MINUTES OF THE PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE HELD ON
24 SEPTEMBER 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


APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Cllr Barfoot, Cllr Taylor and Cllr Miss Woodman

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 3 SEPTEMBER 2007

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

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

Cllr Demonti Personal Planning Application 3/07/1840/FP/FM

PLANNING NOTIFICATIONS

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

3/07/0873/FP/CD Demolition of existing stone masons yard and showroom, new mixed use development to include residential, office, A1 (retail) and A3 (restaurant) J Day and Son, Bridge Works, Station Road Applicant: J Day & Son Note: Members expressed concern regarding the suitability of Dell Lane for ingress and egress to the site. Members also wished to see improvements to the Pedestrian crossing by the river at Station Road.

3/07/1692/FP/SE Roof dormers and porch roof Hazelside, 9 Chantry Road Applicant: Mr and Mrs Smith

3/07/1731/FP/SE Part garage conversion to form study 59 Marguerite Way Applicant: Ms J Falder

3/07/1755/FP/SE Single storey rear extension 2 Oaktree Close Applicant: Mr D Stenton

3/07/1756/FP/MP Rear dormer 51 Nursery Road Applicant: Mr Luck

3/07/1767/FP/MP Two storey side extension and replacement of existing rear flat roof with pitched roof 4 Pinelands Applicant: Mr S Leach

3/07/1771/FP/SCD New access to field Farnham Road Applicant: James Thomas Wallace Note: On the information provided members raised no objection in principle, however members requested that East Herts Council investigate in detail the rural planning implications.

3/07/1779/FP/EH 2no detached 5 bedroom houses with integral double garages and parking, new fencing, landscaping and shared access onto Hallingbury Road Land adjacent 1 Hallingbury Road Applicant: The Croft Group

3/07/1787/FP/SE Single storey extension and rear dormer 23 Church Manor Applicant: Mr J Bedwell

3/07/1790/FP/LH Two single storey extensions: kitchen and utility room and garden room 121 Hadham Road Applicant: Mr and Mrs P Fishpool

3/07/1800/FP/MP Two storey front and side extension, single storey rear extension 121A Hadham Road Applicant: David Culverhouse

3/07/1801/LC/MP Demolition of existing garage, porch and conservatory 121A Hadham Road Applicant: David Culverhouse

3/07/1821/FP/SE Remove and block 2 windows to front and side elevations - retrospective 7 Station Road Applicant: Fountain Bar

3/07/1836/FP/LH Rebuild of the public house consisting of basement cellar, ground and first floor bars with associated amenities and a second floor incorporating openable glass rooflights and a bedsit apartment with external terrace and stairs, all ancillary to the primary use. The Bridge House Tavern, 78 South Street Applicant: Mr F O'Regan

3/07/1839/FP/FM Two storey side and single storey rear extensions 41 Hipkins Applicant: Dr Robin Saunders

3/07/1840/FP/FM Two storey side extension 4 Boundary Close Applicant: Mr Carl Green

3/07/1846/AD/FM Non illuminated signage 6 Stortford Hall Industrial Park, Dunmow Road Applicant: Boss Cargo Ltd

3/07/1850/FP/FM Front extensions 7 Matching Lane Applicant: Mr and Mrs M Bull

3/07/1872/FP/MP Replacement garage with room over 33 Abbotts Way Applicant: Mr P Grace

3/07/1875/FP/AY Erection of water storage tank Bishop's Stortford Football Club, Woodside Applicant: Bishop's Stortford Football Club

3/07/1878/FP/SE Patio cover 5 Boundary Road Applicant: R Cole

3/071891/FP/SCD Single storey link extension between existing house and garage and extension to garage with guest accommodation over 28 Chantry Road Applicant: Mr and Mrs I Winship

ii) Objections were made on the following applications:-

3/07/1683/FP/SE Garage conversion, replace garage door with window 36 Larksway Applicant: Mr and Mrs Quinn 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.

3/07/1752/FP/AK Two storey rear extension. Follow up app to 3/07/0550/FP 146 London Road Applicant: Mr and Mrs Ashraf Reason: Over development of an extremely small plot which would be totally overbearing on the neighbouring properties.

