OCTOBER 2007

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

351. DECLARATION OF INTEREST

None.

352. PLANNING NOTIFICATIONS

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

3/07/1483/FP/SE Conservatory 13 Wainwright Street Applicant: Mr Paul Hustwitt

3/07/1949/FP/FM Roof Dormers 13 Drovers Way Applicant: Mr and Mrs Amos Smith

3/07/1964/FP/AK Single storey rear extension and replacement detached garage 2 Canfield Applicant: Mr and Mrs Paulus

3/07/1987/FP/FM Single storey rear infill extension and pitched roof over existing single storey extension 3 Chesfield Close Applicant: Mr and Mrs G Pickard

3/07/1990/FP/MP Change of use from office store to 1 bed dwelling. 40 Hockerill Street Applicant: D J Russell Note: Members considered that the plans were poorly presented.

3/07/1992/FP/LH
Single storey rear extension to provide disability facilities 13 Plaw Hatch Close Applicant: Sophie Pink

3/07/1996/FP/SE Two storey rear extension, single storey side extension and dormer windows to front elevation 16 Kings Court Applicant: Mr and Mrs Lambert Note: Members noted that the side extension was in fact 1 ½ storeys, not single storey, as detailed on the plans.

3/07/2033/FP/MP Two storey side extension and single storey rear conservatory 182 Stansted Road Applicant: Miss Lisa Thow

3/07/2037/FP/LH Demolish and rebuild part of existing shop 119-121 South Street Applicant: Mrs C Hayden

3/07/2059/FP/MP Front porch and two storey rear extension 11 Grange Park Applicant: Mr and Mrs Basavaraj

3/07/2072/FP/EH Change of use from office to residential use of Kingsland House plus construct a second and third floor extension over existing side link Kingsland House, 43 Dane Street Applicant: Mr Patrick McBride

3/07/2081/FP/AK Retrospective change of use class from B1 (Business Offices) to A2 (Financial and Professional Services) The Old Maltings, Hockerill Street Applicant: Matheson and Co

3/07/2082/FP/MP Proposed single storey front extension, two storey rear extension and internal alterations The Stables, Avenue Road Applicant: Mr and Mrs Pate

3/07/2084/FP/FM Single storey rear extension with glazed mono-pitch roof including enlargement of opening in existing rear elevation wall 52 Barrells Down Road Applicant: Mrs Monica Cheetham

ii) Objections were made on the following applications:-

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 Applicant: Mr M Skeggs Reason: i Over development of the site ii Two storey extension onto a boundary creating a terracing effect, contrary to Policy ENV6(b) of the East Herts Local Plan Second Review iii The balcony which had been built overlooked bedrooms of the adjacent property. Members expressed concern that the building which had been erected bore little resemblance to the original planning permission and requested that immediate enforcement action be implemented.

3/07/1940/FP/FM ¾ garage conversion (windows in the front) to use as a study 15 Peregrine Close Applicant: Mr and Mrs Nadia and Stefan Thom 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.

3/07/1985/FP/FM Single storey extension 9 Hayley Bell Gardens Applicant: Mr Richard Franks 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.

3/07/2036/FP/LH Erection of 3no 2 storey terraced houses with car parking Land rear of 106-124 Plaw Hatch Close Applicant: Mr Andrew Hull, South Anglia Housing Reason: Additional housing would exacerbate the already difficult parking problem in the area and additionally, as the site was currently used as a drop off area for Summercroft School, its loss would lead to further congestion in the morning and afternoon.

