Agenda item

Mr Heath addressed the Committee in objection to the application.  Mr Rospo spoke for the application.

The Director of Neighbourhood Services recommended that, in respect of application 3/10/1152/FP, planning permission be granted subject to the conditions now detailed.

Councillor A L Warman expressed concerns in relation to what would happen should the fire service need access to North Street in an emergency.  Councillor R Gilbert expressed concerns in relation to the traffic implications of the application.  He commented that larger vehicles might find it impossible to turn into Barrett Lane off North Street if the market was extended opposite this junction.

The Director advised that considerations such as emergency vehicle access, pedestrian safety and vehicle safety must be taken into account when setting up a market.  He stressed that a granting a planning application would not preclude such safety arrangements being effected in North Street by the market operator.

Councillor Mrs M H Goldspink expressed concerns that there were conflicting views in relation to the traffic study and whether there would be traffic problems.  She also expressed concern over the loss of parking spaces, particular for the disabled.  Councillor Goldspink stressed that she was glad the application was only for a year so that the effects could be very closely monitored.

Councillor K A Barnes commented on whether the 5 am to 4 pm operating times applied for, included the setting up and clearing up time required to operate the market.  The Director stated that the hours in the conditions were for the operation of the market, i.e. the selling of goods.  Officers could adjust this condition so that all stalls were cleared away by 4 pm if that was what Members would prefer.

Councillor Barnes stated his concern that stall holders clearing away stalls before 4 pm in North Street could prove to be dangerous for pedestrians using the shops in that area.  Councillor A L Burlton expressed a concern that water main works resulting in long term closures of Market Street, Potter Street and South Street could be problem if this planning permission was implemented prior to 24 May 2011.  He expressed concerns that implementing this permission prior to the conclusion of the water works would result in the whole town centre being closed and subject to gridlock.

The Director stressed that the operation of the market and the implementation of this permission was within the control of the Authority as the market operator.  He stated however, that this was beyond the remit of the Development Control Committee.  He suggested that this concern be relayed to the Officers with the responsibility for the markets.

Councillor M G Carver stated that this was very much a trial and Officers were already in liaison with the Highway Authority and the Water Companies.  He emphasised that existing market stalls would remain as this application was very much seen as an expansion trial to raise the market gain and raise the profile of Bishop’s Stortford.

The Committee supported the recommendation of the Director of Neighbourhood Services that application 3/10/1152/FP be granted subject to the conditions now detailed.

RESOLVED – that in respect of application 3/10/1152/FP, planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions:

1.            The use hereby permitted shall cease on or before 28th February 2012.

        Reason:  To allow the impact of the proposed road closure on the free flow of traffic in the area to be monitored and assessed in the interests of highway safety.

2.            The use of the market hereby permitted shall be restricted to the hours of 0500 to 1600 on Thursdays and Saturdays only.

        Reason:  In the interests of highway safety.

3.            The use of the site as a market, in accordance with the plans hereby approved, shall only occur when a Traffic Regulation Order prohibiting driving in North Street between Bridge Street and Barrett Lane on Thursdays and Saturdays, or as may otherwise be agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority, has been approved, implemented and is in place.

        Reason: In the interest of highway safety

Directive:

1.    You are advised to contact the Hertfordshire County Council Passenger Transport Unit in order to consider bus diversion routes.

Summary of Reasons for Decision

The proposal has been considered with regard to the policies of the Development Plan (East of England Plan May 2008, Hertfordshire County Structure Plan, Minerals Local Plan, Waste Local Plan and the saved policies of the East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007), and in particular policies ENV1 and STC1.  The balance of the considerations having regard to those policies is that permission should be granted.