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BERKHAMSTED | |
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CURRENT MINUTES |
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Reports and Minutes of the Meeting of TOWN PLANNING COMMITTEEHeld in the Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Berkhamsted on Monday 30th June 2008 at 7.30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Councillors K. Coleman – Chairman Lindy Foster Weinreb – Vice Chairman P. Gibbs J. Lythgoe P. Matthews Dr. I. Reay CO-OPTED MEMBER: Dr. L. Handy OFFICER: Mr. C.R. Westwood – Town Clerk
79/08 APOLOGIES There were no apologies for absence 80/08 TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST REGARDING ITEMS ON THE AGENDA Councillor Foster Weinreb declared a personal interest in application 4/1151/08 as a near neighbour. 81/08 MINUTES The minutes of the meeting held on the 9th June 2008 were agreed and signed by the Chairman Vide 74/08 Town Plan – Key Issues for Berkhamsted. Adjourned to the next meeting to allow the Working Party to meet and report Action: Councillor Coleman and Working Party Members.
82/08 CHAIRMAN’S COMMUNICATIONS A letter had been received from James Doe, Head of Planning & Regeneration, Dacorum Borough Council, offering to meet with the Council to discuss planning matters both generally as they apply to Dacorum and to those pertinent to your area. The Chairman had received a copy of a letter sent to the Head of Corporate Estates at Hertfordshire County Council by Mr. Tony Statham, Chairman of the Berkhamsted Citizens Association, expressing surprise and disappointment to not having had an acknowledgement or reply to previous correspondence concerning the Berkhamsted Care Centre site at Manor Street. The Chairman had replied to Mr. & Mrs. Battye concerning their letter of the 7th June 2008 and the planning applications at Greystoke, Cross Oak Road.
83/08 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Mr Dyer asked if Councillor David Lloyd had responded to the letter regarding the Manor Street site. He suspected that the County Council were now considering the tenders they had received. Councillor Lloyd had not responded which Councillor Reay interpreted as a possibly meaning that the matter was being reconsidered.
84/08 TREE PRESERVATION IN MEADWAY Councillor Foster Weinreb had received an e-mail from Mr Jones of Meadway who was concerned about the number of trees being felled in the area. Although these were on private property it was agreed that the public should report any tree felling to the Tree Officer at the Borough Council, and should consider becoming Tree Wardens as described in a recent issue of the Dacorum Digest.
85/08 PLANNING APPLICATIONS The Committee considered forms and drawings for applications relating to the Town of Berkhamsted, which had been received from Dacorum Borough Council up to the date of the meeting, and it was RESOLVED That Dacorum Borough Council is informed of the Council’s comments and observations, if any, as follows. The Council also trusts that due regard will be taken of any objections, which may be received from neighbours in the vicinity.
4/0315/08/FUL Ground floor infill to replace 6 garages and covered areas, removal of 7 garages and replacement stores and covered parking, additional windows, new entrance canopy at Amersham House, Berkley Court, Mill Street. (YE) No Objection
4/0976/08/FHA AMENDED and/or ADDITIONAL PLANS / INFORMATION – Loft conversion and dormer at 14 Clarence Road. (YE) Object to the ridge height of the rear dormer, which should be lower than the roof- line.
4/0997/08/FHA Single storey rear extension at Larks Hill, Byways, Gravel Path. (BL) No Objection
4/1021/08/FUL AMENDED and/or ADDITIONAL PLANS / INFORMATION - Demolition of existing dwelling and construction of two detached houses and garages (AMENDED SCHEME) at Pantiles 1, Meadway. (JA) Mr. Mehew was present to object to the application on behalf of himself and other residents of Meadway. He had no objection to the redevelopment or the two large dwellings. He objected to the configuration of Plot 1 and the loss of privacy he would suffer. The existing building line should not be ignored. Air Vice Marshall Lamb said that this development would create harm to the area, affect the rights of local residents to have space and was contrary to BCA7 and Policy 11 of the Local Plan. Object to the overbearing nature of the detached dwelling which will cause intrusion and loss of light and privacy to its neighbours. Object to the bulk, size and layout of the proposed development, which will have a detrimental affect on the character of the area. Object to the loss of amenity and the detrimental affect the proposals will have on the local environment, including the loss of wildlife, which will be contrary to the Bio-diversity Policies of Dacorum Borough Council. Object to the configuration of Plot 1 and the garage blocks not being consistent with the existing building line. Based on information provided by local residents the Committee expressed its concern at the large loss of trees that has already taken place on adjacent sites. 