Mission Statement
Our mission is to safeguard and promote the interests of residents in the area on all matters concerning housing, the environment of the area and the social & community life.
In order to do this we are committed to representing the views of residents in our area of operation.
NEXT MEETING: TBC
- . Save Aldenham Reservoir
- . Woodcock Hill
- Directors Arms planning application
- .Potters Lane planning application
- Organ Hall planning application
- Edgwarebury House Farm planning application
- 292 Route.
- AOB
1.SAVE ALDENHAM RESERVOIR
Fencing going up and Blocking off of Reservoir Footpath:
On Thursday evening 18th June, the owners of Aldenham Reservoir and its dam wall, Nitin and Mahesh Gosrani (Liberty Lake Leisure Ltd – aka ‘LLLL’), finally began to carry out their on-going threat to fence off the reservoir around the public footpath.
They cite unacceptable levels of litter and the general public getting stuck in the deep slurry areas of Aldenham Reservoir where “the beach” has formed since they began to drain water out of it since January 2020 – among their reasons.
It is believed that this move is also due to their desire to keep their land and reservoir just for the Angling Club and the Gosrani Family to enjoy. The fencing, which does not need planning permission, has already started to go up from the end of the Sailing club fence and it will extend just past the Fisheries entrance where a gate will be put up. This gate will essentially block off the footpath to the general public if turning left, from The Fisheries entrance, round to the farm. The public will only be able to use the Hertfordshire County Council (HCC)-owned footpath where it has Right of Way, from the Fisheries entrance, turning right and round to the end of the dam wall and car park area, round to the farm shop. Aside from the obvious distress this action will cause to local residents and the public, this will also mean that the Aldenham Park Run on Saturday mornings will be threatened.
EBRA have been following this footpath situation in terms of it being made an official public right of way and it would appear that although this was in the process of being resolved with HCC, the process had not been finalised. This situation left the path vulnerable and LLLL took advantage. We understand that the status of the footpath is being looked into by the Aldenham Country Park Trust (ACPT) which maintains the Country Park, and may ultimately need to go before the Secretary of State, although this could cost £’000’s due to legal costs etc. We await an update on this matter.
However, on speaking to the Contractor who was putting up the fence, he seemed to think the Gosrani’s would keep the gates open for a while. We hope this is the case. The fence has now been fully put up as 10th July and a gate with lock has closed off the South Side
The fence is the same type of fence used around the angling club area. EBRA were concerned about the fence impacting on the movement of wildlife in their habitats, but the contractors pointed out there are culverts that run underneath parts of the fence that animals etc can use. Although he added that dog-owners need to be careful not to let their dogs use these to escape into the fenced-off area, as the owner would not be access it to retrieve their pet.
Whilst we call upon the owners to consider the community’s interest and refrain from blocking off access to perhaps half the perimeter of the footpath, we also highlight that it is imperative that the public stick to the footpath only, and either take any litter and dog poo bags etc home, or dispose of them in the bins in the car park area. We must not give LLLL any excuse to close these gates.
The water level:
We are pleased to hear that the Dam Inspector has finally visited and has performed his annual inspection. He has agreed to a two-foot increase in water level. He states that any level higher than this may compromise the safety and integrity of the dam wall. This slight increase will suit the anglers better, but sadly this is insufficient for the Sailing Club to be able to continue. However, this increase will make little difference to covering up the deep slurry areas which will continue to be exposed, subject to rain etc.
This increase in water level will happen after the Angling Club have removed the concrete blocks, that line the dam wall shoreline. This removal will take place for safety reasons for the anglers to fish safely and we are told that these blocks are not actually required as any part of the dam wall wave protection. For those of you who are interested, this low shoreline was where the Old Hall Road was and had lorries running up and down when the dam wall was last re-done!
We remain concerned about the environmental impacts of the low water level, and also the structural risk that this exposes the lower side of the dam wall to.
Aldenham Sailing Club:
Unless anyone corrects us, we understand that the Sailing Club has effectively been ‘killed off’ due to the low water level, which means they cannot sail their boats. This is devastating news for this active sailing community and for a club that has been there for 80 years and for the schools that used the club and reservoir for their sailing. Members have already started to remove their boats to elsewhere. We wish the Club members all the best for the future and thank them for giving many of us observers a wonderful sight for so many years, when watching them sail, and we hope they find a suitable new home soon.
