Basic Planning Policy
The
Society receives details of all planning applications submitted in the Parish
of Aldenham, which covers Radlett and Letchmore Heath, from the Planning
Department of Hertsmere.
The number of applications received during 2004 was a record, totalling 326 or over 6 per week. This is over 1 per day and requires a subcommittee of 4 to monitor the applications. Most numerous are applications to extend existing houses, followed by the addition of conservatories. The volume of applications for new development is limited by the lack of vacant land in the area, but increasingly applications are being received to demolish older smaller houses or bungalows and replace with larger properties.
In the context of planning, the aim of The Society is to preserve the Green Belt and the quality of the built environment for the benefit of the whole community.
The planning process is not well understood by the public therefore a short account is given here. When a planning application is received by Hertsmere, a notification is issued to nearby neighbours and to any other interested parties such as the Society and often advertised by a notice on a nearby lamp-post by the Planning Department. Letters received within the 21 day response period are then considered by the planners in reaching a decision on the application. The Society is in no different a position to any other party who makes comment on an application These letters are a matter of public record and are available for scrutiny by any member of the public at the Hertsmere civic offices in Borehamwood.
Due to the pressure imposed on the system by the high volume of applications, most of them (applications) are dealt with by the Head of Planning under powers delegated to him. It is, however, possible for any resident to ask his Councillor to call in an application to the effect that it must then go to the Planning Committee. The Committee automatically deals with the larger and more contentious applications and meets monthly throughout the year.
In those cases where there is disquiet about an application the Society will liaise with affected residents and the Councillors. In the case of major applications which go to appeal the Society may make representations to the Planning Inspector, appear at a public inquiry or in extreme cases pay for expert representation at such an inquiry out of the Society's funds.
In addition to the work involved with planning applications, the planners also involve the Society in changes of policy, seeking its views to establish the planning response to applications. Such issues as consent for telecom masts, mineral extraction, and the proliferation of walls and security gates to properties, have been the subject of comment by the Society.