3/07/1780/FP/LH 2no 2 bedroom maisonettes, with parking and shared access onto Scott Road Land adjacent to 66 Scott Road Applicant: Apex SML Reason: i The proposed development would be totally out of keeping with the street scene. ii A traffic conflict would materialise in view of the dangerous ingress and egress of vehicles in close proximity to the school and school crossing iii Over development of the site.

3/07/1889/RP/SCD Approval of reserved matters for detached single storey dwelling Land adj to 1 Dane O' Coys Applicant: David Gillan Reason: Over development of a small site.

iii. No comment was raised on the following application:

3/07/1721/FP/LH Proposed new bungalow and double garage in the garden to the side of existing property Twyford Orchard, Pig Lane Applicant: Norman Brian Piggot

PLANNING DECISIONS

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

APPEALS

To note the following appeal decision issued by the Planning Inspectorate:

3/06/2052/FP Annexe dwelling
7 Maple Avenue
Appellant: Graham Peters
Appeal Dismissed.


STREET NAMING AND NUMBERING

Members had been circulated with archive records of suggested names for new developments.

RESOLVED: that the lists be available for reference on receipt of future requests for naming of developments.


EAST HERTS DISTRICT COUNCIL (MILLARS THREE, BISHOP'S STORTFORD)(PARKING ZONE) ORDER 2007

The attached Parking Zone Order issued by East Herts Council had been circulated to members for comment.

Cllr Barnes reported that he had been approached by members of the Havers Bowls Club who had expressed their disappointment regarding the proposal to designate the parking area outside the Club for permit holders of businesses from Millars Three. Cllr Barnes considered that it was inappropriate for businesses to be in receipt of such permits and that the area should be reserved for local residents or members of the Bowls Club, many of whom were elderly.

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

. UP-DATED REPORTS

i Improved Cycle Facilities - (first raised 3 September 2007)
Cllr Poulton, Chairman of the Highways Joint Member Panel, had responded to members concerns by providing information regarding current and future plans for cycling facilities in Bishop's Stortford and he also provided the name and contact details of the officer at Hertfordshire Highways with responsibility for the development of cycling facilities. The Chairman agreed to contact the officer concerned to raise with him the Town Council's specific queries.

ii A Boards - (First raised 20 August 2007)
Letter sent to East Herts Council, Environmental Health, 22 August 2007. Response awaited

iii Sponsorship of Litter Bins - (First raised 20 August 2007)
The Town Centre Manager continued to assess the level of interest in such a scheme and to obtain in principle permission from East Herts Council.

iv. Boars Head, Windhill - (First raised 3 September 2007)
A response had been received from Mr M Welburn, East Herts Council confirming that as planning permission was currently being sought for a smoking shelter, the issues regarding the replacement windows and the advertising banner would be addressed at the same time.

ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA

(i) Bus Stops and Bus Services between Town Centre and the Parsonage Lane area of Town (Cllr Warnell)

URGENT BUSINESS

Lamp Column at Entrance to Bishop's Stortford on Thorley Street (Cllr Barnes)

Cllr Barnes reported that a lamp column, knocked down during a fatal road accident in January, had still not been replaced and he requested that Hertfordshire Highways be asked to re-instate the lamp column as soon as possible.


Birchanger Roundabout, Signage (Cllr Demonti)

Cllr Demonti reported that the directional signage at the Birchanger Roundabout had been removed over a month ago. It was requested that Essex County Council be asked to take action to replace the sign.

Illegal Parking, Dunmow Road Opposite Wharatea Court (Cllr Warnell)

Cllr Warnell reported that the builders of Wharatea Court regularly parked their cars on the grass verge opposite the development causing a danger to motorists by blocking the sight lines on the bend in the road.


There being no further business, the meeting closed at 8.40pm

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


259. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Apologies were received from Cllr Peek, Cllr Miss Woodman and Cllr Wyllie

260. SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS RESOLVED: that Standing Orders be suspended to allow a presentation by Inspector Andy Piper, Hertfordshire Constabulary

261. PRESENTATION BY INSPECTOR ANDY PIPER, HERTFORDSHIRE CONSTABULARY Inspector Piper tabled for members', information on crime statistics for Bishop's Stortford and East Herts generally for the period 1 April 2007 to 16 September 2007. It was encouraging to note that, overall, the crime figures were down on the previous year. This was attributable to an increase in the Police establishment and to more PCSOs on the street, providing greater visibility. Plain clothes officers were also operating in the Town. Motor vehicle crime was the biggest challenge both locally and nationally. However, overall, the figures were encouraging.

