MINUTES of the MEETING of the PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE held on Monday 16 June 2008 in the COMMITTEE ROOM, KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL at 7.00 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________
Present: Dr Graham Fothergill (Chairman), Mr Richard Haigh,
Mr John Hunt, Mrs Rosemary Pateman, Ms Elisabeth Smith,
Mr Robin Smith and the Clerk
Apologies: Mr John Bantick due to a NHDC conference
In Attendance: Mr Ian Gilmore
District Councillor Jane Gray
1. Declaration of Interests
Mrs Pateman declared that she had a pecuniary interest in the application for Burleigh Farm.
2. Minutes
It was proposed by Mr Smith and seconded by Dr Fothergill and
RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Planning and Environment Committee, held on 19 May 2008 be approved and signed.”
Agreed.
4. 08/00944/1HH 4 Oakfields Avenue, Knebworth
Two storey side extension and associated loft conversion
Objections from a neighbour are that the application would set a precedent with the side extension which will be close to the boundary and result in loss of light. The proposed two storey side extension is less than one metre from the boundary which is contrary to policy 28. The committee therefore OBJECTS.
5. 08/00643/1 73 Park Lane, Knebworth
Two storey and three storey side extension following demolition of existing garage. Single storey front extension and porch
A recent application for lawful development has been refused due to the location of the garage in the paddock. This is a large extension on a house which has already been significantly increased in size. The plot is also in Green Belt. The committee OBJECTS to the overdevelopment in Green Belt.
6. 08/00960/1 Park Lodge Cottage, Park Lane, Knebworth
Detached four bedroom dwelling following demolition of existing three bedroom chalet bungalow
The proposed replacement dwelling is 22% larger than the original building. The committee OBJECTS to the applicants on the grounds of overdevelopment in Green Belt.
7. 08/00954/1LB Burleigh Farm, Hitchin Road, Codicote
Repair barn roof fitting permeable felt prior to replacing existing and reclaimed tiles
NO OBJECTIONS
8. 08/00963/1HH 46 Stevenage Road, Knebworth
Two and single storey side extension. Pitched roof canopy to front elevation. Lantern rooflight to existing single storey rear extension
The extension protrudes 2m in front of the building line and the committee therefore OBJECTS.
9. 08/00864/1HH 1 Deards Wood, Knebworth
Retention of 1.1m high fencing with 0.6m high trellis work above to front and side boundary
NO OBJECTIONS
10. Footpath 15
Part of footpath 15 which runs through the garden of Manor House Farm was obstructed and it appears that a tennis court has been built on part of the footpath. The clerk informed HCC Rights of Way and the path is now clear. The clerk is to confirm that planning permission was not required for the courts in the conservation area.
11. Any Other Business
11.1 Footpaths
Mr Hunt reported that the footpath from Stevenage Road to Oakfield’s Avenue is overgrown. The clerk is to inform HCC rights of way.
Mrs Pateman reported that residents backing onto footpath 14 had started to cultivate vegetables on part of the footpath. The clerk is to contact HCC Rights of Way.
11.2 NHDC Planning Training
NHDC is to hold a training session on the East of England Plan on 8 July. Members are to inform the clerk if they wish to attend.
11.3 Gun Lane Highway Improvements
Dr Fothergill reported that the carriageway near the British Legion in Gun Lane was recently flooded. Highway improvements are scheduled to take place between 11 July and 11 August.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.15 pm
Monday, 16 June 2008
Wednesday, 4 June 2008
Recreation Grounds - 4 June 2008
MINUTES of the MEETING of the RECREATION GROUNDS COMMITTEE held on
4 June 2008 in the COMMITTEE ROOM, KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL at 7.30 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________
Present: Ms Smith (Chairman), Mrs Caroline Presland
Mrs Rosemary Pateman, Mr Titmarsh and the Clerk
Apologies: Mr Bantick due to attendance at a HAPTC course
Mr Hunt due to a prior engagement
In Attendance: Mrs J Ker Reid, Mr D Hill, Mr R Huggins ( Knebworth Tennis Club)
One member of the public
1. Declarations of Interest
There were no declarations of interest.
2. Minutes
Proposed by Mr Titmarsh, seconded by Mrs Smith
RESOLVED “that the minutes of the meeting of the Recreation Grounds Committee Meeting held on 9 April 2008 are approved.”
Unanimously agreed.
3. Knebworth Tennis Club Lease
The Tennis Club agreed an annual rent of £300 with a 4 year review. Any increase would be in line with RPI.
A separate agreement is to be drawn up between the Council and the Tennis Club regarding maintenance undertaken by the groundsman. The frequency of review is to be agreed but it may be annually or four yearly.
