Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Executive Member for Development Management and Council Support submitted a report on the Buntingford Conservation Area Appraisal following public consultation.  She detailed the outcome of the public consultation in the report now submitted.

The Appraisal identified the special character of the Conservation Area together with the elements that should be retained or enhanced and those which detracted from the identified character.  Once adopted by the Council, the Appraisal would become a ‘material consideration’ in the process of determining planning applications.  It would also link into the development of neighbourhood planning.

Members welcomed the report and thanked Officers for its detail.

The Executive supported the recommendations as now detailed.

RECOMMENDED – that (A) the Buntingford Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan be adopted;

(B)      authority be delegated to the Head of Planning and Building Control, in consultation with the Executive Member for Development Management and Council Support, to make any further minor and consequential changes to the  document which may be necessary; and

(C)      the responses to the public consultation be noted and the Officer responses and proposed changes to the Buntingford Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan be supported.

The Executive Member for Development Management and Council Support submitted a report on the Ware Conservation Area Appraisal following public consultation.  She detailed the outcome of the public consultation in the report now submitted.

The Appraisal identified the special character of the Conservation Area together with the elements that should be retained or enhanced and those which detracted from the identified character.  Once adopted by the Council, the Appraisal would become a ‘material consideration’ in the process of determining planning applications.  It would also link into the development of neighbourhood planning.

Members welcomed the report and thanked Officers for its detail.

In response to a Member’s comment on a recent planning appeal decision, the Head of Planning and Building Control stated that, once approved, an Appeal Inspector could give significant weight to a Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan.

The Executive supported the recommendations as now detailed.

RECOMMENDED – that (A) the Ware Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan be adopted;

(B)      authority be delegated to the Head of Planning and Building Control, in consultation with the Executive Member for Development Management and Council Support, to make any further minor and consequential changes to the  document which may be necessary; and

(C)      the responses to the public consultation be noted and the Officer responses and proposed changes to the Ware Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan be supported.

The Executive considered a report that considered changes to the level of Council Tax discount granted on empty homes.  It was noted that Corporate Business Scrutiny Committee had recommended that proposals be made which discouraged empty properties, with a phased approach to reducing discounts.

The Executive considered the options detailed in the report now submitted and supported their introduction from 1 April 2017.

RECOMMENDED – that (A) the recommendations of the Corporate Business Scrutiny Committee be received;

(B)      the addition of a 50% Council Tax premium on properties which have been empty for 2 or more years, be approved;

(C)      changing the period or percentage of relief granted to properties which are classified as empty and uninhabitable from 50% for up to 12 months to a period not exceeding 6 months at 50%, be approved; and

(D)      changing the period or percentage of relief granted to properties which are classified as empty and substantially unfurnished from a period of up to 6 months at 50% to a period not exceeding 2 months at 50%, be approved.

(Note – Councillors G McAndrew, M Pope and G Williamson left the chamber whilst this matter was considered – see Minute 71)

The Executive considered the latest available information around the current local Council Tax Support (CTS) scheme and whether any changes should be considered for 2017/18.

The Corporate Business Scrutiny Committee of 22 March 2016 had considered a report on the current position and potential changes that could be made.  Attention had been drawn to the ongoing welfare reforms and the uncertain potential impact on residents.  As such, the Committee had supported the status quo for 2017/18.

The Executive supported this view and recommended that no changes to the CTS be made.

RECOMMENDED - that (A) the recommendations of the Corporate Business Scrutiny Committee be received; and

(B)      the current Council Tax Support Scheme be supported for 2017/18.

The Executive considered a report proposing revisions to Development Management pre-application charges.  A review had been undertaken, which had concluded that the service to customers should be improved with regard to both quality and timescale.  The review had also concluded that the cost of providing the service was not met by the fees currently charged.

The Executive supported the revisions as detailed in the report submitted.

RECOMMENDED - that the ‘in-year’ revision to charges for the Development Management pre-application advice service, as set out in the report submitted, be approved.

Minute 1 refers

The Executive considered and supported the recommendations of the District Planning Executive Panel meeting held on 24 May 2016, on the East Herts Gypsies and Travellers and Travelling Showpeople Accommodation Needs Assessment Update Summary, April 2016.

The Executive received and supported the final May 2016 version as now submitted at Essential Reference Paper ‘A’ of the Minutes of the meeting.

