Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Wallfields, Hertford. View directions

Contact: Martin Ibrahim  Tel: (01279) 502173 Email:  martin.ibrahim@eastherts.gov.uk

Media

Items
No. Item

325.

Chairman's Announcements

To receive any announcements.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Vice-Chairman welcomed Members and the public to the meeting and reminded everyone that the meeting was being webcast.

 

The Vice-Chairman stated that the Chairman had asked him to offer his sincere apologies for his absence, which was unavoidable as he had booked his holiday long before the need for this extraordinary meeting had been identified.

 

The Vice-Chairman advised that he had agreed to accept an urgent item of business onto the agenda relating to Members’ Questions.  These would be dealt with at item 2(A) on the agenda.

 

Finally, the Vice-Chairman welcomed Councillor Peter Boylan to his first Council meeting following his recent by-election success in Puckeridge ward. 

326.

Declarations of Interest

To receive any Members' declarations of interest.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

In respect of Minute 329 – Heritage Impact Assessment for Panshanger Park and its Environs, June 2016, Councillor P Ruffles asked Council to note that he was a Hertfordshire County Council appointed trustee on Panshanger Management Committee.  Although not a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest, he stated that he would not participate in any decision.

327.

Members' Questions pdf icon PDF 118 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Vice-Chairman advised that Councillor K Warnell had withdrawn Question 4.

 

Question 1

 

Councillor C Woodward had submitted a question to the Executive Member for Environment and the Public Space.  Although absent from the meeting, he had asked that, given:

 

·        East Herts had three Air Quality Management Areas, one of which, Sawbridgeworth, had no Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP), and the oldest, Hockerill had exceeded World Health Organisation guidelines since at least 2007 and now failed the EU legal maximum by almost double for nitrogen dioxide (and failed on highly hazardous particulate matter pollutants);

·        the duties placed on East Herts District Council by the Environment Acts 1995 & 2002 to actively reduce emissions and to do so by clearly defined times; and

·        the AECOM Sustainability Appraisal for the draft District Plan stated that “car borne traffic is likely to be the most used transport” and that there was no hard evidence that modal shift had yet or, would occur (beyond wishful thinking), and that the reliance of the AQAP for Hockerill on a Bishop’s Stortford Urban Transport Plan was now misplaced as HCC have abolished it;

whether the Executive Member could clarify why the latest official progress report was three years old and to report to Members on how many of the actions set in the AQAP had been fully achieved or, wholly or partially failed.  He also asked the Executive Member on the legal risk to East Herts Council and perhaps individual Members of approving a draft District Plan with in excess of 4,100 new homes in Bishop’s Stortford and 500 in Sawbridgeworth, as well as the health condition and figures for early mortality expectations of residents in the towns affected, in the stated context of Hertfordshire County Council’s Air Quality Strategy opening comment that ‘residents are dying prematurely due to poor air quality’ and AECOM’s admission that further development would have a “residual (minor) negative impact”.  Councillor C Woodward had bracketed ‘minor’ given recent measures showing that Hockerill was at 76 microns versus the absolute legal maximum of 40 given doubt that any negative impact  from new development was not legally and ethically acceptable when East Herts had for many years not resolved the current situation or delivered on its own AQAP.

 

The Executive Member for Environment and the Public Space responded by reminding Members of the considerable time and resources the Council had given to air quality issues, particularly in Bishop’s Stortford, over the past six months.  He referred to the Bishop’s Stortford Infrastructure and Congestion summit, the Hertfordshire Sustainability Forum and the forthcoming Air Quality Summit Steering Group meeting in October 2016.  These all involved working in partnership with professionals, local bodies and stakeholders and sought to address air quality and climate change issues.  By way of example, he referred to joint action across member organisations via the Climate Change Framework and Action Plan for Hertfordshire, which was looking at the scope for the promotion of electric vehicles.  In East Herts, the Council was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 327.

328.

Executive Report - 6 September 2016 pdf icon PDF 214 KB

To receive a report from the Leader of the Council and to consider recommendations on the matters below.

 

Note – Minutes 245 – 246 will be considered at the Council meeting on 19 October 2016.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Leader of the Council made a general statement in respect of the many recommendations of the Executive relating to the Draft District Plan.  She commented that the recommendations before Council represented the culmination of an intensive period of work by Officers and Members that would enable the Council to meet its deadline for submission to the Planning Inspectorate of March 2017.  She reminded Members that failure to meet this deadline could result in Government intervention.  The Draft Plan was not just about housing, but also concerned employment, community facilities and leisure and open spaces.

