MINUTES OF THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE HELD ON 28 JULY 2008

Cllr K Armstrong *
Cllr C Horner (Vice Chairman) *
Cllr J Barfoot *
Cllr R Taylor (ex-officio) *
Cllr K Barnes *
Cllr C Woodward *
Cllr P Demonti (Chairman) *
Cllr Ms C Woodman

* Denotes present

In attendance: Tricia Carpenter – Asst Town Clerk
2 Members of the public

145. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Armstrong (Work commitment),

146. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING HELD ON 30 JUNE 2008

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

147. DECLARATION OF INTEREST

Cllr Barfoot Personal 3/08/1160/FP/EH
Cllr Demonti Personal 3/08/1213/FP/CD
Cllr Woodward Personal Planning Application: 3/08/1160/FP/EH and
3/08/1240/FO/NB

148. PLANNING NOTIFICATIONS

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

3/08/0770/FP/LD To erect a conservatory to the front of the property 34 Barley Hills Applicant: Mr C Martin

3/08/0916/FP/FM Rear conservatory 20 Denny Court Applicant: Mr K Lacy

3/08/0946/FP/LH Raised timber decking to rear and additional 500mm high trellis to existing south west boundary fence 26 Thorley Park Road Applicant: Mr Mark Skeggs

3/08/0961/FP/SE Two storey side extension, single storey front and rear extension 26 Piggotts Way Applicant: Mr R Makepeace

3/08/0982/FP/FH Change of use from residential to alternative and beauty therapy 1A Hallingbury Road Applicant: Mr Yogesh Morzaria Note: In view of the property’s close proximity to two schools, members considered that a start time condition should be included in the planning permission to avoid traffic congestion when the schools open in the morning.

3/08/0991/FP/LD Proposed single storey extension and loft conversion including rear dormer and side roof light – amended scheme 47 Warwick Road Applicant: Dr P Tierman

3/08/1041/FP/CD Single storey rear extension 12 Grange Road Applicant: Mr Christopher Morgan 3/08/1053/FP/FM Single storey side extension Honeysuckle House, Great Hadham Road Applicant: Mr Lee Wiggins

3/08/1073/FP/NB Replacement dwelling 62 Havers Lane Applicant: Mr Roger Hatfield

3/08/1075/FP/EH Change of use from B1, B2 and B8 to use class D1 (non residential educational and training centres) 3-Stort Valley Industrial Estate, Stansted Road Applicant: Strategic Area Partnership Group, Birchwood High School Note: Cllr Woodward abstained from the vote on this application.

3/08/1081/FP/FM Installation of external ATM, replacing existing glazing to suit ATM opening 1 South Street Applicant: Karen Martin

3/08/1087/FP/NB Single storey rear extension and raising of roof and insertion of front dormer window to create first floor accommodation 107 Parsonage Lane Applicant: Mr J Ashcroft

3/08/1090/AD/CD 2no. building name signs (3D lettering) and 2no framed poster signs, externally illuminated The Bridge House, 78 South Street Applicant: Starbrook Ltd

3/08/1092/FP/CD New shopfront creating a second entrance serving the first floor directly from North Street and internal alterations Carr and Bury, 42 North Street Applicant: Mr Collett

3/08/1099/FP/LD Install air conditioning units with condenser on brackets at rear of building Hays Recruitment Ltd, 1 Riverside Walk Applicant: Mr Nick Earley, Hays Specialist Recruitment

3/08/1106/FP/SE Single storey rear extension 137 Heath Row Applicant: Mr and Mrs Hinks

3/08/1110/FP/SE Replace existing flat roof with pitched roof on garden shed 10 Anglesey Close Applicant: Mr Gary McGrath

3/08/1121/FP/LD Single storey timber orangery extension to rear elevation 22 Grange Park Applicant: Mr David Grainge

3/08/1124/FP/LD Erection of single storey rear extension with rooflights 2C Alpha Place Applicant: Mr N Gillan