4/1032/08/FHA First floor rear extension at 26 West Road. (BL) No Objection 4/1067/08/FHA Single storey rear extension at 17 Charles Street. (YE) No Objection 4/1078/08/FUL Installation of photovoltaic roof panels, formation of door opening to replace window at St. Michael and All Angels, Sunnyside Church, Ivy House Lane. (YE) No Objection 4/1083/08/FHA Conservatory at 5 Beechcroft. (BC) No Objection 4/1123/08/FHA Single storey side/rear extension at Cropthorne Cottage, Gravel Path. (RF) Object as the site plan is out of date and does not show the effect the proposal would have on adjacent properties not shown on the site plan. 4/1134/08/FHA First floor side extension over existing garage (AMENDED SCHEME) – 25 Valley Road. (RH) No Objection 4/1150/08/TPO Removal of two trees at Hurley House, Cross Oak Road. (BC) No Objection subject to the views of the Tree Officer 4/1151/08/FHA Front door and internal alterations at Lock Cottage, Ravens Lane. (MS) Object as the proposal alters the balance of the building and is contrary to the original design. Object to the internal alterations, which will damage the integrity of the building and jeopardise the structural importance of the cottage, especially the chimneys. 4/1178/08/FUL Demolition of existing dwelling and construction of three detached dwellings and access drive at Green Briars, Shenstone Hill, Gravel Path. (BL) Mr James of Pilgrims, Shenstone Hill was present to object to the application. The additional traffic in a narrow road with no footpaths would cause danger, especially to the children in the area. He was unclear about how any trees, some of which were protected, would be treated. This was a major change, tripling the number of houses on the site and would affect his environment and privacy. Object due to over development of the site on which three houses would replace the existing house. Object to the height scale and bulk of the proposed houses and especially to three storeys, which would cause overlooking when ground levels were taken into account. Object to the additional traffic created in a narrow road with no footpaths, which would cause danger, especially to the children in the area and at the narrow entrance to Gravel Path. Object to the potential loss of trees and hedges and the resulting damage to the local environment. 4/1185/08/FHA Single storey rear extension, landscaping to rear and alteration to driveway at 34 Bridgewater Road. (JA) No Objection 4/1206/08/FHA Single storey side extension at Grafton House, Cross Oak Road. (PS) No Objection 4/1225/08/ADV Projecting sign at 1 Church Lane. (AG) Object to the size and colour of the sign, which would be inappropriate in the Conservation Area. 4/1229/08/LDP Loft Conversion with rear dormer at 150 Bridgewater Road. (RB) No Objection 4/1232/08/CAC Demolition of house, garage and outbuildings at The Pines, North Road. (FB) Colin Garrett of North Road was present to object to the application. He circulated a report setting out his reasons which highlighted the breaches of Policy 120 of the Local Plan and BCA 12. Object until there are acceptable and detailed plans for any redevelopment as described in paragraph 4.27 of PPG 15. Object as there is no justification for demolition which would be contrary to Policy 120 (Development in Conservation Areas) of the Dacorum Borough Local Plan. 4/1252/08/FHA Single storey rear extension and relocation of retaining structure at 33 Kitsbury Road. (RF) No Objection 4/1253/08/LDP Construction of brick built bin stores including new footpaths at 48-62 Westfield Road. (PN) No Objection 4/1255/08/FHA Single storey rear extension and bay window at Earls Riding, Gravel Path. (BL) James Jensen of Hunters Park was present to express concerns about the progressive nature of the development over a long period of time, which he described as ‘planning by stealth’. The proposal would cause loss of privacy and residential amenity. No Objection subject to trees and hedges on the site not being felled. 4/1258/08/FHA Part single/part two-storey side, front and rear extensions at 12 Murray Road. (RB) No Objection 4/1267/08/FHA Conservatory at 12 Greystoke Close. (MS) No Objection 4/1270/08/LDP Garage conversion at Eglantine, Briar Way. (YE) No Objection
4/1292/08/TCA FOR INFORMATION ONLY – Fell Cherry tree at 5 Torrington Road. (AG) No Objection subject to the views of the Tree Officer 4/1306/08/RET Change of use to beauty salon at 40 Charles Street (YE) No Objection 4/1314/08/FHA Loft conversion with velux windows and balcony/decking to rear garden at 11 Boxwell Road. (YE) No Objection subject to the views of the Conservation Officer 4/1340/08/TCA FOR INFORMATION ONLY - Works to trees at Berkhamsted Collegiate School, Castle Street. No Objection subject to the views of the Tree Officer
86/08 PLANNING APPEAL 4/2457/07/FHA Two storey and single storey side and rear extensions at 5 Murray Road. Letter attached. On the 3rd December 2007 the Town Council did not object to this application. The Planning Appeal was noted.
87/08 PLANNING DECISIONS The Planning decisions circulated with the agenda were noted. 88/08 CLOSE OF MEETING The meeting closed at 8.45pm.