‘Podland’ Planning Applications:
We understand that LLLL will not be re-pursuing their ‘Podland’ Planning Application, which was recommended for refusal by the Hertsmere Borough Council (HBC) earlier this year and then withdrawn by LLLL. This is despite the Council subsequently asking LLLL to do a pre-app but LLLL said they would not spend another penny on this.
‘Private Land’ signs:
We are told that the red private land signs that have appeared around the Reservoir perimeter were put in place by the Angling Club and not LLLL. This is to stop the general public walking onto the slurry areas and also to keep the public away from the anglers during the Covid 19 pandemic. However, a number of these signs have been ripped off the posts. Whilst we appreciate that these might make uncomfortable viewing given that the land has been used by the public for decades we ask you not to remove the signs.
Tree Protection Order (TPO):
At Thursday evening’s Planning Committee of HBC, the Council decided to impose a Tree Protection Order on the woodland surrounding the Reservoir due to what they described as the “evident and intended threat” to over 80 trees. HBC feels that the threat is ongoing due to the owners’ recent statements in the press, draining of the Reservoir and threats to block the public footpath. Objections were raised by LLLL but these were overruled.
https://www.borehamwoodtimes.co.uk/news/18577690.fence-restricting-access-aldenham-reservoir-completed/
2. SAVE OUR VILLAGE GREEN - https://www.woodcockhill.org.uk/
Woodcock Hill Village Green is under threat again! Taylor Wimpey is looking to steal Village Green land to build yet more houses in an already densely packed area. The lower meadow along Byron Ave and Vale Ave has been identified by Taylor Wimpey for deregistration.
FIGHT DEREGISTRATION
The application made by Taylor Wimpey is asking the Secretary of State to deregister 3.3 hectares / 8.8 acres of Village Green land that will be targeted for further housing in Borehamwood. Taylor Wimpey are offering to exchange this land for land opposite the railway, which will not be easily accessible to residents who already have access to such vital green space in Borehamwood.
PROTECT OUR GREEN SPACES
Green spaces across Borehamwood and Hertsmere are in decline and under constant threat. Our green spaces off a multitude of benefits to the community not just environmentally, but also socially and economically. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has shown us how important access the nature is for our health and well-being. Here a just a few benefits of natural green space:
Improving air quality
Access and accessibility
Biodiversity
Climate change mitigation
Culture and heritage
Economic regeneration
Education and learning
Flood risk alleviation
Improving levels of tourism
Mental well-being
Physical health
HOW CAN YOU HELP
We are asking all residents opposed to the loss of this vital part of our community to help us fight these proposals through:
- Contacting Hertsmere MP Oliver Dowden expressing concern over this proposal, you can find our template letter here. His contact details are: oliver.dowden.mp@parliament.uk or oliver@oliverdowden.com you can also send a letter to his Westminster address: Rt Hon Oliver Dowden CBE MP, House of Commons, Westminster, London, SW1A 0AA
- Sign the petition: https://www.change.org/p/oliver-dowden-save-woodcock-hill-village-green-from-development
- Like our social media pages and share our story: Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/WoodcockHillVG/ Instagram: Woodcock Hill Village Green
3 . Directors Arms Planning Application:
Members of the public have just under a month to comment on plans to build 52 homes on the site of a former pub in Borehamwood.
After the former Directors Arms pub in Cranes Way was demolished last year, the council now wants to get rid of the vacant garages on site, and convert the whole site into residential use.
The proposals at the Borehamwood site are for 52 homes including 34 flats and 18 townhouses, with the apartments in a block of up to five storeys.
Of the 52 homes, 24 will be affordable, including 18 flats - which meets the council's policy that 35 per cent of a new development has affordable housing.
The scheme would provide 72 parking spaces in total, 31 cycle spaces, and electric vehicle charging points.
The application can be viewed by going website going here: https://www6.hertsmere.gov.uk/online-applications/search.do?action=simple&searchType=Application and searching for either Directors Arms or reference number 20/0784/FUL.
https://www.borehamwoodtimes.co.uk/news/18551231.plans-submitted-52-homes-former-directors-arms-site/
4. Potters Lane planning application - 16th July 2020 planning committee at 6pm
Please sign and share this petition URGENTLY. This development proposal affecting residents in our ward is being rushed through Thursday's planning committee. https://www.change.org/p/herrsmere-borough-council-to-preserve-an-area-of-greenbelt-and-prevent-over-developement
We also need you to write individual objections before Thursday if possible.
