Issue - meetings

The Leader of the Council submitted a report seeking the Executive’s support for the publication of the draft Retail Frontages, Design and Signage Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for public consultation.  The report also sought endorsement that a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the emerging Retail Frontages, Design and Signage Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) was not required.

The Leader commented that the draft for public consultation would support the District Plan and would be a cohesive policy for the appearance of shop frontages across East Herts.  The Leader referred to the importance of supporting high streets.

The Head of Planning and Building Control referred to this being a new piece of planning guidance and new proposals could be judged on the provisions of this document.  The document could also be taken into account if a development did not benefit from planning permission and was the subject of enforcement action.  The Head of Planning and Building Control advised that if a shop frontage already benefited from planning permission then, the guidance could not be applied retrospectively.  Officers could however, take proactive steps to ensure positive changes going forward.

Councillor P Ruffles welcomed the document which had its origins in the Hertford Urban Design Strategy.  He commented on how well known this document was and stressed the importance of proactive promotion and ongoing publicity.

The Head of Planning and Building Control referred to a widespread consultation process to inform owners and occupies of the provisions of this document.  He also commented on the likely involvement of Town and Parish Councils.  The Leader confirmed that the views of the East Herts Town and Parish Councils were very important.

Councillor N Symonds commented on the issue of A-Boards being under the remit of the County Council.  She expressed concern that the proliferation of these boards in East Herts was a risk to blind residents and those who had a disability.  The Head of Planning and Building Control confirmed that this was a County Council function and the powers had not been delegated over.  He advised that this issue could be raised with Hertfordshire County Council where such problems were identified.

Councillor E Buckmaster confirmed that he had been approached by people who had raised the proliferation of these advertising boards as a matter of concern to them.  The matter had been raised with the County Council and the boards had subsequently been removed.

The Head of Planning and Building Control confirmed to the Leader and Councillor P Ballam that the options in relation to backlighting of shop frontages were limited in terms of control aside from Officers seeking to take proactive action.

Councillor L Haysey proposed and Councillor S Rutland-Barsby seconded, a motion to support the recommendations now detailed.  After being put to the meeting, and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED.

The Executive supported the proposals, as now detailed.

RECOMMENDED – that (A) the draft Retail Frontages, Design and Signage Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), as set  ...  view the full minutes text for item 397