 

The Leader commented that a viable plan and a five year land supply were essential in protecting the District from unsustainable and unviable development.  The headline figure of 16,390 for housing had been reached following a balanced, evidence-based approach.  Members needed to look at the whole picture and to balance the contradictory evidence.

 

The Leader referred to the three tenets of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) that development should be sustainable, viable and deliverable and how these guiding principles underlay the proposed Plan.  It had been a difficult process to declassify 6% of the green belt, but exceptional circumstances had been demonstrated.  As referred to earlier, other options had been considered and discounted as unsustainable and undeliverable.  The required infrastructure needs could only be met by extensions to existing towns.

 

The Leader concluded that the Draft Plan provided soundness, legality and certainty to residents and businesses of where development would be permitted and where it would not.  She paid tribute to the work of the Planning Policy team and expressed pride in their efforts.

 

It was noted that Minutes 245 (Hertingfordbury Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan) and 246 (Financial Strategy and Medium Term Financial Plan 2016/17 - 2021/21) would be determined at the next Council meeting on 19 October 2016.

 

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Executive meeting held on 6 September 2016, be received.

 

(see also Minutes 329 – 352)

329.

Heritage Impact Assessment for Panshanger Park and its Environs, June 2016

Minute 221 refers

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that (A) the Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) for Panshanger Park and its Environs, June 2016, be agreed as part of the evidence base to inform and support preparation of the East Herts District Plan; and

 

(B)      the HIA for Panshanger Park be agreed as evidence to inform Development Management decisions.

 

(see also Minute 328)

330.

Hertford and Ware Employment Study, June 2016

Minute 222 refers

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that (A) the Hertford and Ware Employment Study, June 2016, be approved as part of the evidence base to inform and support the East Herts District Plan; and

 

(B)      the Hertford and Ware Employment Study, June 2016, be approved to inform Development Management decisions.

 

(see also Minute 328)

331.

East Herts Draft District Plan – Chapter 1 – Introduction: Response to Issues Raised During Preferred Options Consultation

Minute 223 refers

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that (A) the issues raised in respect of Chapter 1 (Introduction) of the Draft District Plan Preferred Options, as detailed at Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be received and considered; and

 

(B)      the Officer response to the issues referred to in (A) above, as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be agreed.

 

(see also Minute 328)

332.

East Herts Draft District Plan – Chapter 2 – Vision and Strategic Objectives: Response to Issues Raised During Preferred Options Consultation

Minute 224 refers

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that (A) the issues raised in respect of Chapter 2 (Vision and Strategic Objectives) of the Draft District Plan Preferred Options, as detailed at Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be received and considered; and

 

(B)      the Officer response to the issues referred to in (A) above, as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be agreed.

 

(see also Minute 328)

333.

East Herts Draft District Plan – Chapter 7 – Hertford: Response to Issues Raised During Preferred Options Consultation

Minute 225 refers

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that (A) the issues raised in respect of Chapter 7 (Hertford) of the Draft District Plan Preferred Options, as detailed at Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be received and considered; and

 

(B)      the Officer response to the issues referred to in (A) above, as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be agreed.

 

(see also Minute 328)

334.

East Herts Draft District Plan – Chapter 8 – Sawbridgeworth: Response to Issues Raised During Preferred Options Consultation

Minute 226 refers

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that (A) the issues raised in respect of Chapter 8 (Sawbridgeworth) of the Draft District Plan Preferred Options, as detailed at Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be received and considered; and

 

(B)      the Officer response to the issues referred to in (A) above, as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be agreed.

 

(see also Minute 328)

335.

East Herts Draft District Plan – Chapter 9 – Ware: Response to Issues Raised During Preferred Options Consultation

Minute 227 refers

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED - that (A) the issues raised in respect of Chapter 9 (Ware) of the Draft District Plan Preferred Options, as detailed at Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be received and considered; and

 

(B)      the Officer response to the issues referred to in (A) above, as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be agreed.

 

(see also Minute 328)

336.

East Herts Draft District Plan – Chapter 11 – East of Welwyn Garden City: Response to Issues Raised During Preferred Options Consultation

Minute 228 refers

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that (A) the issues raised in respect of Chapter 11 (East of Welwyn Garden City) of the Draft District Plan Preferred Options, as detailed at Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be received and considered; and

 

(B)      the Officer response to the issues referred to in (A) above, as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be agreed.

 

(see also Minute 328)

337.