The committee confirmed that the council would not include a break clause in the new lease.
The club agreed that it would contribute £375 towards the cost of the new lease and confirmed that the Bowls Club would contribute the same.
The water supply has been taken over by the Bowls Club and the Tennis Club is paying for any water it uses.
There were discussions regarding the responsibility of the water pipe from the meter in Stevenage Road to the meters in the tennis courts. It was proposed that the responsibility be shared equally by the Parish Council, Tennis Club and Bowls Club. The clerk is to obtain confirmation that the Bowls Club is in agreement.
The committee raised the issue of the electricity supply being inspected every five years, which the Tennis Club acknowledged.
A draft lease will be obtained once confirmation from the Bowls Club has been received.
Mr Hill requested a letter of support from the Council for their proposed improvements so that the club can seek funding from the NHDC PACIF fund.
Due to the number of break ins into the hut the Club is to place CCTV notices on it.
4. Grounds Maintenance
The triple mower has been returned with some work outstanding. A resident cut the grass at King George Vth Playing Fields, whilst the mower was out of action.
Proposed by Mrs Smith seconded by Mr Titmarsh and
RESOLVED that “Mr Ramsey be paid £60 for cutting KGV.”
Agreed.
The clerk is to obtain quotes for grass cutting from Frank Cooper to ensure continuity of cover if the machine is out of action for a long period.
Thames Water has confirmed that the manhole in Lytton Fields requires repair and this is causing the rat problem. The clerk is to confirm when the work is to be completed.
5. Pavilion Maintenance
The pavilion cleaner is painting the floor in the pavilion. A quote for Altro (lino) flooring for the changing rooms has been obtained. To cover the concrete floor with lino in four changing rooms would cost £4470. In light of the lack of respect shown by the football clubs to the facilities and the income received from them, it was agreed that the floors would remain painted. Mr Titmarsh is to obtain a quote to tile the floors.
6. Football Posts
The goal posts for A1 have significant rust and the clerk is to see if they are repairable. The senior Football Club has been approached for funding but is unable to assist. New goal posts will cost up to £800 with installation at £400.
Proposed by Mrs Presland, seconded by Mrs Pateman and
RESOLVED that “new goal posts be purchased with a twist and lock hook at a cost of £775 plus installation with funding sought from the Football Foundation and Knebworth Village Trust.
For 4 against 1. Carried.
Parish Council funds will be taken from the play equipment budget. A meeting is to be arranged with the football clubs to discuss responsibilities and use of the Parish Council facilities.
7. Premises Licence
As the youth café project proposes to play music and DVDs a premises licence is required. Mr Titmarsh, Mrs Brookes and the clerk are to review the hours for the licence. The clerk is to write to residents of Watton Road regarding the application.
8. Gate Barrier
Members of the Bowls Club are finding it difficult to open and close the barrier at the vehicular entrance to the recreation grounds. The club has also requested that a combination lock be used rather than a key. The gate post has been re concreted into position and the barrier swings more freely. The clerk is to arrange for the stay on the stop post to be lowered. The use of a combination lock was not agreed as the resulting security would be unreliable. The clerk is to offer the club more keys to the padlock.
9. Playground Inspection
The clerk reported that the youth shelter, the pavilion and the Toddler unit in Lytton Fields have been sprayed with graffiti. The ROSPA playground inspection was undertaken on 30 May. There were a number of issues raised and these will be discussed fully once the report has been received.
10. Bins
One of the recently installed bins has been lifted off its base. The clerk is to contact the supplier regarding the problem.
11. Weekend Litter Picker
The weekend litter picker started in April due to the amount of rubbish being left in the recreation grounds. A large number of youths are gathering in the recreation ground on Friday nights leaving a significant number of bottles and cans strewn around the grounds together with broken glass. This results in litter collection taking two or three hours. If this continues throughout the summer the budget will be exceeded. The committee approved the additional hours.
12. Any Other Business
12.1 Bicycle Racks
The chairman and the clerk are to identify any areas to locate bicycle racks within the recreation ground and report back their findings to the next committee.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.40 p.m.
4 June 2008 in the COMMITTEE ROOM, KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL at 7.30 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________
Present: Ms Smith (Chairman), Mrs Caroline Presland
Mrs Rosemary Pateman, Mr Titmarsh and the Clerk
Apologies: Mr Bantick due to attendance at a HAPTC course
Mr Hunt due to a prior engagement
In Attendance: Mrs J Ker Reid, Mr D Hill, Mr R Huggins ( Knebworth Tennis Club)
One member of the public
1. Declarations of Interest
There were no declarations of interest.