3/08/1132/FP/MP Ground floor extension to front, side and rear. The rear replaces an existing conservatory. First floor extension to existing bedroom Twyfordbury Cottage, Pig Lane Applicant: Mr Barry Wright

3/08/1136/FP/MP Detached garage building and new gates 42 Maze Green Road Applicant: Mr C Williamson

3/08/1147/FP/LD Rear Dormer 32 Newtown Road Applicant: Mr J Fitzpatrick

3/08/1160/FP/EH Renovation of Whitehall House and change of use to one dwelling. Demolition of dormitory block, theatre block and offices. Renovation and extension of four cottages. One replacement dwelling and the construction of 6 new dwellings. Levelling surface and seeding of Southern field to provide junior cricket club facilities Whitehall College, Dane O Coys Road Applicant: The Arlberg Group Note: Members raised no objection to the proposed demolitons, the renovations to Whitehall House and cottages, as well as the proposed provision of the cricket facility, which was to be commended. Members however objected to the proposal to build additional dwellings on green belt land. i.e. Plots 1, 2 and 12. Members also requested that consideration be given to issuing listed building status to Whitehall House.


3/08/1162/FP/PF First floor side/rear extension, raising the roof ridge to form habitable accommodation incorporating Juliet balcony to rear 44 Maze Green Road Applicant: Mr John Shepherd

3/08/1186/FP/LD Two storey side extension 51 Thorley Hill Applicant: Mr S Richards

3/08/1194/FP/LD Proposed loft conversion with dormer to the side elevation 59 Haymeads Lane Applicant: Mrs Wade Note: The window should be obscured glass to avoid over looking of neighbouring gardens.

3/08/1207/FP/MP First floor side and single storey rear extension. New pitched roof to existing porch and garage 2 Proctors Way Applicant: Mr Paul O’Neill

3/08/1213/FP/CD Two storey rear extension 6 Avenue Road Applicant: Ms Nikky Grange

3/08/1226/FP/SE Second storey side extension – amended scheme 7 Hawthorn Rise Applicant: Mr A Whale

3/08/1240/FO/NB Removal of onerous condition of planning permission granted under 3.07/0269/FP restricting the hours of use of the car park Red, White and Blue Open Space, Cannons Mill Lane Mr I Sharratt Note: Members suggested that the condition be removed for an initial six month period in order to provide the opportunity to monitor the situation. It was also suggested that the matter be brought to the attention of the local police for monitoring.

ii) Objections were made on the following applications:-

3/08/1078/FP/NB Demolition of existing house and construction of new 5 bedroom detached dwelling 9 Crescent Road Applicant: Mr I D Jack Reason: i Out of keeping with the street scene by virtue of the proposed height and bulk of the dwelling. ii Over development of the site.

3/08/1089/FP/MP

New external terrace formed extending into paved area Chicago Rock Café, Anchor Street Applicant: 3D Entertainment Group Reason:

i The proposed terrace and extension to the pavement would lead to a further narrowing of an already narrow road.

ii The proposal would impact on both pedestrians and wheelchair users who would have to negotiate around the terrace.

iii Noise disturbance to local residents. Note: Members considered that the terrace did not comply with smoking legislation in that it was enclosed on four sides.

3/08/1122/FP/SE Side and rear extensions to single storey dwelling including 2no bay windows 47 Cannons Close Applicant: Mr and Mrs Hampton Reason: Contrary to the Town Council Policy BSP002. The garage should be used for the housing of private vehicles and not as additional accommodation or for any commercial activities. This would ensure the continued provision of off street parking facilities in the interest of highway safety and would safeguard the amenities of adjoining occupiers in accordance with Policy ENV9 and appendix iv of the East Herts Local Plan 2nd review. Note: Members noted that Roman remains had been discovered in this vicinty in the past and recommended that, should planning permission be granted, an archaeological survey should take place prior to the commencement of any building work.