East Herts Draft District Plan – Chapter 12 – Gilston Area: Response to Issues Raised During Preferred Options Consultation

Minute 229 refers

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that (A) the issues raised in respect of Chapter 12 (Gilston Area) of the Draft District Plan Preferred Options, as detailed at Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be received and considered; and

 

(B)      the Officer response to the issues referred to in (A) above, as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be agreed.

 

(see also Minute 328)

338.

East Herts Draft District Plan – Chapter 14 – Employment: Response to Issues Raised During Preferred Options Consultation, Further Amendments and Draft Revised Chapter (Renamed Economic Development)

Minute 230 refers

Additional documents:

Minutes:

In response to a comment from Councillor T Page on the need for upgraded transport links as a boost economic development, the Head of Planning and Building Control referred to the background technical information behind the Plan which supported Councillor T Page’s contention.

 

RESOLVED – that (A) the issues raised in respect of Chapter 14 (Economy) of the Draft District Plan Preferred Options, as detailed at Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be received and considered;

 

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

 

(C)      the further amendments in respect of Chapter 14 (Economy) of the Draft District Plan Preferred Options, as detailed at Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be received and considered; and

 

(D)      the draft revised Chapter 14 (Economic Development), as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ to the report submitted, 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 328)

339.

East Herts Draft District Plan – Chapter 18 – Community Facilities, Leisure and Recreation: Response to Issues Raised During Preferred Options Consultation, Further Amendments and Draft Revised Chapter

Minute 231 refers

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that (A) the issues raised in respect of Chapter 18 (Community Facilities, Leisure and Recreation) of the Draft District Plan Preferred Options, as detailed at Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted , be received and considered;

 

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

 

(C)      the further amendments in respect of Chapter 18 (Community Facilities, Leisure and Recreation) of the Draft District Plan Preferred Options, as detailed at Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be received and considered; and

 

(D)      the draft revised Chapter 18 (Community Facilities, Leisure and Recreation), as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ to the report submitted, 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 328)

340.

East Herts Draft District Plan – New Draft Chapter 1 – Introduction

Minute 232 refers

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that the draft revised Chapter 1 (Introduction), as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, 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 328)

341.

East Herts District Plan – New Draft Chapter 2 – Vision and Strategic Objectives

Minute 233 refers

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that the draft revised Chapter 2 (Vision and Strategic Objectives), as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, 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 328)

342.

East Herts Draft District Plan – Chapter 3 – Development Strategy: Response to Issues Raised During Preferred Options Consultation

Minute 234 refers

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED  - that (A) the issues raised in respect of Chapter 3 (Development Strategy) of the Draft District Plan Preferred Options, as detailed at Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be received and considered; and

 

(B)      the Officer response to the issues referred to in (A) above, as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be agreed.

 

(see also Minute 328)

343.

East Herts Draft District Plan – Chapter 4 – Green Belt and Rural Area Beyond the Green Belt: Response to Issues Raised During Preferred Options Consultation

Minute 235 refers

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that (A) the issues raised in respect of Chapter 4 (Green Belt and Rural Area Beyond the Green Belt) of the Draft District Plan Preferred Options, as detailed at Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be received and considered; and

 

(B)      the Officer response to the issues referred to in (A) above, as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be agreed.

 

(see also Minute 328)

344.

East Herts Draft District Plan – Chapter 6 – Buntingford: Response to Issues Raised During Preferred Options Consultation

Minute 236 refers

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that (A) the issues raised in respect of Chapter 6 (Buntingford) of the Draft District Plan Preferred Options, as detailed at Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be received and considered; and

 

(B)      the Officer response to the issues referred to in (A) above, as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be agreed.

 

(see also Minute 328)

345.

East Herts Draft District Plan – Sawbridgeworth – Settlement Appraisal and New Draft Chapter 8

Minute 237 refers

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that (A) the Sawbridgeworth Settlement Appraisal as detailed at Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be agreed; and

 

(B)     the draft revised Chapter 8 (Sawbridgeworth), as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ to the report submitted, 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 328)

346.

East Herts Draft District Plan – Ware – Settlement Appraisal and New Draft Chapter 9

Minute 238 refers

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that (A) the Ware Settlement Appraisal as detailed at Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be agreed; and

 

(B)      the draft revised Chapter 9 (Ware), as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ to the report submitted, 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 328)

347.

East Herts Draft District Plan – East of Welwyn Garden City – Settlement Appraisal and New Draft Chapter 13

Minute 239 refers

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that (A) the East of Welwyn Garden City Settlement Appraisal as detailed at Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be agreed; and

 

(B)      the draft revised Chapter 13 (East of Welwyn Garden City), as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ to the report submitted, 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 328)

348.