2. Minutes
Proposed by Mr Titmarsh, seconded by Mrs Smith
RESOLVED “that the minutes of the meeting of the Recreation Grounds Committee Meeting held on 9 April 2008 are approved.”
Unanimously agreed.
3. Knebworth Tennis Club Lease
The Tennis Club agreed an annual rent of £300 with a 4 year review. Any increase would be in line with RPI.
A separate agreement is to be drawn up between the Council and the Tennis Club regarding maintenance undertaken by the groundsman. The frequency of review is to be agreed but it may be annually or four yearly.
The committee confirmed that the council would not include a break clause in the new lease.
The club agreed that it would contribute £375 towards the cost of the new lease and confirmed that the Bowls Club would contribute the same.
The water supply has been taken over by the Bowls Club and the Tennis Club is paying for any water it uses.
There were discussions regarding the responsibility of the water pipe from the meter in Stevenage Road to the meters in the tennis courts. It was proposed that the responsibility be shared equally by the Parish Council, Tennis Club and Bowls Club. The clerk is to obtain confirmation that the Bowls Club is in agreement.
The committee raised the issue of the electricity supply being inspected every five years, which the Tennis Club acknowledged.
A draft lease will be obtained once confirmation from the Bowls Club has been received.
Mr Hill requested a letter of support from the Council for their proposed improvements so that the club can seek funding from the NHDC PACIF fund.
Due to the number of break ins into the hut the Club is to place CCTV notices on it.
4. Grounds Maintenance
The triple mower has been returned with some work outstanding. A resident cut the grass at King George Vth Playing Fields, whilst the mower was out of action.
Proposed by Mrs Smith seconded by Mr Titmarsh and
RESOLVED that “Mr Ramsey be paid £60 for cutting KGV.”
Agreed.
The clerk is to obtain quotes for grass cutting from Frank Cooper to ensure continuity of cover if the machine is out of action for a long period.
Thames Water has confirmed that the manhole in Lytton Fields requires repair and this is causing the rat problem. The clerk is to confirm when the work is to be completed.
5. Pavilion Maintenance
The pavilion cleaner is painting the floor in the pavilion. A quote for Altro (lino) flooring for the changing rooms has been obtained. To cover the concrete floor with lino in four changing rooms would cost £4470. In light of the lack of respect shown by the football clubs to the facilities and the income received from them, it was agreed that the floors would remain painted. Mr Titmarsh is to obtain a quote to tile the floors.
6. Football Posts
The goal posts for A1 have significant rust and the clerk is to see if they are repairable. The senior Football Club has been approached for funding but is unable to assist. New goal posts will cost up to £800 with installation at £400.
Proposed by Mrs Presland, seconded by Mrs Pateman and
RESOLVED that “new goal posts be purchased with a twist and lock hook at a cost of £775 plus installation with funding sought from the Football Foundation and Knebworth Village Trust.
For 4 against 1. Carried.
Parish Council funds will be taken from the play equipment budget. A meeting is to be arranged with the football clubs to discuss responsibilities and use of the Parish Council facilities.
7. Premises Licence
As the youth café project proposes to play music and DVDs a premises licence is required. Mr Titmarsh, Mrs Brookes and the clerk are to review the hours for the licence. The clerk is to write to residents of Watton Road regarding the application.
8. Gate Barrier
Members of the Bowls Club are finding it difficult to open and close the barrier at the vehicular entrance to the recreation grounds. The club has also requested that a combination lock be used rather than a key. The gate post has been re concreted into position and the barrier swings more freely. The clerk is to arrange for the stay on the stop post to be lowered. The use of a combination lock was not agreed as the resulting security would be unreliable. The clerk is to offer the club more keys to the padlock.
9. Playground Inspection
The clerk reported that the youth shelter, the pavilion and the Toddler unit in Lytton Fields have been sprayed with graffiti. The ROSPA playground inspection was undertaken on 30 May. There were a number of issues raised and these will be discussed fully once the report has been received.
10. Bins
One of the recently installed bins has been lifted off its base. The clerk is to contact the supplier regarding the problem.
11. Weekend Litter Picker
The weekend litter picker started in April due to the amount of rubbish being left in the recreation grounds. A large number of youths are gathering in the recreation ground on Friday nights leaving a significant number of bottles and cans strewn around the grounds together with broken glass. This results in litter collection taking two or three hours. If this continues throughout the summer the budget will be exceeded. The committee approved the additional hours.
12. Any Other Business
12.1 Bicycle Racks
The chairman and the clerk are to identify any areas to locate bicycle racks within the recreation ground and report back their findings to the next committee.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.40 p.m.
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