3/08/1140/FP/FM Front extension to garage with two storey extension above incorporating front dormer window 29 Tailors Applicant: Mr Ross Mason-Smith Reason:

i Loss of light to occupier of No 28 Tailors

ii Detrimental to the street scene

iii The provision of a flat roof dormer window would set an undesirable precedent in the area iv Gross over development of a small site.

3/08/1145/AD/NB Replacement of existing Boots illuminated and non-illuminated signage 16-18 Potter Street and 2-10 Church Street Applicant: Boots the Chemist Reason: Contrary to BSP001. The proposed signage would be situated in the designated Conservation Area where there was a commitment to preserve and enhance the special character and appearance of the area. The provision of internally illuminated signage was deemed to be detrimental to the street scene and detracted from the overall ambience of the area.

3/08/1165/FP/NB Reconstruction of existing double garage incorporating raising the ridge height. Part conversion of garage to form utility room 1 Grosvenor Close Applicant: Mr Nigel Paget Reason: Contrary to the Town Council Policy BSP002. The garage should be used for the housing of private vehicles and not as additional accommodation or for any commercial activities. This would ensure the continued provision of off street parking facilities in the interest of highway safety and would safeguard the amenities of adjoining occupiers in accordance with Policy ENV9 and appendix iv of the East Herts Local Plan 2nd review.

3/08/1234/OP/SE Outline consent sought for 1no two bedroom bungalow with associated parking and amenity garden for units 1-5 199 London Road Applicant: Mr Peter Walker Reason: i Over development of the site ii Loss of amenity land for the five units currently at the site, contrary to the original planning permission.

149. PLANNING DECISIONS

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

150. APPEALS

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

3/08/0305/FP/NB Demolition of existing house and construction of 12no apartments within 3 /4 stories
100 Rye Street

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

3/07/2414/FP Erection of two storey front and side extension
1 Chequers
Appellant: Nigel and Leonie Smith
Appeal Dismissed


Note: Cllr Miss Woodman declared a personal interest in this appeal decision. The Appellants were known to
Cllr Miss Woodman.

RESOLVED: that the appeals be noted.

151. STREET NAMING AND NUMBERING

None.

152. REGIONAL SPATIAL STRATEGY

RECOMMENDED: that Cllr Armstrong be invited to represent the Town Council at the Examination in Public. The Clerk should be requested to attend in the event of
Cllr Armstrong’s unavailability.

153. PROPOSED PELICAN CROSSING – A1250 DUNMOW ROAD

Members had been circulated with a copy of a letter from Hertfordshire County Council requesting members’ comments regarding the installation of a Pelican Crossing at the above location. Members welcomed the proposal, but requested that the footpath be extended and the bus stop be relocated to a position closer to the crossing.

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

154. UP-DATED REPORTS

None.

155. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA

School Sites Planning Application
To note that this matter would be referred to the next meeting of the Town Council to consider whether the applications should be determined by the Planning and Development Committee or the Town Council. Nevertheless, it was:

RECOMMENDED:
i that, in view of the closing date for receipt of comments being 19th September 2008, the applications be considered on Wednesday 10 September 2008 instead of Wednesday 17th September 2008.
ii. that the meeting be held in the Waytemore Room of the East Herts Council Offices, The Causeway, in order to accommodate those members of the public wishing to attend.

Street Naming – New East Herts Council Policy.

156. URGENT BUSINESS

East of England Regional Plan
To note that this plan was the subject of a review.

Former Sainsbury Building, South Street
Cllr Miss Woodman expressed concern that the building had been left unsecured on the upper floor, which she considered was a fire hazard.