Prior to the meeting, members had submitted questions, as shown on the attached appendix, which they wished Inspector Piper to address.

1. There had been 269 reported incidents which had gone through the Control Room and posters had been compiled for identification. Arrests numbering 75 had been made this year. It was mentioned that of the 269 incidents, not all were related to criminal offences.

2. The Police were fully supportive of the introduction of CCTV in Snowley Parade and a petition was currently being considered by East Herts Council for this provision. CCTV cameras were a major tool in the prevention of crime.

3. The PCSOs regularly visited all schools. Letters had been sent to head teachers, drawing attention to the problems caused by indiscriminate parking. The PCSOs had been tasked with providing visibility to deter this unsocial behaviour. A comment was made that there was also a problem of indiscriminate parking near the Hockerill traffic lights and this might be more of a problem than outside the school.

4. Both the Police and the PCSOs made regular checks on the validity of motorists' documents. In the event of no tax discs being displayed, this was a DVLA matter, but the absence of insurance was a Police matter. Should any member of the public suspect that there was a vehicle without a valid tax disc, then it should be reported by the individual to the DVLA website.

5. Discussions had taken place with the Neighbourhood Manager and letters had been sent to all residents of Plaw Hatch Close regarding the illegal activity of pavement parking. A number of fixed penalty tickets had been issued which had made a tremendous difference. A reference was made to the problems of parking at the junction of Cricketfield Lane and Barrells Down Road, which was taking place within 15 feet of the junction and was causing a traffic hazard. Inspector Piper confirmed that he would take up this matter with his Traffic Manager. Gratitude was extended to the Police for their efforts in seeking to address the problems.

6. With regard to the parking in disabled bays, fixed penalty notices were issued. The Neighbourhood Manager had been made aware of the problem and a request had also been made for the parking bays to be re-marked.

7. As at this evenings' meeting, only one recorded incident had taken place in the vicinity of the School and indeed only one this year. The PCSOs had been made aware of the concerns.

8. It was unfortunate but Tesco did not have CCTV in the car park. This was not merely a local decision, but was national Tesco policy. However, the barriers were secured at night time and the premises did have security guards. Thefts were occurring during the day, with the favoured articles being laptops. Where previously the advice of the Police had been to secure any valuables in the boot of the car, sophisticated equipment of the criminal fraternity could now detect laptops in the boot. Therefore, the advice of the Police now was not to leave any valuables unattended in vehicles.

9. The problem of 'A' board advertising was recognised, but the removal of such advertising required the permission of the Highways Authority. Such boards should not be removed by unauthorised personnel who could be charged with criminal damage.

10. Traffic Officers were trained to deal with checking such vehicles. Currently, there was an ongoing operation 'space craft' looking at the problem of HGVs accessing Dunmow Road. Checks were carried out on a week day. A comment was made by a member that there were other areas of the Town, ie. Hadham Road, which also suffered from this problem.

11. With regard to the release of prisoners, none had been released into the Town. When prisoners came out of prison, their release address was automatically given to the local police. A Neighbourhood Officer would then make immediate contact with the person on a 'meet and greet' basis. There would be occasions when prisoners moved completely away from their area and this might well be for a genuine reason.

12. The recent meetings had proved very informative and were felt to be a good source of exchanging views. It was hoped that such meetings would take place on a three month cycle.

13. To date the speed survey had not taken place but an assurance was given that the matter would be put in place this year. A question was raised as to when there was likely to be speed cameras in evidence in Havers Lane. This request would be investigated.

