Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence.

It was noted that Councillor S Bull was substituting for Councillor J Jones.

The Chairman referred to a number of housekeeping issues.  He announced that application 3/18/2210/FUL had been withdrawn.

To confirm the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on Wednesday 22 May 2019.

Councillor T Beckett proposed and Councillor B Deering seconded, a motion that the Minutes of the meeting held on 22 May 2019 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.  After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, this motion was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the meeting held on 22 May 2019, be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Recommended for Approval

The Head of Planning and Building Control recommended that in respect of application 3/18/2457/FUL, planning permission be granted subject to the conditions detailed in the report now submitted.

The Principal Planning Officer, on behalf of the Head of Planning and Building Control summarised the full application and detailed the relevant planning history.  She stated that the site was an allocated site in the District Plan for around 56 dwellings and this application had increased that number by 9 to 65 residential units.

The Principal Planning Officer talked Members through the proposed layout of the site and detailed the location of the Sustainable Urban Drainage Solution (SUDS) area and the open space.  She also referred to the footpath linkages across the river and the access road and the linkages to the residential area to the East.  This was in line with policy in terms of improving footpath networks and connectivity in respect of pedestrian routes.

Members were advised that a Section 278 agreement was proposed to improve Aspenden Road as this was not wide enough in places for 2 cars to pass.  The agreement would facilitate improvements to pedestrian crossings although existing sight lines were good.  The proposed widening would be in sections only and elements of the road would still be too narrow for a large vehicle to pass a car.

The Principal Planning Officer stated that the site provided an acceptable percentage of affordable housing with this provision being pepper potted throughout the site.  Officers believed the scheme to be well designed and the houses and parking would meet the required standards.

Members were further advised that the Highways Authority had not objected to the application subject to the Section 278 agreement, and the design of the houses and the proposed building materials were in accordance with the requirements of the adopted East Herts District Plan.

Ms Allwood addressed the Committee in support of the application.  Councillor Waite addressed the Committee as the Town Mayor on behalf of Buntingford Town Council. 

Councillor S Bull spoke in support of the position of the Town Council and referred to Aspenden as one of the prettiest villages in East Herts.  He stated that he failed to see that there had been any improvement in the situation regarding road movements.  He referred to Aspenden Road as being dangerous in terms of sightlines, HGV movements and the chicanes.  He commented on whether there was any possibility of a deferral to address these concerns.

Councillor A Huggins stated that he could attest to the near misses between road users and he had witnessed HGVs mounting the kerb in this area.  He believed that the only suitable highway solutions were to either widen the road or install a single use traffic light system.

Councillor P Ruffles sought guidance on the matter of a deferral.  He referred to the justification for the 16% increase to 65 dwellings and stated that he would welcome input from Officers in respect of the proposed pepper potting of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 55.

(A)  Appeals against refusal of Planning Permission/ non?determination.

(B)  Planning Appeals Lodged.

(C)      Planning Appeals: Inquiry and Informal Hearing Dates.

(D)     Planning Statistics.

RESOLVED – that the following reports be noted:

(A)   Appeals against refusal of planning permission / non-determination;

(B)       Planning Appeals lodged;

(C)       Planning Appeals: Inquiry and Informal Hearing dates; and

(D)      Planning Statistics.