RECOMMENDED – that (A) East Herts Gypsies and Travellers and Travelling Showpeople Accommodation Needs Assessment Update Summary, April 2016, be noted;

(B)      amendments to the Update Summary necessitated by the Housing and Planning Act for consideration by the Executive be delegated to the Head of Planning and Building Control in conjunction with the Panel Chairman; and

(C)      the final version of the East Herts Gypsies and Travellers and Travelling Showpeople Accommodation Needs Assessment Update Summary, May 2016, as now submitted at Essential Reference Paper ‘A’ of the Minutes submitted, be approved as part of the evidence base to inform and support the East Herts District Plan and to inform Development Management decisions.

(see also Minute 75)

Minute 2 refers

The Executive considered the recommendations of the District Planning Executive Panel meeting held on 24 May 2016, on the Gilston Area and the Government’s “Locally Led Garden Villages, Towns and Cities” Prospectus.

The Head of Planning and Building Control updated the Executive on the outcome of a recent meeting with Epping Forest and Harlow Councils, which had supported an expression of interest for a garden town.  He emphasised that this would not prejudice the Council’s forthcoming decisions on site allocations within the District Plan.

The Executive supported this approach.

RECOMMENDED - that (A) the content of the Government’s prospectus on “Locally Led Garden Villages, Towns and Cities” be noted; and

(B)      preparation and submission of an expression of interest for Government support in relation to the Gilston Area as a Garden Town, be supported.

(see also Minute 75)

Minute 3 refers

The Executive considered and supported the recommendations of the District Planning Executive Panel meeting held on 24 May 2016, on the Local Development Scheme (LDS) May 2016.

RECOMMENDED – that the Local Development Scheme (LDS) May 2016 as now detailed, be agreed with effect from May 2016.

(see also Minute 75)

Minute 4 refers

The Executive considered and supported the recommendations of the District Planning Executive Panel meeting held on 24 May 2016, on the issues raised in Chapter 15 (Retail and Town Centres) of the draft District Plan Preferred Options.

RECOMMENDED – that (A) the issues raised in Chapter 15 (Retail and Town Centres) of the draft District Plan Preferred Options, as now detailed at Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report be received and considered;

(B)      Officers’ responses to the issues  referred to in (A) above, as now detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report be agreed;

(C)      the further amendments in respect of Chapter 15 (Retail and Town Centres) of the draft District Plan Preferred Options, as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report, be received and considered; and

(D)      the draft revised Chapter 15 (Retail and Town Centres), as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ to the report be agreed as a basis for inclusion in the final draft District Plan, with the content being finalised when the consolidated plan is presented in September 2016.

(see also Minute 75)

Minute 5 refers

The Executive considered and supported the recommendations of the District Planning Executive Panel meeting held on 24 May 2016, on the issues raised in respect of Chapter 16 (Design) and Chapter 20 (Landscape) of the draft District Plan Preferred Options.

RECOMMENDED – that (A) the issues raised in respect of Chapter 16 (Design) and Chapter 20 (Landscape) of the draft District Plan Preferred Options, as now detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report, be received and considered;

(B)      Officers’ responses to the issues referred to in (A) above, as now detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report be agreed;

(C)      the further amendments in respect of Chapter 16 (Design) and Chapter 20 (Landscape) of the draft District Plan Preferred Options, as now detailed at Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to this report be received and considered; and

(D)      the draft revised Chapter 16 (Design and Landscape), as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ to the report, be agreed, as a basis for inclusion in the final draft District Plan, with the content being finalised when the consolidated plan is presented in September 2016.

(see also Minute 75)

Minute 6 refers

The Executive considered and supported the recommendations of the District Planning Executive Panel meeting held on 24 May 2016, on the issues raised in Chapter 17 (Transport) of the draft District Plan Preferred Options.

RECOMMENDED – that (A) the issues raised in respect of Chapter 17 (Transport) of the draft District Plan Preferred Options, as now detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report, be received and considered;

(B)      Officers’ responses to the issues referred to in (A) above, as now detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report be agreed;

(C)      the further amendments in respect of Chapter 17 (Transport) of the draft District Plan Preferred Options, as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ’B’ to the report be received and considered; and

(D)      the draft revised Chapter 17 (Transport) as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ to the report, be agreed as a basis for inclusion in the final draft District Plan, with the content being finalised when the consolidated plan is presented in September 2016.