14. The Police were, at present, putting together evidence with regard to the introduction of an alcohol ban and, currently, information was being gathered as to the litter problem generally in the Castle Gardens. There was under consideration, the possibility of introducing a Designated Public Place Order, similar to the one currently being introduced in Hertford. A letter had been submitted to the Town Council from Jamie Southwell, the Youth Leader at Northgate, who had voiced his opposition to any ban being introduced in Castle Gardens, which he felt would have a negative effect by moving the problem elsewhere. Inspector Piper was aware of Jamie's concerns and was working closely with him on this matter. The Police were also aware of the problems of parents not knowing where their children were during the evening and in some cases it was actually the parents buying the alcohol. Other matters raised, included the following:-

i) Cllr Gilbert raised a question regarding drugs usage. Response: there was a low level usage in the Town which was predominantly cannabis. However, there was evidence of class A drugs being used in a local establishment, who were very aware and vigilant over this matter. Inspector Piper stated that, as far as he was concerned, he did not think Bishop's Stortford had a drug problem. Cllr Graham cautioned about being lulled into a false sense of security with regard to the drug issue. Inspector Piper asked that, should there be any suspected drug issues, that they be reported to the Police.

ii) With regard to the question of 'A' board sponsorship, Cllr Warnell referred to sponsorship bins around the Town and sought Police views on their provision. Response: There was a potential for such bins to be set alight but this, in fact, was more a Fire Brigade matter which would be raised at the Joint Authority Group meeting.

iii) Inspector Piper gave members an update of the current position regarding the recent murders in the Town. Investigations were still ongoing.

In concluding the presentation, Inspector Piper was thanked for his attendance, following which, Standing Orders were reinstated.

262. DECLARATION OF INTEREST None.

263. MINUTES OF THE TOWN COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON
13 AUGUST 2007 Min 202 - Havers Community Centre Cllr Woodward questioned the validity of the action taken, which he felt contravened Standing Orders. RESOLVED: that the matter be referred to the next meeting of the Standing Orders Working Party

264. COMMUNICATIONS

i) Three Valleys Water Key Stakeholder Discussion Forum Members had been circulated with details of the above.

ii) University of Hertfordshire A letter had been written to the Town Mayor from Joanne Wearne, Development Officer, drawing attention to the creation of the 'Jack Fielder Scholarship' in recognition of the work undertaken in the field of education by the late Col Jack Fielder (former County Councillor). A copy of the letter had been forwarded to all members, together with donation forms. The Town Mayor stated that it was down to individual members to respond accordingly.

iii) 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. iv) Town Mayor's Civic Service The Town Mayor expressed her gratitude to all those members who attended her Civic Service.

265. QUESTIONS ASKED PURSUANT TO STANDING ORDER 24 None.

266. BUSINESS EXPRESSLY REQUIRED BY STATUTE None.

267. COMMITTEE REPORTS

i) Planning and Environment Committee 20 August 2007 RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be received

ii) Planning and Environment Committee 3 September 2007 RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be received

iii) Finance and General Purposes Committee 10 September 2007 RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be received

268. WORKING PARTIES

i) Green Energy Working Party 7 August 2007 RESOLVED:

i) In future, and in order to save paper, the Town Council adopts the East Herts Council's policy of circulating only a full set of papers to members of those Committees and Working Parties on which members are elected to serve. Non serving members will receive agendas only. Members requiring full information can contact the Office for hard or electronic copies.

ii) Where supporting documents would have previously been included with the agenda papers that were available from a website, and in order to save paper, the weblink will be provided, enabling members to choose to download and review the documents, rather than having full copies printed and circulated to them.

iii) That the name of the Working Party be changed to the Green Working Party in order to consider wider green issues relevant to Bishop's Stortford Town Council and its operation. ii) Town Plan Working Party 6 September 2007 RESOLVED:

i) that the Town Council seek representation on East Herts Council's 'Shaping Bishop's Stortford' Board for the Chairman of the Working Party

ii) that the following headings, taken from the East Herts Local Plan Second Review, form a framework for any Plan:- Sustainable Development Housing Green Belt and Countryside Transport Economic Development and Employment Shopping and Town Centre Environment and Design Built Heritage Leisure, Recreation and Community Facilities

269. GRANT APPLICATIONS i) Bishop's Stortford in Bloom An application had been received from Mrs J Cornell, Secretary/Treasurer of Bishop's Stortford in Bloom, seeking a grant of £985 to provide flowers for the Town Centre. Members questioned the increase in the request for a grant which amounted to 25% above the previous year and further information was sought prior to making a decision. RESOLVED: that the matter be deferred

ii) Water Lane Theatre Group An application had been received from the above Organisation seeking a grant of £810 to assist with financing the production of Journey's End, to be held at the Rhodes Complex in November 2007. Members expressed their concern that it would appear that the Organisation was merely seeking a loan in anticipation of ticket sales and that no audited accounts had been submitted with the application.

