Minutes of the Planning Committee held on Wednesday 4th January 2012 at
7.30 p.m. in the Council Offices, 1a Bushwood Close, Welham Green
Those
Present:
Councillors Mrs J Boulton Chairman
C Everard
W A Storey
Mrs T Travell
P
Officer Ann
Morton Clerk
The meeting commenced at 7.35 p.m.
Apologies
for absence were received from Councillors Horrocks (unwell).
Councillor
Everard declared a personal interest as a member of the North Mymms District Green
Belt Society in agenda item 6 for planning applications in the Green Belt. Councillor Storey declared a personal interest
as a
The
minutes of the meeting held on 14th December 2011 were approved as a
true record and were signed by the Chairman.
No decisions were reported.
An appeal
has been submitted against refusal of planning permission, Planning application
2011/2147, for demolition of existing dwelling and erection of new detached
dwelling at Silver Birches, 27 Kentish Lane, Brookmans Park.
The appeal
was dismissed for erection of boundary wall, railings and gates at
Councillor
Horrocks emailed the following appeal decisions:
The appeal
was dismissed for reconstruction of roof raising ridge height, dormer windows,
two roof lights to front and new windows at 14 Ramsey Close, Brookmans Park.
The appeal
was allowed for retention of a tractor and hay store at land to the rear of
Members
considered the following planning applications and RESOLVED to submit comments or objections to the Planning Authority
as follows:
a. Ref
2011/2654/MA at 1-12 Green Close (off Station Road), Brookmans Park
Demolition of twelve maisonettes and erection of eighteen apartments
with basement car parking; six town houses with integral garages; surface level
car parking; amenity space; bin storage area and alteration to highway for
Brookpark Development Ltd.
Comment:
North
Mymms Parish Council object on the grounds that the proposal would be over
development of the site, the appearance of the flats and town houses would be
overbearing and over dominant on the surroundings and have a detrimental effect
on the character of Brookmans Park village centre.
Overall
the height of the buildings is excessive and ignores the established character
and context of the area. It is a concern
that the houses in
Members
are concerned that there is an over supply of flats and apartments in the area,
for example in
Gated
developments should not be encouraged within
Given the
proximity of the proposed development to the Green Belt, the impact on the
visual amenity of the Green Belt would be considerable.
There are
significant traffic problems with congestion and issues with car parking on
Green Close. There is also a problem
with poor visibility at the junction that would need to be carefully considered
by the Highways Authorities.
The
cumulative impact of both developments being proposed (this development and
planning application 2011/2679) needs to be considered, especially in respect
of highways.
b. Ref
2011/2679/MA at Land at Green Close and Station Road, Brookmans Park Redevelopment proposals to provide
ten new residential units comprising two x 2 bedroom and eight x 3 bedroom
flats in two/three storey block, incorporating under-croft car parking and
accommodation within roof-scape, together with amenity terraces and balconies,
works to alter and extend adopted highway along with provision of unallocated
surface car parking, landscaping and associated works for MJG Investment
Properties.
Comment:
North
Mymms Parish Council object on the grounds that the proposed development appears
cramped and would be over development of this restricted site.
Although
the site is in fairly close proximity to Bradmore Green, the development is on
the edge of the village rather than the centre.
The nearest building, The Brookmans, is two storeys high with no dormers
in the roof so the scale of the development will have an effect on the
character and would be out of context at this location. The proposed buildings would also be higher in
relation to the maisonettes on the opposite side of Green Close that do not
have dormers in the roof. When
approached from
The
proposal is not consistent with the character of the village in that the
overall settlement is mainly detached and semi-detached properties with
gardens.
Members
are concerned that there is an over supply of flats and apartments in the area,
for example in
There are
significant traffic problems with congestion and issues with car parking on
Green Close. There is also a problem
with poor visibility at the junction that would need to be carefully considered
by the Highways Authorities.
Members
consider that the figures indicated in the S106 draft agreement appear
derisory.
The
cumulative impact of both developments being proposed (this development and
planning application 2011/2654) needs to be considered, especially in respect
of highways.
It will
not be practical to download the documents for New Barnfield Energy for Waste
facility proposal to consider them at the Council meeting. It was agreed to recommend to members that
they will need to look at the planning application documents on Hertfordshire
County Council website or at their offices prior to the meeting so they will be
prepared for the Council meeting on 11th January 2012. Members considered it is important that the
Council comment on the impact in planning terms.
The Clerk
reported that there is currently only one application with 27th
January 2012 consultation deadline so the meeting scheduled for 11th
January can be cancelled. It was agreed
that the next meeting of the Planning Committee will be held on Wednesday 25th January
2012.
The meeting closed at 9.15 p.m.
Signed _____________________________
Date _____________________________