3/07/2045/FP/SE
Retrospective consent for off road parking and retaining wall 31-33 Rye Street Applicant: Ms E Harris Mr S Lorton Reason: i Dangerous ingress and egress onto a major highway ii Vehicles accessing the site would have to cross over the zig zags of a pedestrian crossing

3/07/2064/FP/FM Replace existing lounge window with new bay windows, replace existing garage door with new bay window as part of conversion of garage into sitting room. 63 Rochford Road Applicant: Mr Tim Atkinson 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.
(
iii) The following comments were proffered to the Scoping Documents:

S/07/0537/03 Scoping Report for development of Land at Hertfordshire and Essex High School, Warwick Road Report by Andrew Martin Associates

S/07/0537/03 Scoping Report for development of Land at Bishop's Stortford High School, London Road Report by Andrew Martin Associates

S/07/0537/03 Scoping Report for development of land at Beldams Lane Sports Pitches, Beldams Lane Report by Andrew Martin Associates.
Members considered that the traffic movement surveys under-estimated the impact the proposed development at Herts and Essex High School and Beldams Lane would have on the London Road junction at Hockerill, which was already considered to be operating at capacity.

Members further considered that the wildlife assessments had not been thorough enough, particularly in regard to the Beldams Lane site and they felt that the assessment was biased in favour of development.

No details were provided regarding the cultural and archaeological importance of the Herts and Essex High School main building.

There was no mention in the report regarding the loss of amenity with regard to the leisure facility currently located at the Bishop's Stortford High School and no replacement was proposed in the Scoping Report.

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

353. PLANNING DECISIONS

None to date.

354. APPEALS

The following appeal to be determined by the Public Inquiry procedure was noted:

3/06/2394/FP Erection of 21 Self contained 2 & 3 bed flats
Oxford House, London Road
Appellant: G Q Properties

355. STREET NAMING AND NUMBERING

None to date.

356. PROPOSED PARKING CONTROLS - LINDSAY ROAD/PINELANDS AND WOODLANDS

Members had been circulated with details of proposed parking restrictions for Lindsay Road, Pinelands and Woodlands. Members welcomed the proposals, which they felt were long overdue.

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

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

The Chairman advised members that he had raised this matter at the request of Cllr Woodward, but unfortunately was not in receipt of any information regarding the issue.

RESOLVED: that this item be deferred pending further information.


358. OPERATION OF BS002

Cllr Horner stated that he had raised this item in order to seek clarification and discussion regarding the use of BS002 (garage conversions). He stated that the policy appeared to be routinely ignored by East Herts Council and he wondered whether the Town Council should continue to universally apply the policy rather than examining each application on its merit. Members felt that consideration should be given to amending the Policy in order to give the Committee the freedom to look at each application individually and only apply the Policy to applications where a garage conversion would cause an on street parking problem.

RESOLVED: that Cllr Horner re-draft Policy BS002 for consideration at the next meeting.

359. TAXI RANKS OUTSIDE FLAUNT AND BS BOWLING CLUB, SOUTH STREET

Cllr Taylor raised the issue regarding the taxi ranks and the proposal to issue parking permits for businesses at Millars Three. He considered that parking permits should be available for local residents. It was noted that this matter had already been discussed by the Committee at its meeting of 24 September 2007 and comments regarding residents parking permits had been forwarded to East Herts Council.

360. UP-DATED REPORTS

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

ii A Boards - (First raised 20 August 2007)
Letter sent to East Herts Council, Environmental Health, 22 August 2007. Response awaited. Members requested that a further letter be forwarded.

iii Sponsorship of Litter Bins - (First raised 20 August 2007)
To note that this matter was currently under discussion by East Herts Council

iv. Boars Head, Windhill
Mr M Welburn, East Herts Council had advised that the situation was currently under review as permission was currently being sought for a smoking shelter. The others issues would be addressed at the same time.

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 that this matter had been reported to Hertfordshire Highways
26 September 2007.

vii Directional Signage, Birchanger Roundabout
To note that this matter had been reported to Essex County Council Highways
26 September 2007.

viii White Lines, Top of Havers Lane
To note that the lines had been ordered.

361. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA

(i) Bus Stops and Bus Services between Town Centre and the Parsonage Lane area of Town (Cllr Warnell)
(ii) Operation of BS002 (Cllr Horner)
(iii) Jackson Square Car Park (Cllr Barfoot)
(iv) Sponsorship of roundabouts (Cllr Barfoot)

362. URGENT BUSINESS

Proposals for Pedestrian Crossings at Villiers Sur Marne and Friedberg Avenue

Cllr Taylor advised members that he had received a consultation document from Hertfordshire Highways regarding proposals for pedestrian crossings at the above locations. It was noted that the Town Council had not been consulted regarding this issue and the deadline for response was 31 October 2007. The Assistant Clerk was requested to obtain a copy of the information for members' consideration.

Roundabout, London Road/Hallingbury Road (Cllr Barfoot)

Cllr Barfoot was disappointed to note that correspondence he had received from Hertfordshire Highways indicated that no action would be taken to improve the above roundabout in the near future. He was keen to pursue this matter further and he was therefore advised to contact Cllr Engel of Hertfordshire County Council.

Subway, Apton Road (Cllr Taylor)

To note that a petition from local residents had been submitted to East Herts Council against the 4am licence application for the above food outlet. Members were of the opinion that the application was unlikely to be granted unless two door attendants were employed.

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

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON 15 OCTOBER 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

332. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Apologies were received from Cllr Demonti, Cllr Mrs Demonti and
Cllr Graham 333. DECLARATION OF INTEREST None. 334. MINUTES OF THE TOWN COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON
15 OCTOBER 2007 Min 261 - Questions to Inspector Andy Piper Members noted that the appendix to the minutes which contained the questions to Inspector Piper had not been circulated, and therefore certain answers as detailed in the minutes did not make sense.

Answer 7 - This related to Hockerill School and Footpath 53.
Answer 9 - Cllr Woodward confirmed that to remove an A board and later return it to the owner would not be classed either as theft or criminal damage. A charge of criminal damage could ensue if a chain was cut which held the sign or A board to a post or similar.
Answer 12 - Cllr Woodward confirmed that a meeting had been arranged to take place at the Police Station at 6.30pm on 8 November 2007.


RESOLVED: Having given effect to the above amendments and observations that the minutes be confirmed as a correct record of the proceedings and signed by the Town Mayor.

335. COMMUNICATIONS

i) Town Mayor's Quiz Night To note that the above event was scheduled to take place on 17 November 2007, at St Michael's Mead Community Centre.

ii) Annual Town Meeting The Town Mayor advised members that, at next year's Annual Town Meeting to be held on 31 March 2008, Committee Chairmen would be asked to present reports of the work of their Committee.

iii) Presentation to the Town Council on behalf of the English Football Association Cllr Barnes advised members that Woodside Park, the home of the Bishop's Stortford Football Club, had been chosen to host the England Ladies Under 17 International against Denmark which took place on
21 September 2007. At the presentation following the match, the English Football Association presented two plaques to commemorate the occasion, one to the Football Club and one to the Town Council. Cllr Barnes had been asked to accept the plaque on behalf of the Town Council and he was delighted to pass the plaque on to the Town Mayor, for display in the Council Chamber.

Members requested that a letter of appreciation be forwarded to the English Football Association.

336. QUESTIONS ASKED PURSUANT TO STANDING ORDER 24 None.

337. BUSINESS EXPRESSLY REQUIRED BY STATUTE None.

338. COMMITTEE REPORTS i) Planning and Environment Committee 24 September 2007 RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be received

ii) Allotment Management Committee 1 October 2007 RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be received

iii) Silver Leys Management Committee _________ 1 October 2007 RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be received

iv) Planning and Environmental Committee_____________8 October 2007 RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be received.

339. WORKING PARTIES

i) Standing Orders Working Party 26 September 2007 To note that members had wished to fill the vacancy on the Working Party prior to the next meeting. No volunteers were forthcoming. RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be received.

ii) Playground Working Party RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be received.