East Herts Draft District Plan – Chapter 13 – Housing: Response to Issues Raised During Preferred Options Consultation and Draft Revised Chapter (Renumbered Chapter 14)

Minute 240 refers

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that (A) the issues raised in respect of Chapter 13 (Housing) of the Draft District Plan Preferred Options, as detailed at Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be received and considered;

 

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

 

(C)      the further amendments in respect of Chapter 13 (Housing) of the Draft District Plan Preferred Options, as detailed at Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be received and considered; and

 

(D)      the draft revised Chapter 14 (Housing), as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ to the report submitted, 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 328)

349.

East Herts Draft District Plan – Chapter 25 – Delivery: Response to Issues Raised During Preferred Options Consultation, Further Amendments and Draft Revised Chapter (Renamed Delivery and Monitoring)

Minute 241 refers

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that (A) the issues raised in respect of Chapter 25 (Delivery) of the Draft District Plan Preferred Options, as detailed at Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be received and considered;

 

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

 

(C)      the further amendments in respect of Chapter 25 (Delivery) of the Draft District Plan Preferred Options, as detailed at Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be received and considered; and

 

(D)      the draft revised Chapter 25 (Delivery and Monitoring), as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ to the report submitted, 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 328)

350.

Strategic Land Availability Assessment, August 2016

Minute 242 refers

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that the Strategic Land Availability Assessment, August 2016, be supported as part of the evidence base to inform and support the East Herts District Plan.

 

(see also Minute 328)

351.

Final Village Hierarchy Study August 2016

Minute 243 refers

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that the Final Village Hierarchy Study August 2016, be supported as part of the evidence base to inform and support the East Herts District Plan.

 

(see also Minute 328)

352.

Duty to Co-operate Update Report

Minute 244 refers

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that the notes of the Member-level meetings held with neighbouring local authorities be noted.

 

(see also Minute 328)

353.

Executive Report - 19 September 2016 pdf icon PDF 163 KB

To receive a report from the Leader of the Council and to consider recommendations on the matters below:

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Executive meeting held on 19 September 2016, be received.

 

(see also Minutes 354 – 371)

354.

East Herts Draft District Plan – New Draft Chapter 3 – Development Strategy

Minute 280 refers

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that the draft revised Chapter 3 (Development Strategy), as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be agreed as a basis for inclusion in the final draft District Plan, with the content being finalised when the consolidated plan was presented in September 2016.

 

(see also Minute 353)

355.

East Herts Draft District Plan – New Draft Chapter 4 – Green Belt and Rural Area Beyond the Green Belt

Minute 281 refers

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that the draft revised Chapter 4 (Green Belt and Rural Area Beyond the Green Belt), as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be agreed as a basis for inclusion in the final draft District Plan, with the content being finalised when the consolidated plan was presented in September 2016.

 

(see also Minute 353)

356.

East Herts Draft District Plan – Chapter 5 – Bishop’s Stortford: Response to Issues Raised During Preferred Options Consultation

Minute 282 refers

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that (A) the issues raised in respect of Chapter 5 (Bishop’s Stortford) of the Draft District Plan Preferred Options, as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be received and considered; and

 

(B)      the Officer response to the issues referred to in (A) above, as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be agreed.

 

(see also Minute 353)

357.

East Herts Draft District Plan – Buntingford – Settlement Appraisal and New Draft Chapter 6

Minute 283 refers

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that (A) the Buntingford Settlement Appraisal, as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be agreed; and

 

(B)      the draft revised Chapter 6 (Buntingford), as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ to the report submitted, be agreed as a basis for inclusion in the final draft District Plan, with the content being finalised when the consolidated plan was presented in September 2016.

 

(see also Minute 353)

358.

East Herts Draft District Plan – Hertford – Settlement Appraisal and New Draft Chapter 7

Minute 284 refers

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that (A) the Hertford Settlement Appraisal, as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be agreed; and

 

(B)      the draft revised Chapter 7 (Hertford), as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ to the report submitted, be agreed as a basis for inclusion in the final draft District Plan, with the content being finalised when the consolidated plan was presented in September 2016.

 

(see also Minute 353)

359.

East Herts Draft District Plan – The Gilston Area – Draft Concept Framework, Settlement Appraisal and New Draft Chapter 11

Minute 285 refers

Additional documents:

Minutes:

In response to a question from Councillor T Page, the Leader confirmed that all dwellings built within the Gilston area would be considered as East Herts development.

