Potters Bar Society

Hertsmere Council - very disappointing behaviour

The Council has caved in to builders Bloor Homes by conceding that the land opposite our hospital can be termed as grey belt and therefore can be built upon with 900 homes.

The Council obviously feel they have no choice but to sign this legal agreement with Bloor Homes. This is due entirely, we feel, because the documents published recently in the new draft plan, written by consultants, turned almost the whole of Hertsmere from precious Green Belt to the new concept of 'grey belt'. Did the Councillors not read these documents beforehand? What sort of planning department do we have? Where was the Council's legal Officer?

Our Council has let Potters Bar down. They should have been joining with other Councils all over the country to challenge the government housing targets and to highlight this destructive idea of grey belt.

However, the 900 homes local group, including the Potters Bar Society will still oppose this development. We trust that the imminent Planning Inquiry will continue and hear our evidence which we think could actually override the grey belt determination to consider other reasons why the proposed development is unsuitable.

Potters Bar Society aims to improve the beauty and character of the Potters Bar neighbourhood for the benefit of all residents, as well as those who work or study in the town. We stimulate public consciousness and appreciation of the area and encourage the preservation, development and improvement of those features that go to make a pleasing environment in which to live. We are a non-political organisation of residents that give a voice to local people. We work to get the best for our town and its environs. We hold meetings and lobby our elected representatives as necessary to achieve these aims.

The Society is run by an Executive Committee of up to twelve people, which includes representatives of each of our operating groups. There are two main groups, the Town Group and the Country and Footpath Group. The Town Group is particularly involved with the ongoing review of planning applications. The Country and Footpath Group is involved with relevant planning applications but also runs a popular programme of cross country walks. Whilst the aim of these is a little gentle exercise for the participants, they also assist in ensuring that the footpaths are walked, and so they remain open. When problems are detected with footpaths, as for example when they become blocked, then our Footpath Coordinator takes whatever action is needed to eliminate the problem. For further details, please refer to the relevant page of the website.

Subscriptions to the Society are a modest £5.00 per year for an individual or £7.50 for a family. A discount on this is available for those prepared to commit for three years, when an individual will pay £12.50 or a family, £19. If you're interested in joining us, an application form can be found on the Join Us page of the website.

We are Registered Charity No. 1087470.