(see also Minute 75)

Minute 7 refers

The Executive considered and supported the recommendations of the District Planning Executive Panel meeting held on 24 May 2016, on the issues raised in Chapter 19 (Natural Environment) of the draft District Plan Preferred Options.

RECOMMENDED – that (A) the issues raised in respect of Chapter 19 (Natural Environment) of the draft District Plan Preferred Options as now detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report be received and considered;

(B)      Officers’ responses to the issues referred to in (A) above, as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report be agreed;

(C)      the further amendments in respect of Chapter 19 (Natural Environment) of the draft District Plan Preferred Options as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report be received and considered;

(D)      the draft revised Chapter 19 (Natural Environment), as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ to the report be agreed, as a basis for inclusion in the final draft District Plan, with the content being finalised when the consolidated plan is presented in September 2016.

(see also Minute 75)

Minute 8 refers

The Executive considered and supported the recommendations of the District Planning Executive Panel meeting held on 24 May 2016, on the issues raised in Chapter 21 (Heritage Assets) of the draft District Plan Preferred Options.

RECOMMENDED – that (A) the issues raised in respect of Chapter 21 (Heritage Assets) of the draft District Plan Preferred Options as now detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report be received and considered;

(B)      Officers’ responses to the issues referred to in (A) above, as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report be agreed;

(C)      the further amendments in respect of Chapter 21 (Heritage Assets) of the draft District Plan Preferred Options as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report be received and considered; and

(D)      the draft revised (and renumbered) Chapter 20 (Heritage Assets) as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ to the report be agreed, as a basis for inclusion in the final draft District Plan, with the content being finalised when the consolidated plan is presented in September 2016.

(see also Minute 75)

Minute 9 refers

The Executive considered and supported the recommendations of the District Planning Executive Panel meeting held on 24 May 2016, on the issues raised in Chapter 22 (Climate Change) of the draft District Plan Preferred Options.

RECOMMENDED – that (A) the issues raised in respect of Chapter 22  (Climate Change) of the draft District Plan Preferred Options as now detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report be received and considered;

(B)      Officers’ responses to the issues referred to in (A) above, as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report be agreed;

(C)      the further amendments in respect of Chapter 22 (Climate Change) of the draft District Plan Preferred Options as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report be received and considered; and

(D)      the draft revised (and renumbered) Chapter 21 (Climate Change) as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ to the report be agreed, as a basis for inclusion in the final draft District Plan, with the content being finalised when the consolidated plan is presented in September 2016.

(see also Minute 75)

Minute 10 refers

The Executive considered and supported the recommendations of the District Planning Executive Panel meeting held on 24 May 2016, on the issues raised in Chapter 23 (Water) of the draft District Plan Preferred Options.

RECOMMENDED – that (A) the issues raised in respect of Chapter 23 (Water) of the draft District Plan Preferred Options as now detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report be received and considered;

(B)      Officers’ responses to the issues referred to in (A) above, as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report be agreed;

(C)      the further amendments in respect of Chapter 23 (Water) of the draft District Plan Preferred Options as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report be received and considered;

(D)      the draft revised (and renumbered) Chapter 22 (Water) as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ to the report be agreed, as a basis for inclusion in the final draft District Plan, with the content being finalised when the consolidated plan is presented in September 2016; and

(E)      the issue of slurry storage be incorporated into the Chapter.

(see also Minute 75)

Minute 11 refers

The Executive considered and supported the recommendations of the District Planning Executive Panel meeting held on 24 May 2016, on the issues raised in Chapter 24 (Environmental Quality) of the draft District Plan Preferred Options.

RECOMMENDED – that (A) the issues raised in respect of Chapter 24 (Environmental Quality) of the draft District Plan Preferred Options as now detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report be received and considered;

(B)      Officers’ responses to the issues referred to in (A) above, as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report be agreed;

(C)      the further amendments in respect of Chapter 24 (Environmental Quality) of the draft District Plan Preferred Options as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report be received and considered; and

(D)      the draft revised (and renumbered) Chapter 23 (Environmental Quality) as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ to the report be agreed, as a basis for inclusion in the final draft District Plan, with the content being finalised when the consolidated plan is presented in September 2016.