 

RESOLVED – that (A) the Gilston Area  Settlement Appraisal, as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be agreed; and

 

(B)      the draft revised Chapter 11 (The Gilston Area), as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ to the report submitted, be agreed as a basis for inclusion in the final draft District Plan, with the content being finalised when the consolidated plan was presented in September 2016; and

 

(C)      the Gilston Area Concept Framework, as detailed at Essential Reference ‘D’ to the report submitted, be agreed as a first draft, with further work to take place in consultation with local communities, in order to prepare of final version prior to Submission of the District Plan in March 2017.

 

(see also Minute 353)

360.

East Herts Draft District Plan – East of Stevenage – Settlement Appraisal and New Draft Chapter 12

Minute 286 refers

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that (A) the East of Stevenage Settlement Appraisal, as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be agreed; and

 

(B)      the draft revised Chapter 12 (East of Stevenage), as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ to the report submitted, be agreed as a basis for inclusion in the final draft District Plan, with the content being finalised when the consolidated plan was presented in September 2016.

 

(see also Minute 353)

361.

East Herts Draft District Plan – Bishop’s Stortford – Settlement Appraisal and New Draft Chapter 5

Minute 287 refers

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Various Members spoke against the recommendations.  Councillor H Drake expressed concern on the basis of sufficient infrastructure to support the proposed housing developments in Bishop’s Stortford.  She referred to existing gridlock in the town and believed that additional development without adequate transport, health, leisure and education facilities would have a detrimental impact on the quality of life for local residents.  She expressed support for the Plan overall and hoped her comments would be forwarded to the Inspector.

 

Councillor J Wyllie supported Councillor H Drake’s comments.  He believed that the Draft Plan was an excellent document apart from the element relating to Bishop’s Stortford and in particular, the inclusion of the Bishop’s Stortford South site on the basis of unsustainable traffic impact.  He also questioned the potential schools provision on the flight paths out of Stansted Airport and urged all Members to vote against these particular recommendations

 

Councillor Mrs D Hollebon supported the comments of Councillors H Drake and J Wyllie and commented that this was a time to stand up and be counted.

 

The Leader responded to these comments by referring to the Infrastructure Delivery Plan which set out clearly what was required for strategic sites.  She stated that whilst more work with other stakeholders was needed, the Council was committed to achieving the necessary improvements.  She reminded Members of the task and finish group on Sustainable Transport that had been set up.  The Leader also referred to the need for developers of new strategic sites to look at green travel plans.  Finally, she referred to the work commissioned on traffic flows in Bishop’s Stortford that had been outlined by the Executive Member for Environment and the Public Space earlier.

 

A request from five Members for a recorded vote on these recommendations was made, the voting being as follows:

 

FOR:

 

Councillors M Allen, D Andrews, P Ballam, R Brunton, E Buckmaster, S Bull, Mrs R Cheswright, B Deering, I Devonshire, M Freeman, J Goodeve, B Harris-Quinney, L Haysey, J Jones, J Kaye, P Kenealy, G McAndrew, M McMullen, D Oldridge, M Pope, S Reed, P Ruffles, S Rutland-Barsby, C Snowden, R Standley and G Williamson.

 

AGAINST:

 

Councillors M Casey, G Cutting, H Drake, Mrs D Hollebon, G Jones, T Page, S Stainsby, N Symonds, J Taylor, K Warnell, J Wyllie.

 

ABSTAIN:

 

Councillors P Boylan, M Stevenson.

 

For: 26

Against: 11

Abstain: 2

 

Council approved the recommendations as now detailed.

 

RESOLVED – that(A) the Bishop’s Stortford Settlement Appraisal as detailed at Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be agreed; and

 

(B)      the draft revised Chapter 5 (Bishop’s Stortford), as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ to the report submitted, be agreed as a basis for inclusion in the Pre-Submission District Plan.

 

(see also Minute 353)

362.

East Herts Draft District Plan – Chapter 10 – Villages: Response to Issues Raised During Preferred Options Consultation

Minute 288 refers

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that (A) the issues raised in respect of Chapter 10 (Villages) of the Draft District Plan Preferred Options, as detailed at Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be received and considered; and

 

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

 

(see also Minute 353)

363.

