Planning - 16 June 2008

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.
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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