MINUTES OF THE PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE HELD ON 25 FEBRUARY 2002

* Cllr K Barnes * Cllr Mrs M Richmond

Cllr A Burlton * Cllr Mrs N Symonds

* Cllr T Coldwell * Cllr R Taylor

* Cllr Mrs J Demonti * Cllr Miss C Woodman

* Cllr R Gilbert (Vice-Chairman) * Cllr J Wyllie (Chairman)

* Cllr L Pinnell * Cllr K Warnell (ex-officio)

* denotes present

In attendance: Cllr Engel

477. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

None.

478. MINUTES OF THE PLANNING MEETING HELD ON 11 FEBRUARY 2002

RESOLVED: that the Minutes of the meetings held on 11 February 2002, be confirmed as a correct record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chairman.

479. PLANNING NOTIFICATIONS

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

3/01/2068/FP/MHT / Extension to first floor accommodation and formation of additional parking space to front garden
15 Windhill
Applicant: Mr P Logue
3/02/0034/FP/MHT / Demolition of existing single storey accommodation. Construction of replacement accommodation. Construction of replacement accommodation with slightly increased floor area (single storey)
35 Maze Green Road
Applicant: Mr A Brown
Additional plan now provided
3/02/0093/FP/FB / First floor extension over existing garage
52 Maze Green Road
Applicant: P S Warner
3/02/0107/FP/FB / Single storey front porch with WC
10 Chestnut Close, Apton Road
Applicant: Mr M Davison
3/02/0123/AD/PT / Replacement bus shelter – 2 No. internally illuminated poster panels forming an integral part of the shelter
Hadham Road, 10 yards east of Patmore Close
Applicant: Adshel
3/02/0137/FP/MR / Conversion of existing shop with residential over to 2 No. 1 bedroom flats. Demolition of part building to provide 2 No. parking spaces
19A Newtown Road
Applicant: Pineview Ltd
3/02/0139/LC/MR / Demolition of part building to provide 2 No. parking spaces
19A Newtown Road
Applicant: Pineview Ltd
3/02/0158/FP/MHT / Single storey traditional timber and glass conservatory extension
7 Maze Green Heights
Applicant: Mr and Mrs Godfrey
3/02/0172/FP/PT / Conservatory to rear of property
32 The Meadows, Thorley Park
Applicant: Mr M W Monk
3/02/0241/FP/CB / 2 No. front dormer windows
21 Mercers Avenue, St Michael’s Mead
Applicant: Mr and Mrs Sparrow

(ii) Objections were raised on the following applications:

3/01/1430/FP/CB / Proposed alterations from bungalow to 4 bedroom detached dwelling
Whetsford, Windhill Old Road
Applicant: Mr R Nisbet
Reason: Over development of the site
Note: Cllr Engel vacated the Chamber during the discussion on this application
3/01/2070/FP/FB / Two storey rear extension
38 Southmill Road
Applicant: Mr T Blackburn
Reason:
i) / Two storey onto a boundary would be detrimental to the neighbouring property
ii) / Detrimental to the visual amenities of the street scene
3/02/0074/FN/MR / Renewal of planning permission granted 26 March 1997 for erection of new dwelling
Emery House, Chantry Road
Applicant: Mr and Mrs Brittian
Reason:
i) / Over development of the site, contrary to Policy BE1
ii) / Loss of mature trees
iii) / Out of character with the surrounding properties
iv) / Detrimental effect to Emery House
3/02/0138/FP/MR / Demolition of 2 No. shops and 1 No. residential unit, replace with 4 No. 2 bedroom houses
19B, 21 and 21A, Newtown Road
Applicant: Pineview Ltd
Reason: No compensatory parking provision
3/02/0140/LC/MR / Demolition of 2 No. shops with 1 No. residential unit at first floor
19B, 21 and 21A, Newtown Road
Applicant: Pineview Ltd
Reason: The lack of parking provision would likely lead to on street parking which would be detrimental to the street scene
3/02/0151/FP/MHT / Single storey rear extension
48 Waytemore Road
Applicant: Stort Valley Housing Association
Reason:
i) / Over intensification of the site
ii) / Loss of amenities
iii) / Detrimental to next door neighbour
3/02/0167/FN/PT / Alterations and extensions to private house forming new utility room, enlarged living area and new room all at ground floor level
24 Mayfield Park
Applicant: Mr and Mrs P West
Reason: The resultant loss of the garage would lead to on street parking
Note: Cllr Warnell declared a non-pecuniary interest
3/02/0178/FP/CB / Part two storey, part single storey extension to existing dwelling including demolition of detached garage
104 The Thatchers, St Michael’s Mead
Applicant: Mr and Mr L Hutchins
Reason:
i) / Tantamount to the creation of a stand alone property
ii) / Over intensification of the site
iii) / Detrimental to the street scene
Comment: There may be covenants restricting the type of development proposed
3/02/0186/FP/PB / Conversion of garage to part office/part storage
41 Marguerite Way
Applicant: Mr J Follows
Reason:.
i) / The conversion of the garage constitutes a change of use and should have been submitted accordingly
ii) / The plans were insufficient to determine the appearance of the building following completion of the proposed development
3/02/0209/FP/FB / Demolition of existing garages and outbuildings and construction of new single storey building to accommodate 7 No. letting rooms
The Jolly Brewers PH, South Street
Applicant: Inn Business
Reason:
i) / Detrimental to existing residents by virtue of increased noise pollution and loss of privacy, coupled with the generation of increased traffic movements
ii) / The car parking entrance, being barrier controlled onto Nursery Road would cause a road traffic obstruction detrimental to road safety
iii) / The loss of car parking facilities would result in the generation of further on street parking
iv) / Pedestrian restriction with road safety implications

480. PLANNING DECISIONS

To note the attached list of planning decisions issued by East Herts District Council

481. APPEALS

None to date.

482. STREET NAMING

None to date.

483. LICENCES

None to date.

484. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS – (Cllr Taylor)

Cllr Taylor referred to his attendance at a recent Saturday Surgery when a resident had expressed his concern regarding what he felt to be the insufficient cleansing of the Town and the need for more litter and dog bins.

Whilst accepting that there had been a major improvement in the cleansing of the Town Centre, nevertheless, it was felt that there was need for areas within half a mile of the Town Centre to be given more attention. There was also an acceptance of the need for the provision of more litter and dog bins to help address the associated problems.

Members referred to the time limits for the removal of litter, as laid down under the Environmental Protection Act which placed a duty on the District Council to respond to any reported problems. It was also felt that addressing the problem of the indiscriminate deposits of litter was a matter of education which should be tackled at source.

In order to secure action on this matter, members were requested to notify the Clerk of those streets which required attention in order for the information to be forwarded to the District Council for action.

485. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA

1. Delivering a Fundamental Change – DTLR Planning Green Paper

2.  Up-date on Castle Moat (Cllr Pinnell)

3.  Provision of Seats (Cllr Pinnell)

486. URGENT BUSINESS

None.

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