A further concern was that the production was linked to the British Legion Poppy Day Appeal and that indirectly, the grant was a means of contributing to the Appeal. RESOLVED: that the matter be deferred for further information.

270. TIC REPORT Members had been circulated with a copy of the attached report and they were extremely pleased to learn of the achievements in securing a major accolade and congratulations were extended to the TIC staff.

A suggestion was made that the Manager should arrange press coverage of the achievements and East Herts Council also be made aware, especially as the work of the TIC sat well with the Council's Cultural Strategy.

271. CONSULTATION ON DRAFT REVISED STATEMENT OF LICENCING POLICY UNDER LICENSING ACT 2003
Members had been circulated with a copy of the above which, Cllr Demonti stated, was a worthy document and would seek to assist greatly, smaller venues in their operation.

RESOLVED: that the contents of the document be noted

272. LICENSING ACT 2003: REMOVING DPS REQUIREMENTS FOR VILLAGE HALLS AND SIMILAR COMMUNITY BUILDINGS Members had been circulated with a copy of the above document.
RESOLVED: that the contents of the document be noted

273. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA None.

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

275. MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 24 AUGUST 2007 RESOLVED: That the Minutes be received There being no further business, the meeting closed at 9.20pm  

MINUTES OF MEETING OF FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE HELD ON MONDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 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

In attendance: Cllr Taylor

249. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Cllr Graham and Cllr Wood.

250. DECLARATION OF INTEREST

None.

251. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 25 JUNE 2007

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

252. MATTERS ARISING

i) Staff Training
To note that a rolling programme for staff training would be submitted to the next Personnel, Health and Safety Working Party meeting.

ii) Utility Payment (Gas)
To note that partnership arrangements with both East Herts Council and Hertfordshire County Council were being persued. iii) Pension Disclosure
An informal discussion had taken place with the Auditor and an official response was awaited. There would appear to be no legal requirement for the matter to be disclosed in the accounts.

iv) Pension Contribution (Employees)
To note that the Council's concern had been forwarded to NALC and arrangements were being made for the matter to be discussed by its Policy Committee in October 2007.

253. ACCOUNTS AND BUDGET STATEMENT TO 22 AUGUST 2007

(i) Accounts

Members had been circulated with a copy of the attached list of accounts for payment and commented upon the following items:-

Page 659 - Classic Gold Events ... £3,081.36 (net)
Information sought on the details relating to the expenditure.

A comment was made regarding the annual expenditure on stationery requisitions and whether the Town Council had in place a Collective Purchasing Policy. The Clerk confirmed that no such policy was in existence. Members agreed that this item be referred to a future meeting for discussion.

RESOLVED: that the accounts as set out in the attached schedule in the sum of £85,256.78 be duly authorised for payment

ii) Budget Statement

RESOLVED: that the attached statement be received

254. GRANTS - CALCULATION CRITERIA (Cllr Barfoot)

Cllr Barfoot had asked for this matter to be included on the agenda in order for discussion to take place on the present system of grant calculation and allocation and to establish whether there was now a window of opportunity to amend the current position. Rather than having an open ended date for the receipt of grants, a suggestion was made that a closing date should be set similar to the position which had been operated many years ago. Generally, there were mixed feelings on this matter with a number of members favouring having a cut off period, although recognising that in having such a system, this could deny very genuine and very much needed applications which might come forward later in the year. The down side would also be that the bulk of grants could be expended early on in the year and genuine applicants denied the opportunity of being considered.

With regard to the criteria for the consideration of grants, it was suggested that there should be a formal record of the conditions. However, in adopting such a system, it was felt that there would be no flexibility in the decision making process.

In order to discuss this matter further, Cllr Barfoot agreed to produce a paper for discussion at the next meeting.