(see also Minute 75)

An apology for absence was submitted on behalf of Councillor L Haysey.

The Deputy Leader welcomed Members, Officers and the public to the meeting and reminded everyone that the meeting was being webcast.

To approve the Minutes (previously circulated) of the meeting held on 5 April 2016.

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Executive meeting held on 5 April 2016, be approved as correct record and signed by the Deputy Leader.

In respect of Minute 54 – Council Tax Discounts, Councillors G McAndrew, M Pope and G Williamson declared disclosable pecuniary interests in that they owned second properties.  They all left the chamber whilst this matter was considered.

That in relation to No 1, The Causeway, Bishop’s Stortford (A) the request to demolish the existing structure and repurpose for short term use, as detailed throughout the report now submitted and recommended by the Old River Lane Steering Group, be approved, and

(B)     the funding for the cost of demolition and resurfacing from the Commercial Property Fund, recommended by the Old River Lane Steering Group, be approved.

The Executive Member for Finance and Support Services submitted a report setting out proposals for the interim development of the site at No 1, The Causeway, Bishop’s Stortford, prior to full redevelopment of the Old River Lane site. 

He reminded Members that a planning framework had been commissioned for Bishop’s Stortford town centre, which would inform the mix of uses for the future development of the whole town centre including the Old River Lane site.  Following the publication of the planning framework, a detailed plan would be developed for the Old River Lane site.  It was anticipated that this piece of work, obtaining the subsequent planning permission and procuring contractors would take a number of years.

In the meantime, there was a need to consider options for the redevelopment of No 1, The Causeway.  He detailed four options:

·                        Leave “as-is”.

·                        Full refurbishment and re-letting.

·                        Rebuild on existing foundations.

·                        Repurpose site.

The Executive Member set out the main issues, risks and costs for each of these options and recommended that option four, involving demolition of the building and repurposing for car parking be agreed.

Councillor T Page thanked the Executive Member and Officers for the clarity of the report, but disagreed with the conclusion reached.  He favoured the “leave as-is” option on the basis that it did not require £0.5m expenditure.  He spoke of the need for a proactive approach towards the redevelopment of the town centre and suggested that a car park would delay this for six and half years, the payback period for the option being recommended.  He also questioned the democratic process and suggested a lack of scrutiny.

In response, the Executive Member referred to the risks and liabilities of doing nothing, given the deteriorating fabric of the building and the costs that would be incurred.  The Head of Strategic Finance and Property Services provided details of the remedial works and costs that would be needed.  The Executive Member also commented that plans for the redevelopment of the site would come forward in due course and would not be delayed by the short-term use of the site as a car park.  This option would also provide an income stream in the short term.

In respect of the democratic process, the Head of Legal and Democratic Services advised that any decision taken would be subject to the call-in process, which required four Members to call in the decision.  If this happened, the decision would be referred to the Corporate Business Scrutiny Committee, which had responsibility for scrutinising asset management matters.

The Executive approved option four as detailed in the report submitted.

RESOLVED - that in relation to No 1, The Causeway, Bishop’s Stortford (A) the request to demolish the existing structure and repurpose for short term use, as detailed throughout the report now submitted and recommended by the Old River Lane Steering Group, be approved, and

(B)      the funding for the cost of demolition and resurfacing from the Commercial Property Fund, recommended by the Old River Lane Steering Group,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 72.

That (A) the recommendations of the Environment Scrutiny Committee of 23 February 2016, be noted;

(B)     the introduction of footway and grassed verge parking enforcement in East Herts be approved; and

(C)    the mechanism for the introduction and operation of this enforcement, as now detailed, be approved.

The Executive Member for Economic Development submitted a report seeking the introduction of footway and grassed verge parking enforcement on an initial, trial basis.  He detailed the background to the issue and its consideration by the Environment Scrutiny Committee on 23 February 2016.  The Committee had examined a number of different options and had supportedthe approach for footway and grassed verge parking controls as now recommended.

Councillor D Andrews referred to his comments made at the Environment Scrutiny Committee and suggested a different approach whereby the Council should designate areas where parking on the verge was permitted and not prohibited.  The Executive Member commented that this approach had been considered and rejected by the Environment Scrutiny Committee.