The applications can be found on the Hertsmere Planning Portal: https://www.hertsmere.gov.uk/Planning--Building-Control/Planning-Applications/Search-and-comment-on-planning-applications.aspx?fbclid=IwAR1JCVtUdxQznSSZyXYx2D-2RyLCu2GGky_iHgx79nucXbaKMM43l57Lx7A
The applications are titled: 17/2494/OUT Land North of, Potters Lane, Borehamwood and 17/2493/OUT Land off, Cowley Hill, Borehamwood.
Here is the link to the papers for Thursdays committee meeting: https://www5.hertsmere.gov.uk/democracy/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=418&MId=10610&Ver=4&fbclid=IwAR2KVTBTOqwyt4w4KP9tyyi4AYQrfaYtE0ns-VPnRc4lTaLvLIuvWCOZV0o
Here are some of the key grounds for objection:
- Green Belt Land
- the special circumstances of permitting a development on the basis of a need for a school are now looking extremely uncertain. Appendix 7 of the application outlines that pupil forecasts indicate that it’s unlikely that a school will be required before 2025 and the Cowley Hill site is not the preferred site.
- The local plan is in the process of being set.
- Why destroy the green belt when there are alternative methods to increase school capacity and housing.
- The application states that it may be used for an alternative “public use”, this is vague and opens the green belt land up to virtually any sort of development.
- because of the changes being alternations to the previous application, there has not been a full consultation.
5 . Organ Hall - APPLICATION NO: 20/0525/FUL - 16th July 2020 planning committee at 6pm
DEVELOPMENT Demolition of existing buildings and erection of a new office building (B1), 13 x 3 bed dwellings and an apartment block comprising 7 units, with associated access, parking & landscaping . Planning committee meeting- 16th July 2020 Recommendation for approval.
6. Edgwarebury House Farm,Elstree Hill South,Elstree,Hertfordshire,WD6 3DE APPLICATION NO: 19/1777/OUT - 16th July 2020 planning committee at 6pm
DEVELOPMENT Demolition of existing buildings, relocation of access and erection of up to 25 dwellings at Edgwarebury House Farm. (Outline application to include access with all other matters reserved) Planning committee meeting- 16th July 2020 Recommendation for refusal , main reasons for refusal
- The proposed development would amount to inappropriate development in the Green Belt with no very special circumstances put forward to outweigh the identified harm
- The proposal would fail to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area and adjacent Grade II Listed Building
- The application fails to provide the required 35% affordable housing
- The new access to the proposed development would result in the removal of the substantial western tree boundary which screens the site from Elstree Hill South
7 . 292 Route Changes
The frequency of route 292 would reduce from every 15 minutes to every 20 minutes per hour during Monday to Saturday daytimes as per the following consultation - https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/buses/route-384/ Officially this is because TfL wants to reallocate resources in order to provide a more direct link from Edgware to Barnet Hospital and High Barnet than the 107, by extending the 384 to run via Arkley and the A1. But I think it is generally understood that Herts CC's unilateral withdrawal of its previous funding contribution to support cross-boundary routes has played a part. TfL is answerable to the Mayor of London, who is held to account by the London Assembly, but neither the Mayor nor the Assembly has any accountability to Hertfordshire residents.
There was a public consultation exercise last September, the results of which are on the TfL consultations page (https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/buses/route-384/user_uploads/buses-384-292-606-consultation-report.pdf). The map shows that the responses were overwhelmingly concentrated from Barnet residents. They relate mainly to route 384 and any references to the 292 appear only as afterthoughts. Neither Herts CC, Hertsmere nor E+BTC responded, and nor apparently did any local organisations in the town. All of the census data in the social impact analysis relate exclusively to LB Barnet, and not to Borehamwood.
Passenger Restrictions on TFL Buses, single deck - 14 passengers, double deck -30 Passengers
Membership details
MEMBERS - £10 per household for people who live in Elstree & Borehamwood & must be over 16.
NON-MEMBERS- £2
- Local, Borough & County Councillors can attend our meetings
No video and audio recordings are allowed at our meetings , as per our GDPR Policy.
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AGM NOMINATION FORMS
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TRANSPORT NEWS
ROADWORKS: www.roadworks.org
Highways fault reporting:
Report a fault: https://www.hertsdirect.org/faultreporting/
Check on an existing fault: http://www.hertsdirect.org/faultsearch/
ROADWORKS: www.roadworks.org
Highways fault reporting:
Report a fault: https://www.hertsdirect.org/faultreporting/
Check on an existing fault: http://www.hertsdirect.org/faultsearch/
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What should happen to the mini roundabout at Station Road/ Shenley Road, Borehamwood |
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