Decisions

The Development and Conservation Manager informed Members that the dates of the planning training would be announced in due course. However, it was likely it would take place Mid-September onwards.  

RESOLVED: That application 20/00970/FP be GRANTED planning permission subject to the conditions and reasons contained in the report of the Development and Conservation Manager.

RESOLVED: That application 17/02755/1 be GRANTED planning permission subject to the application being referred to Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, the conditions and reasons contained in the report of the Development and Conservation Manger; and

An additional last line added to Condition 1 reason, as follows:

‘whilst the very special circumstances are compelling, to enable the matter of land allocation to be resolved through the Local Plan Hearings a temporary permission is justified.' and

The Condition 3 reason to be re-written to read:

‘To accord with the terms of the submitted application and evidence of need contained therein.’

RESOLVED: That the report entitled Planning Appeals be noted.

The Chair confirmed that the 5 registered speakers were present.

(1)       The Chair welcomed those present at the meeting;

(2)       The Chair advised that, in accordance with Council Policy, the meeting would be audio recorded and live streamed on the Council’s YouTube;

(3)       The Chair drew attention to the item on the agenda front pages regarding Declarations of Interest and reminded Members that, in line with the Code of Conduct, any Declarations of Interest needed to be declared immediately prior to the item in question;

(4)       The Chair clarified matters for the registered speakers and informed members of the public that they 5 minutes for each group of speakers i.e. 5 minutes for objectors and 5 minutes for supporters. The 5 minute time limit also applied to Member Advocates.

The bell would sound after 41/2 minutes as a warning and again at 5 minutes to signify that the speaker must cease. (5) The Chair advised that a comfort break would be called after Agenda Items 5 & 6 or at 9:00pm, whichever came first.

(5)      The Chair advised that there would be a comfort break at approximately 9:00pm if the meeting were to be still underway at that time.

There was no other business notified.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Daniel Allen, Mike Hughson and Sean Prendergast.

Having given due notice Councillor Ian Mantle advised that he would be substituting for Councillor Mike Hughson and Councillor Sam Collins advised that he would be substituting for Councillor Sean Prendergast.

Julia Sonander thanked the Chair for the opportunity to address the Panel.

The Chair thanked Julia Sonander for her presentation.

(1)       The Chair advised that, in accordance with Council policy, this meeting was being audio recorded as well as filmed. The audio recordings would be available to view on Mod.gov and the film recording via the NHDC Youtube channel;

(2)       Members were reminded to make declarations of interest before an item, the detailed reminder about this and speaking rights was set out under Chair’s Announcements on the agenda.

The Chair, Councillor Steve Jarvis. welcomed everyone to this Virtual meeting of the Cabinet Panel on the Environment.

The Committee, Member and Scrutiny Manager gave advice regarding the following:

·                Attendance;

·                Live Streaming;

·                Noise interference;

·                Voting.

The Chair, Councillor Steve Jarvis, started the meeting proper.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Sam Collins and Kay Tart.

Having given due notice Councillor Carol Stanier advised that she would be substituting for Councillor Sam Collins.

Having given due notice Councillor Mike Hughson advised that he would be substituting for Councillor Kay Tart.

RESOLVED:

(1)       That the Information note entitled Work Programme and Action Tracker for 2019/20 be noted:

(2)       That the Policy and Community Engagement Manager be requested to amend the Action Tracker as follows:

·                Prioritise the actions listed taking into account what is achievable;

·                A column be added to indicate when an action was expected to progress;

·                Wherever possible updates be provided on particular projects;

(3)       That the referral from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee be considered at the next meeting of the Cabinet Panel on the Environment, due to be held on 9 September 2020.

REASON FOR DECISION: To ensure that the Cabinet Panel on the Environment are able to plan its workload and monitor actions.

John Webb thanked the Chair for the opportunity to address the Panel.

The Chair thanked John Webb for his presentation.

RESOLVED:

(1)       That the Joint Chairs of the Panel be requested to engage with the Executive Member for Planning and Transport to discuss actions required to develop a plan for a cycle network in North Herts;

(2)       That the Executive Member for Planning and Transport be requested to engage with community groups and members of the public in the process for developing a plan for a cycle network in North Herts.

REASON FOR DECISION: For the Panel to be apprised of the actions and plans regarding the reduction of emissions from travel and transport in North Herts.

The Committee considered the referral from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 16 June 2020 that:

“The Cabinet Panel on the Environment be requested to consider air quality in the District, in particular the effect that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on areas of poor air quality.

The Chair advised that this would be considered when looking at the work programme.

RESOLVED:

(1)       That the Transport Policy Officer be thanked for his informative presentation;

(2)       That NHDC press HCC to be more ambitious regarding their plans in around town centres for instance consider pedestrianisation and entry and exit routes for town centres;

(3)       That, in respect of new developments, entry and exit points for cyclists be considered at the planning stage.

REASON FOR DECISION: To enable the Environment Panel to consider the issues around reduction of emissions from transport.

The Decision Notice is attached.

Having received apologies for absence from Councillor Michael Weeks, Councillor Mike Rice took the role of the non-voting observer reserve Councillor, in accordance with the Constitution 8.3.1.

The Licensing Officer presented the report entitled Application to vary a Premises Licence for Hitchin Town Centre.

The report, together with verbal submissions and questions from the Applicant and Other Persons and advice from the Legal Adviser were considered.

The report of the Licensing Officer was noted.

The Committee, Member and Scrutiny Officer outlined the virtual meeting procedure and this and the hearing procedure as detailed in the agenda were noted.