255. REPORTS TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC (Cllr Wyllie)

The Chairman referred members to a publication entitled 'The Didcot Dynamo' which was a community newsletter produced by Didcot Town Council. This document contained details appertaining to the Town Council's functions, the forthcoming events in the Town, advertising, and was a generally informative brochure. The cost of producing the brochure, distribution and the circulation of four copies per annum, amounted to £12,000 (£3,000 per production). An outside company was employed to arrange all advertising, publication and distribution.

The Chairman felt that the publication was a very good way of producing information for the public and would be a far superior method to the present arrangement of taking a centre page spread annually in the Herts and Essex Observer newspaper, which cost £1,200.

A comment was made that, like lots of publications, the general public did not read them and this could be an expensive way of producing something which did not achieve the desired result. Reference was made to the recently circulated leaflet on the Town Plan with 15,000 having been distributed and only 69 replies having been received to date.

Nevertheless, there was general support for seeking further information on progressing this matter and, in this regard, both the Chairman and
Cllr Barfoot agreed to liaise with a view to submitting a further report to the Committee.

256. GERSHON SYSTEM (Cllr Wyllie)

Cllr Wyllie referred to the publication of the Gershon Report which was an independent review of public sector efficiency. Local authorities across the Country had been tasked with making energy efficiency savings of 2.5% per annum. The implications were that local authorities were having to scrutinise more thoroughly the way in which they carried out their business. The system was not merely aimed at securing cost reductions, but of improving the service provided by local authorities to the general public.

Members were supportive of the principals and for consideration being given to implementing such proposals at this year's budget making process. In order to progress this matter, it was Resolved, that a sub-committee of five members be established comprising the following personnel:-

Cllr Wyllie, Cllr Woodward, Cllr Gilbert and Cllr Mrs Demonti, leaving one vacancy

257. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA

i) Profile Budget Statement

ii) Grant Criteria

258. URGENT/ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Cllr Woodward tabled information regarding Quality Status for town councils which he felt the Council should seek to achieve in the lifetime of the current cycle.

MINUTES OF THE PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE HELD ON 3 SEPTEMBER 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



230. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Cllr Miss Woodman

231. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 20 AUGUST 2007
RESOLVED: that the Minutes be received as a correct record of the proceedings and signed by the Chairman.

232. DECLARATION OF INTEREST

Cllr Warnell
Personal Planning Application 3/07/1719/FP/LH

233. PLANNING NOTIFICATIONS

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

3/07/1620/FP/SE Two storey rear extension 25 Cedar Park pplicant: Mr and Mrs Benson

3/07/1634/FP/SE Conversion of existing hard-porous hockey pitch to a synthetic pitch, with full sized safety margins, floodlighting and fencing. Provision of a bund to screen and shelter the pitch. Change of surfacing on footpath Great Hadham Road Applicant: Mr Ian McCulloch, Bishop’s Stortford College Note: Members requested that floodlighting should be extinguished at 10pm, in consideration of local residents.

3/07/1640/FP/MP Rear conservatory 34 The Meadows Applicant: Mr and Mrs Hale

3/07/1670/FP/SE Two storey rear extension with side dormer window and two conservation lights to existing loft space 30 Hadham Road Applicant: Mr David Rushant

3/07/1673/FP/LH Revised scheme for single storey extension. Previously approved 3/06/2213/FP 126 Stortford Hall Park Applicant: Mr A Lester

3/07/1718/FP/EH Change of office use (Business B1) to office/gymnasium with new entrance doors 231 London Road Applicant: Mrs V Barlow

3/07/1748/FP/SE Single storey side and rear extension 47 Penningtons Applicant: Steve Daniels

ii) Objections were made on the following applications:-

3/07/1348/FP/AY Change of use of land to storage of new cars Bishop’s Stortford Football Club, Woodside Park Applicant: Bishop’s Stortford Football Club Reason: i Inappropriate use of Green Belt land. Any commercial operation including the storage of cars was considered out of keeping on Green Belt land. ii The ingress and egress was considered unsuitable for large car transporters particularly in regard to the site’s close proximity to the public amenity site.

3/07/1708/FP/SE Two storey front extension and loft conversion with dormer window 12 Pinelands Applicant: Karen Ritchie Reason: i The proposed extensions were considered to be out of keeping with the street scene. ii Loss of privacy and overlooking to residents of No 10 Pinelands iii The front extension would limit off street parking iv The front and rear extensions were considered to be overbearing.