9. Planning decisions
Reports and Minutes of the Meeting of TOWN PLANNING COMMITTEEHeld in the Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Berkhamsted on Monday 9th June 2008 at 7.30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Councillors K. Coleman – Chairman P. Gibbs J. Lythgoe Dr. I. Reay SUBSTITUTE MEMBER: Councillor M. Allen (left at 8.10 p.m.) CO-OPTED MEMBER: Dr. L. Handy OFFICER: Mr. C.R. Westwood – Town Clerk
68/08 ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIRMAN FOR THE FORTHCOMING YEAR Councillor Coleman was elected as Chairman of the Committee for the forthcoming year and Councillor Foster Weinreb as Vice Chairman. 69/08 APOLOGIES Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Foster Weinreb and Matthews. 70/08 TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST REGARDING ITEMS ON THE AGENDA All Councillor members of the Committee declared a personal interest in application 4/0973/08/FHA as the applicant was a fellow Councillor 71/08 MINUTES The minutes of the meeting held on the 19th May 2008 had been agreed at Full Council and were signed by the Chairman. Vide Item 64/08 – Land at Manor Street The Town Clerk said that he had written to the Leader of Hertfordshire County Council expressing the Town Council’s objection to the sale of the land at Manor Street. Councillor Robert Gordon had replied to say that he had passed the letter on to his Cabinet colleague, Councillor David Lloyd, who was responsible for the County Council’s property and disposal programme. A reply from Councillor Lloyd had not been received. Following discussion it was agreed to defer this item to the next meeting of the Committee to enable discussions to take place with Berkhamsted Citizens Association and other residents and organisations who had expressed similar concerns. Alternative viable uses of the site should be explored including a form of residential/community occupancy. Action Councillor Coleman / Town Clerk 72/08 CHAIRMAN’S COMMUNICATIONS The East of England Plan (Revision to the Regional Spacial Strategy for the East of England) and supporting documents had been received from the Department for Communities & Local Government and was available for reference. Notification had been received from the University of Hertfordshire of the Hertfordshire Charrette entitled “How Should the County Grow?” to be held at the University of Hertfordshire from the 24th June to the 1st July 2008. Details had been circulated to all Councillors. Notification had been received from Dacorum Borough Council that the adjourned inquiry into development at The Pines, North Road, would resume at 9.30 a.m. on 19th June 2008 in Berkhamsted Civic Centre. A letter had been received from Dr. Laurence Handy confirming that he was delighted to accept the invitation of the Town Council to be a co-opted member of the Town Planning Committee. 73/08 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION The Chairman adjourned the meeting. Mr. Dyer speaking in respect of the proposed sale of the Manor Street site said that he hoped that Councillor Lloyd was prepared to have a meeting in Berkhamsted to get some progress on this matter. If not, he asked if it was possible for a County Council Scrutiny Committee to look at the work of the Cabinet Member. The Town Council should make every effort to get positive feedback. The lack of consultation was not public spirited and the town had already lost too many public facilities. The meeting was reconvened. 74/08 PARISH / TOWN PLANS – KEY ISSUES FOR BERKHAMSTED The Chairman referred to correspondence from Dacorum Borough Council circulated with the agenda. The Town Council had been requested to identify key issues relevant to future planning policies of the new Development Framework. Following discussion it was agreed that a Working Party would be formed to identify the key issues to report to the next meeting of the Committee. The Working Party would consist of Councillors Coleman, Foster Weinreb, Lythgoe, Allen and Dr. Handy. Action Councillor Coleman 75/08 PLANNING APPLICATIONS The Committee considered forms and drawings for applications relating to the Town of Berkhamsted, which had been received from Dacorum Borough Council up to the date of the meeting, And it was RESOLVED That Dacorum Borough Council is informed of the Council’s comments and observations, if any, as follows. The Council also trusts that due regard will be taken of any objections, which may be received from neighbours in the vicinity. 4/0430/08/FHA Replacement windows in rear elevation at 2 Chesham Road. (SS) No Objection 4/0671/08/FUL Detached dwelling with integral garage block (AMENDED SCHEME) – land at 27 Ashlyns Road. (MS) No Objection 4/0722/08/FHA Two-storey front, rear and side extensions and single storey front extension including integral garage at 55 Bridgewater Road. (AG) Object as the two-storey side extension was too close to the neighbour’s boundary. Object as the front extension was in front of the building line. 4/0737/08/FHA Single storey rear extension at 74 High Street. (BL) No Objection 4/0784/08/FHA First floor front extension and alterations including garage conversion at 6 Orchard Avenue. (RF) No Objection 4/0802/08/FHA Rear dormer at 54 Meadow Road. (RH) Object as the height of the dormer window was level with the roof line and should be lowered. 