Planning - 21 July 2008

MINUTES of the MEETING of the PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE held on Monday 21 July 2008 in the COMMITTEE ROOM, KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL at 7.00 p.m.
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Present: Dr Graham Fothergill (Chairman), Mr John Bantick Mr John Hunt, Mrs Rosemary Pateman, Ms Elisabeth Smith and the Clerk

Apologies: Mr Richard Haigh due to holidays
Mr Robin Smith due to work commitments

1. Declaration of Interests

Ms Smith declared that she had a pecuniary interest in the application for 16 Oakfields Road.

2. Minutes

It was proposed by Mr Bantick, seconded by Mrs Pateman and

RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Planning and Environment Committee, held on 16 June 2008 be approved and signed.”

Agreed.

3. 08/01009/1HH The Old Rectory, Old Knebworth, Knebworth

Two storey pitched roof extension between garage and dwelling, incorporating part tiled/part flat lead roof, entrance hall, pitched roof porch and chimney stack to front elevation.

The committee considered the application, which is in green belt and conservation area, and agreed that it was overdevelopment. There was also a query regarding parking provision for the guests visiting the house. The committee OBJECTS.

4. 08/00884/1HH Hazel Elm, 59 Park Lane, Knebworth

Two and single storey side extension

The committee wished to ensure that the building materials matched the existing but had NO OBJECTIONS

5. 08/00960/1HH 6 Crabtree Road, Knebworth

Two storey rear extension

NO OBJECTIONS

6. 08/01247/1HH 2 Stobarts Close, Knebworth

Proposed single storey rear extension

NO OBJECTIONS

7. 08/01307/1HH 16 Oakfields Road, Knebworth

Single storey Front, Side & Rear Extensions Following Demolition of Existing Rear Extension

NO OBJECTIONS

8. 08/01134/1AD 128 London Road, Knebworth

Retention of externally illuminated fascia sign and two non-illuminated internal window signs.

NO OBJECTIONS

9. 08/01143/1HH 5 Swangleys Lane, Knebworth

Two storey and first floor side extension. Single storey rear extension. Two pitched roof dormer windows to rear elevation. Rear roof balcony with steel balustrade. Front balcony and pitched roof to existing flat roof front projection

The committee considered the proposed application to be overdevelopment and out of character with the area, with insufficient parking provision. It therefore OBJECTS.

10. 08/1130/1HH 5 Gun Road Gardens, Knebworth

Erection of shed in rear garden

NO OBJECTIONS

11. 08/01453/1HH 6 Stobarts Close, Knebworth

Single storey rear extension

NO OBJECTIONS

12. Review of Meeting Dates

It was agreed that the September meeting would be moved to 8 September.

13. Any Other Business

13.1 Police Meeting
Mr Hunt informed the committee that a community police meeting is to be held on 22 July at 7.30pm. Ms Smith said that she would attend.

13.2 Shrubs, Stevenage Road
Mr Hunt reported that the shrubs on Stevenage Road from New Close to Peters Way are overhanging the footpath. The clerk is to contact Herts. highways.

13.3 Northern Gateway
Mr Hunt reported that a pillar has been knocked over on the northern gateway. The clerk is to contact Herts. Highways.

13.4 Highways Access from Meadows
Mrs Pateman confirmed that a planning application is not required for a new access into a meadow from a non classified road.

13.5 Norton Green
Mrs Pateman reported that Stevenage Borough Council has erected a sign with by-laws relating to the green in Knebworth Parish rather than Stevenage Borough. The Parish Council had not been notified about the sign.

13.6 Benches
Mr Bantick stated that a number of benches around the village require refurbishment. A list is to be prepared.

13.7 Lower Court, 3 Houses Lane
The owner has lodged an appeal for the music room.

13.8 Hedge, 38 Stockens Green
Dr Fothergill reported that the hedge is overgrowing the footpath. The clerk is to notify Herts. Highways.

13.9 7 Gun Road Gardens
A shed has been erected in the front garden of 7 Gun Road Gardens. This is in a conservation area and no planning application has been received. The clerk is to contact NHDC.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.10 pm