340. TOWN CENTRE MANAGEMENT RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting held on 28 June 2007 be noted.

341. GRANT APPLICATIONS

i) Bishop's Stortford in Bloom This matter had been deferred from the previous meeting following members' request for further information regarding the reason behind the 25% increase in the grant request from that submitted in the previous year. A letter had been received from the Treasurer of Bishop's Stortford in Bloom submitting a reduced grant request of £400. A general comment was made regarding whether the Organisation had considered an approach to a garden centre for sponsorship. RESOLVED: that the sum of £400 be approved. Note: At this point in the meeting Cllr Taylor arrived, having previously tendered his apologies for his lateness.

ii) Water Lane Theatre Group This matter had been deferred from the previous meeting for further information. It was noted that no further information had been received RESOLVED: that the matter be deferred until further information had been provided.

(iii) Havers Bowls Club An application had been received from the above Organisation seeking a grant of £1,700 in respect of double glazing of four windows in the Club House. It was noted that the Organisation held £10,000 in reserve and had also made a similar grant request to East Herts Council. It was therefore considered inappropriate to award a grant in this instance. RESOLVED: that no grant be approved. Note: Cllr Armstrong abstained from voting.

342. APPOINTMENT TO PERSONNEL HEALTH AND SAFETY WORKING PARTY Members had been requested to appoint a replacement to the Working Party following the resignation of Cllr Warnell. However, as at this evening's meeting, Cllr Warnell had withdrawn his resignation and was seeking re-appointment.

Cllr Peek proposed that the Working Party be disbanded and the motion was seconded. Cllr Peek was firmly of the opinion that matters relating to Personnel should be the responsibility of the Clerk and members input into such matters should be strictly limited. The Clerk, he stated, was answerable to the Council in the event of any problem. A suggestion was made that Personnel matters should be referred directly to the Finance and General Purposes Committee or, alternatively, discussed with group leaders. A further suggestion was proffered that the Clerk produce a report for the next meeting of the Town Council.

Despite the motion to disband the Working Party having been proposed and seconded it was noted that the motion came under Standing Order 23 (Motions moved without Notice) and the Town Mayor ruled that the Motion could not be voted upon at this meeting. The matter was referred to the next meeting of the Town Council. (Standing Order 23 h)

RESOLVED: that Cllr Warnell be re-appointed to the Personnel Health and Safety Working Party.

343. SHOP MOBILITY Members had been circulated with a copy of the attached report, compiled by the Town Centre Manager and the Clerk, which detailed the business plan for Shop Mobility. Whilst of the opinion that Shop Mobility was a worthwhile venture, nevertheless, members had reservations on embarking on such a scheme without further information. Members agreed to provide the Asst Clerk with matters which they wished to see addressed prior to giving further consideration to the scheme. It was further suggested that the Town Centre Manager be invited to the next meeting to address members' concerns. RESOLVED:

i That the matter be deferred to the next meeting.

ii That the Clerk and Town Centre Manager investigate further funding opportunities and other Organisations who may be interested in operating the scheme.

iii Further information requested regarding the viability of the scheme in general.

344. RHODES BIRTHPLACE TRUST Members had been asked to consider a request to the Trust for the Town Council to receive a number of free bookings at the Rhodes Arts Complex each year. RESOLVED: that a request be made to the Rhodes Birthplace Trust to consider free use of the Complex for the Town Council, TIC and Town Centre Manager, within reason.

345. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA

i Disbandment of the Personnel, Health and Safety Working Party (Cllr Peek)

ii Reports to the Town Council (Cllr Wyllie)

iii Shop Mobility

346. EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC RESOLVED: that in view of the confidential nature of the items to be discussed, that the press and public be excluded from the meeting

347. MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 8 OCTOBER 2007 RESOLVED: That the Minutes be received

348. PERSONNEL HEALTH AND SAFETY WORKING PARTY Members had been circulated with two reports, one from Cllr Wyllie and one from the Clerk (see attached) proffering suggestions for the staffing of the Town Council reception. RESOLVED: that the Town Council advertise for a new full time receptionist to be appointed on NJC Scale 1 / 2 Spine Point 4. There being no further business, the meeting closed at 9.00pm

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