4/0824/08/ROC Variation of condition 16 of planning permission 4/2265/07 (The bay window, second floor window and third floor dormer window…shall be permanently fitted with obscured glass) at Mount Pleasant & Crabtree Cottage, Gossoms End. (SS) No Objection 4/0827/08/FHA First floor side and two-storey rear extensions, pitched roofs to existing front and rear dormers and alterations and front extension at 15 Castle Hill Avenue. (BC) Object as the proposals would lead to the site being overdeveloped. Object due to the adverse visible effect that the proposals would have on neighbouring properties and to the loss of character to the area. Object due to loss of light and amenity to the neighbour at no. 17. 4/0841/08/FUL New green-keeping facility at land adj. Lauderdale, Berkhamsted Golf Club, The Common. (NG) No Objection 4/0862/08/FHA AMENDED and/or ADDITIONAL PLANS / INFORMATION - Ground floor and basement level rear extension at 11 Whitewood Road. (YE) Object due to over-development of the plot. Object to the detrimental affect the extension would have on the neighbour’s amenity including loss of light. 4/0950/08/FHA Two-storey side extension and alterations at 113 Cross Oak Road. (RF) No Objection 4/0953/08/FHA Single storey side extension and new roof to ground floor study at 3 Castle Hill Avenue. (RB) No Objection 4/0962/08/TCA FOR INFORMATION ONLY - Works to trees at 34 Highfield Road. No Objection subject to the views of the Tree Officer. 4/0973/08/FHA Two-storey rear extension at Swiss Cottage, 19 Kingsdale Road. (PN) No Objection 4/0976/08/FHA Loft Conversion and Dormer at 14 Clarence Road. (YE) Object to the proposed dormer window, which was too large, level with the line of the existing roof and inappropriate in the Conservation Area due to its detrimental visual effect. 4/0998/08/FHA Loft conversion with rear dormer at 45 Shrublands Avenue. (PS) No Objection subject to the views of the Conservation Officer in respect of the design and appearance of the dormer window. 4/1021/08/FUL Demolition of existing dwelling and construction of two detached houses and garages (AMENDED SCHEME) at Pantiles 1, Meadway. (JA) Mr. Mehew was present to object to the application on behalf of himself and other residents of Meadway. This was a discordant development harmful to the character of the area. The first house would be 274 square feet and the second 432 square feet and only half a metre from the boundary with his own house at “Mortons”. The balance of the plot would not be fair or reasonable to his own property and for those reasons he objected. Air Vice Marshall Lamb said that this was another garden infill, which were gradually changing the character of the town. This would also set a precedent for other applicants. Meadway was being nibbled to death and the proposals were contrary to BCA7 and Policy 11 of the Local Plan. Object to the overbearing nature of the detached dwelling which will cause intrusion and loss of light and privacy to its neighbours. Object to the bulk, size and layout of the proposed development, which will have a detrimental affect on the character of the area. Object to the loss of amenity and the detrimental affect the proposals will have on the local environment, including the loss of wildlife, which will be contrary to the Biodiversity Policies of Dacorum Borough Council. Based on information provided by local residents the Committee expressed its concern at the large loss of trees that has already taken place on adjacent sites.. 4/1030/08/FHA Single storey and two storey rear extension at Meadow View, Byways, Gravel Path. (MS) No Objection 4/1034/08/ADV Replacement shop signage at 88 High Street. (PS) No Objection 4/1040/08/FHA Single and two-storey rear extension at 1 Egerton Road. (AG) No Objection 4/1041/08/FHA Single and two-storey rear extension at 3 Egerton Road. (YE) No Objection 4/1060/08/FHA Single storey rear extension (AMENDED SCHEME) – 6 Cloister Garth. (AG) No Objection 4/1063/08/FHA Two single storey educational buildings at Egerton Rothesay School, Durrants Lane. (JA) No Objection subject to the buildings being of a temporary nature. 4/1064/08/FHA Widening of existing drive, change rear window to patio doors, alterations to drive, crossover, rear decking at 16 St. Margaret’s Close. (BC) No Objection subject to the surface of the drive being porous. 4/1076/08/AGD FOR INFORMATION ONLY - New grain store adj. Wayside, Broadway Farm, London Road, Bourne End. (MS) No Objection 4/1094/08/FHA Replacement walls, alterations to roof and formation of new chimney at Little Marlins, Shootersway. (AG) No Objection 4/1098/08/FUL Change of use from offices to residential, first floor rear extension and single storey side extension at 17 Manor Street. (RF) No Objection
76/08 PLANNING APPEALS 4/2735/08/FUL Demolition of annexe to 11 Meadway and construction of three dwellings and access drive on land at 11 and R/O 13 – 15 Meadway. On the 3rd December 2007 the Town Council objected to this application. Details of the planning appeal were noted. No further action was required.
77/08 PLANNING DECISIONS The planning decisions circulated with the agenda were noted.
78/08 CLOSE OF MEETING The meeting closed at 8.15 p.m.
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