Meeting closed at 9.16 pm

MINUTES OF MEETING OF FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE
HELD ON MONDAY 21 JULY 2008

* Cllr A Burlton
* Cllr K Warnell
* Cllr Mrs J Demonti
* Cllr M Wood
* Cllr R Gilbert
Cllr Miss C Woodman
Cllr A Graham
* Cllr J Wyllie
* Cllr Mrs Hollebon
Cllr R Taylor (ex-officio)

* denotes present

In attendance: John Ingham, Town Clerk
135. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Graham (holiday),
Cllr Miss Woodman (personal, health issue)

136. DECLARATION OF INTEREST

None.

137. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 9 JUNE 2008

RESOLVED: that the minutes be accepted as a true record of the proceedings and signed by the Chairman.

138. MATTERS ARISING

None.

139. ACCOUNTS AND BUDGET STATEMENT TO 1 JULY 2008

(i) Accounts

Members had been circulated with a copy of the attached list of accounts for payment.

RESOLVED: that the accounts as set out in the attached schedule in the sum of £73,717.85 be duly authorised for payment

(ii) Budget Statement

Members requested the Clerk to provide information on the following:-
Code Actual to date £ i) Corporate Management 1156 Internal Audit - 600 ii) Corporate Management 1157 Audit Fee - 10,000 iii) Central and Support Services 1136 Community Maintenance - 803 iv) Sworder Field 1735 Maint of Play Equipment - 2,967 v) TIC 11535 Box Office 264 11583 Box Office Reimbursement 2,006
In addition, members requested an explanation on the use of ‘do not use’ codes against which a budget had been allocated, viz:
Cemetery Code 1430 Budget £220 1443 £ 60 14578 £680
RESOLVED: that the contents of the Statement be received

140. COST IMPLICATIONS – ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

The Clerk informed members that this item had been included on the agenda in anticipation of any expenditure which might be forthcoming from suggestions made at the Committee meeting. Such expenditure to be considered at the budget meeting.

The following items were topics discussed:-

i) Work to the Moat (as riparian owners)

ii) Gardening services for the elderly (5,400 people over 60)

iii) Town enhancement:-
- Additional planters – South Street
- Gateway features at entrance to the Town
- Provision of fun litter bins
- Encouragement to Youth Council to talk to Primary Schools on the
need to address litter problem
- Cycle racks in South Street
- Provision of cigarette disposal units in the Town

Members expressed their concern that the Committee appeared to be delving into matters beyond its remit, especially in matters of a Social Services nature (gardening services). It was also pointed out that the litter was not a matter for the Town Council to take action upon, this being the prerogative of the District Council. There was also a capital and revenue implication of a number of the matters discussed and, in any event, it was never the intention that the Committee would be a spending Committee.

141. GARDEN OF REST – NEWTOWN ROAD

Members had been circulated with a copy of a survey compiled by Roger Carlton Associates, on the condition of the boundary wall fronting the Garden of Rest in Newtown Road.

The conclusion contained in the report was that the brick piers could be
dangerous and remedial work should be instigated as soon as possible. In
addition, two options were proffered with regard to the wall, ie. either, remove to ground level and replace entirely, or, remove all structure to a level of six courses above ground and replace. The Clerk stated that a forth option would be to remove the wall completely and replace with a hedge.

Members discussed the merit of the Clerk’s suggestion, of which a number were in favour. However, on balance, it was felt that, given the location of the wall and its position within the Conservation Area, that a replacement wall would be more appropriate.

Members were referred to quotations received for replacing the wall entirely, from:-

George Markwell Builders Limited;
F M Suckling Ltd;
Building Services Stansted.
RESOLVED: i) That the Clerk enter into discussions with George Markwell Builders Ltd on the details of the work proposed to be undertaken and subject to a satisfactory outcome, the work be authorised up to a maximum of £10,000
ii) That the proposed expenditure be met from the Town Council’s balances

142. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA

Councillors Allowances (Cllr Warnell)
General – Wages/Overtime (Cllr Warnell)
Expenses and Petty Cash (Cllr Wyllie)

143. URGENT BUSINESS

None.

144. DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING

Monday 1 September 2008


There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.05pm.

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