East Herts Draft District Plan – Villages Appraisal and New Draft Chapter 10

Minute 289 refers

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that (A) the Villages Appraisal as detailed at Essential Reference Paper “B” to the report submitted be agreed; and

 

(B)      the draft revised Chapter 10 (Villages) as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ to the report submitted, be agreed as a basis for inclusion in the Pre-Submission District Plan.

 

(see also Minute 353)

364.

East Herts Draft District Plan – Appendices: Response to Issues Raised During Preferred Options Consultation and Updated Appendix C: Monitoring Framework and Appendix D: Glossary

Minute 290 refers

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that (A) the issues raised in respect of Appendices to the Draft District Plan Preferred Options, as detailed at Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be received and considered;

 

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

 

(C)      the revised version of ‘Appendix C: Monitoring Framework’ to the East Herts District Plan Pre-Submission Version, 2016, as detailed at Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ to the report submitted, be agreed for inclusion in the Pre-Submission East Herts District Plan, 2016; and

 

(D)      the revised version of ‘Appendix D: Glossary’ to the East Herts District Plan Pre-Submission Version, 2016, as detailed at Essential Reference Paper ‘D’ to the report submitted, be agreed for inclusion in the Pre-Submission East Herts District Plan, 2016.

 

(see also Minute 353)

365.

East Herts Draft District Plan - Proposed Amendments to the Final Text of the East Herts District Plan - Pre-Submission Version 2016

Minute 291 refers

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that the amendments to the East Herts District Plan Pre-Submission Version, 2016, as detailed at Essential Reference ‘B’ to the report submitted, and the addendum, be agreed.

 

(see also Minute 353)

366.

Harlow Strategic Site Assessment, September 2016

Minute 292 refers

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that (A) the Draft Harlow Strategic Sites Assessment, September 2016, as detailed at Essential Reference ‘B’ to the report submitted, be supported as part of the evidence base to inform and support the East Herts District Plan; and

 

(B)      the Head of Planning and Building Control, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, be authorised to agree the final version of the document.

 

(see also Minute 353)

367.

Strategic Flood Risk Assessment, August 2016

Minute 293 refers

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that (A) the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment, August 2016, be supported as part of the evidence base to inform and support the East Herts District Plan; and

(B)      the Head of Planning and Building Control, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, be authorised to agree an updated version of the document following completion of the climate change mapping.

 

(see also Minute 353)

368.

Sustainability Appraisal (SA) of the East Herts District Plan - Pre-Submission Version 2016

Minute 294 refers

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that the Sustainability Appraisal of the East Herts District Plan Pre-Submission Version 2016, as detailed at Essential Reference ‘B’ to the report submitted, be agreed and published for consultation for a period of six-weeks in accordance with Regulation 19 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 as amended.

 

(see also Minute 353)

369.

Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) of the East Herts District Plan - Pre-Submission Version 2016

Minute 295 refers

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that the Habitats Regulations Assessment, as detailed at Essential Reference ‘B’ and Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ to the report submitted, be supported as part of the evidence base to inform and support the East Herts District Plan.

 

(see also Minute 353)

370.

Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP) Version 1, September 2016

Minute 296 refers

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that the Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP), Version 1, September 2016, as detailed at Essential Reference ‘B’ to the report submitted, be supported as part of the evidence base to inform and support the East Herts District Plan.

 

(see also Minute 353)

371.

East Herts District Plan – Pre-Submission Version 2016

Minute 297 refers

Additional documents:

Minutes:

In response to a question from Councillor I Devonshire on the impact for future Development Management applications, the Head of Planning and Building Control commented that, if approved, the Draft Plan would have greater weight in considering applications as it would be further advanced in the process towards adoption.  He advised that there were still many unknown factors, for example, the unresolved objections that might arise from the forthcoming consultation.

 

Various Members expressed their appreciation to Officers for their efforts and hard work in reaching this point.  The Vice-Chairman referred to former Councillor M Carver’s endeavours also. 

 

Councillor J Wyllie asked that his dissent from the decision in so far as Bishop’s Stortford South was concerned be recorded.

 

RESOLVED – that (A) the East Herts District Plan Pre-Submission Version 2016, as detailed at Essential Reference ‘B’ to the report submitted including the further amendments detailed at Minute 291, be agreed and published for consultation for a period of six-weeks in accordance with Regulation 19 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 as amended;

(B)      the Head of Planning and Building Control, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, be authorised to make non-material typographical, formatting, mapping and other amendments to the Plan, prior to its publication for consultation in November 2016; and

 

(C)      the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ paper, as detailed at Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ to the report submitted, be agreed and published alongside the Plan.

 

(see also Minute 353)