Agenda and minutes

To receive any announcements.

The Chairman welcomed Members, the public and the Honorary Alderman to the meeting and advised that due to a technical issue the meeting was not being webcast.

He referred to the recent sad news that former Councillor Henry Sargent MBE had passed away.  He had served as a District Councillor from 1973 until 1999 representing Hertford Sele ward.  He had also served on Hertford Town Council and had been appointed an Honorary Alderman in 2007.  The Chairman invited Honorary Alderman John Sartin to say a few words.

The Honorary Alderman spoke of the many years he had served with Henry Sargent from opposing sides of the chamber.  He referred to his warm friendship and the respect and regard in which he had been held by councillors of all political persuasions.  He spoke of Henry Sargent’s commitment to serving his constituents in Hertford and his unswerving dedication to fulfilling his duties.

On Hertford Town Council, Henry Sargent had been the first Labour Mayor to be elected and this by a Conservative majority on the Council, which had demonstrated the high esteem in which he was held.  He was a caring individual who had performed his duties with due diligence and fairness, which had been recognised by the award of an MBE and his appointment as an Honorary Alderman.

The Chairman asked everyone present to stand and observe a minute’s silence in memory of Henry Sargent.

On a happier note, the Chairman was pleased to advise that Councillor N Symonds and he would be representing the District at a Royal Garden Party to be held on 15 May 2018.

The Chairman referred to recent events he had attended and highlighted the Holocaust Memorial Day event that had involved a range of excellent speakers, including pupils from St Edmunds College.  The whole event had been very moving and he thanked Councillor J Kaye and Officers for their efforts in organising the day.

The Chairman also referred to his forthcoming Civic Dinner on 17 March 2018 at Hanbury Manor, in aid of the Isabel Hospice.  He detailed the entertainment and asked Members for their support.

Finally, the Chairman referred to the recent good news that had been announced in respect of the 5-year housing land supply, which he believed would afford the District extra protection against unwanted development.

To approve as a correct record and authorise the Chairman to sign the Minutes of the Council meeting held on 13 December 2017.

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Council meeting held on 13 December 2017, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council.

The Leader of the Council submitted a report seeking agreement to publish ‘Main Modifications’ to the East Herts District Plan for a six- week period of consultation.  She also sought agreement for the Sustainability Appraisal (January 2018) of the Main Modifications for consultation.  Finally, the Leader also asked Council to note and agree a schedule of ‘Minor Changes’ to the District Plan.

Council recalled that the District Plan had been subjected to Examination by an independent Planning Inspector during recent hearing sessions held between October 2017 and January 2018.  During these hearings, a number of Main Modifications had been discussed as being necessary and these were set out in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ of the report submitted.

A Sustainability Appraisal Addendum (January 2018), detailed at Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ of the report submitted, had also been produced to take account of the Main Modifications and Council was asked to agree that this be published for consultation alongside the Main Modifications documents.  The Leader also detailed a number of Minor Changes to the District Plan at Essential Reference Paper 'D' of the report submitted.  However, as these did not affect the wording of policies or the overall intent of the Plan, the Regulations did not require these to be subject to consultation.

The Leader moved, and Councillor G McAndrew seconded, the recommendations detailed in the report submitted, subject to recommendation (A) be amended as follows:

Add at the end, “…with any further amendments authorised by the Head of Planning and Building Control, in consultation with the Leader of the Council”.

Various Members expressed their gratitude to the Planning Policy team for their continued efforts and work on the District Plan.

In response to Members’ questions and comments, Officers detailed the extent and range of the consultation that would be undertaken.  Council was advised that over 5000 individuals on the database would be sent either an email or letter inviting them to engage in the consultation period.  The consultation would also include press releases and regular updates on the Council’s website and social media.  Hard copy documents would also be provided to all parish and town councils.

In respect of the 5-year housing land supply, Officers explained that the 20% buffer was a requirement of the National Planning Policy Framework.  The progress of housing delivery would be addressed by various trigger points within the District Plan.  In terms of design, the master planning approach would seek to ensure that local concerns and issues were addressed.

Some Members expressed concern at the use of phrases such as “at least” or “a minimum” in respect of proposed housing numbers, especially in Bishop’s Stortford, as this left the potential size of development as undefined.  Officers responded by explaining that such phrases had been recommended by the Inspector, on the basis that more flexibility was needed. 

In response to concerns in relation to infrastructure requirements, particularly in the Gilston area, Officers explained that the Infrastructure Delivery Plan would be a key consideration at pre-application stage.

The  ...  view the full minutes text for item 349.