In response to other Members’ comments, the Executive Member outlined the additional enforcement that would form part of the pilot scheme.  He reminded Members that the public could report problems to the Parking service.  He also reiterated that this would be a pilot and lessons would be learnt.

The Executive approved the proposals now detailed.

RESOLVED - that (A) the recommendations of the Environment Scrutiny Committee of 23 February 2016, be noted;

(B)       the introduction of footway and grassed verge parking enforcement in East Herts be approved; and

(C)       the mechanism for the introduction and operation of this enforcement, as now detailed, be approved.

That the introduction of a pro-active element to the planning enforcement service, to the extent and on the basis of the costs set out in the report submitted, be endorsed.

The Executive Member for Development Management and Council Support submitted a report seeking approval for the introduction of a pro-active element to the planning enforcement service.  She referred to the work on this matter by the task and finish group established by the Environment Scrutiny Committee.  Its recommendations were considered at the last Executive meeting, at which it was requested that a business case be formulated and reported back to it.

The Executive considered the proposals as now detailed and approved them.

RESOLVED - that the introduction of a pro-active element to the planning enforcement service, to the extent and on the basis of the costs set out in the report submitted, be endorsed.

Report to follow

To consider recommendations on the following matters:

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the District Planning Executive Panel held on 24 May 2016 be received.

(see also Minutes 57 – 67)

That (A) the Net Cost of Services Revenue Outturn as detailed in paragraph 2.2 of the report submitted for 2015/16 be noted;

(B)     the transfer of the underspend in Contingency budget for 2015/16 to the Transformation Reserve as detailed in paragraph 2.6 of the report submitted, be agreed;

(C)    the transfer of funds to reserves as detailed in paragraph 2.4 of the report submitted, be agreed;

(D)    the level of General Reserve Balances at 31 March 2016 as detailed within the report be noted;

(E)     the carry forward requests from 2015/16 to 2016/17 budgets as detailed in paragraph 3.7 of the report submitted, be agreed;

(F)     the Capital outturn for 2015/16 as detailed in paragraph 4.2 of the report submitted, be noted;

(G)    Capital slippage as set out in paragraph 4.3 of the report submitted, be approved; and

(H)    the Capital Programme for 2016/17 to 2019/20 as detailed in paragraph 4.5 of the report submitted, be noted.

The Executive Member for Finance and Support Services submitted a report advising on the Net Cost of Services Revenue Outturn for 2015/16 and providing explanations for significant variances against the approved Budget.  He also advised on the financing arrangements for the 2015/16 Capital Outturn and the planned financing of the updated 2016/17 Capital budget allowing for the approved slippage from 2015/16.

The Executive approved the proposals as now detailed.

RESOLVED - that (A) the Net Cost of Services Revenue Outturn as detailed in paragraph 2.2 of the report submitted for 2015/16 be noted;

(B)      the transfer of the underspend in Contingency budget for 2015/16 to the Transformation Reserve as detailed in paragraph 2.6 of the report submitted, be agreed;

(C)      the transfer of funds to reserves as detailed in paragraph 2.4 of the report submitted, be agreed;

(D)      the level of General Reserve Balances at 31 March 2016 as detailed within the report be noted;

(E)      the carry forward requests from 2015/16 to 2016/17 budgets as detailed in paragraph 3.7 of the report submitted, be agreed;

(F)       the Capital outturn for 2015/16 as detailed in paragraph 4.2 of the report submitted, be noted;

(G)      Capital slippage as set out in paragraph 4.3 of the report submitted, be approved; and

(H)      the Capital Programme for 2016/17 to 2019/20 as detailed in paragraph 4.5 of the report submitted, be noted.

The Executive considered and noted a report on performance monitoring for 2015/16 as at March 2016/Quarter 4.

RESOLVED - that in respect of EHPI 153 – Number of applicants that presented to the Council as homeless, the current explanation for long term trends as detailed in paragraph 2.3 of the report submitted and the impact it is estimated to have on the final outturn, be noted.

That the risk management controls implemented be approved.

The Executive considered a report relating to action taken to mitigate and control strategic risks in the period January to March 2016.

The Executive approved the report as now detailed.

RESOLVED - that the risk management controls implemented be approved.