3/07/1716/PT/LH Installation of new 13 metre street furniture column replacing lamp post 610 along with 2no ground based equipment cabinets LP 610, Great Hadham Road/Oriole Way Applicant: 02 Reason: The proposal would be contrary to the Town Council’s Policy BS005 – Bishop’s Stortford Town Council objected to any new telecommunication mast application on the grounds of public health, safety and appearance. No masts of any height should be placed within 250m of a residential area and 500m of any school. The Town Council encouraged the sharing of masts with multiple operators before any new application be considered.

3/07/1719/FP/LH Construction of second floor to provide 3no 1 bed residential units and raise roof to extend existing residential unit Barnes Carpets, 72 South Street Applicant: Mr A Barnes Reason: Serious car parking issues would result in the immediate area due to the lack of parking provision at the development.

234. PLANNING DECISIONS

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

235. APPEALS

None to date <

236. STREET NAMING AND NUMBERING

None to date.

237. FACILITIES FOR CYCLISTS IN THE TOWN CENTRE

Cllr Warnell reported that he had recently been approached by a group of cyclists who had expressed concern regarding the lack of cycle parking facilities at the southern end of the town centre. Cllr Warnell also stated that in his opinion cycling should be encouraged and he wondered if it would be feasible for cyclists to utilise the bus lane link between Thorley and Havers. He considered that if the trees and bushes between the bus lane and the footpath were cleared it would be possible for the area to be used as a cycle lane. Members concurred that Bishop’s Stortford was not cycle friendly and it was noted that the new cycle racks at the new Sainsburys store were tucked away out of sight, making it easy for cycles to be stolen. The consensus of opinion was that much needed to be done to upgrade the cycle facilities in Bishop’s Stortford and in this regard it was requested that a letter be forwarded to the Chairman of the Highways Joint Partnership Committee requesting that relevant Highway staff be invited to attend a future meeting of the Planning and Environmental Committee to discuss suggestions for improved facilities for cyclists.

238. PROPOSED 20MPH SPEED LIMIT – VARIOUS ROADS ST MICHAEL’S MEAD

Members had been circulated with the attached correspondence from Hertfordshire Highways, in which members comments had been requested regarding the implementation of a proposed 20mph speed limits on various roads in St Michael’s Mead. Members were of the opinion that the proposal was sensible in that it would ensure that the whole of St Michael’s Mead had a 20mph speed restriction. However members felt that the speed limit would only be strictly observed if enforcement action was taken against motorists who broke the speed limit and in this regard members suggested that mobile speed cameras should be utilised in the area.

RESOLVED: Members supported in principle the introduction of a 20mph speed limits on various roads in St Michael’s Mead, but requested that Police enforcement action be taken against those motorists breaking the speed limit.

239. UP-DATED REPORTS

i Alterations in Tesco Car Park, Bishop’s Park (first raised 20 August 2007)
A response had been received from the Manager of Tesco confirming that, although trees in the car park had been removed as a result of the alterations, replacement trees would be planted. The Manager also stated that he would ensure that no building work would commence on Sunday Mornings prior to 10am.

ii A Boards - (First raised 20 August 2007)
Letter sent to East Herts Council, Environmental Health, 22 August 2007. Response awaited

iii Sponsorship of Litter Bins – (First raised 20 August 2007)
It was noted that Town Centre Manager was currently assessing the level of interest in a scheme

iv. Footpath 53 – Hockerill School
Members noted the attached response from Helen Denton (Definitive Map Officer) dated 23 August 2007

240. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA

Street Naming and Numbering. (Cllr Barfoot) Members requested sight of the list of suggested names which was held in the office.

241. URGENT BUSINESS

The Boar’s Head, Windhill
Cllr Barfoot expressed his concern regarding two windows which had been replaced at the Boar’s Head which it was felt were not in keeping with the listed building.
Cllr Barfoot was also concerned at the erection of the ‘Sky Sports’ advertising banner which he felt detracted from the listed building. Members requested that Mr Mike Welburn, the Conservation Officer at East Herts Council be asked to investigate the matter.

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

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