We're all concerned about the huge amount of development that's going on and being talked about, not just in and around Dacorum but everywhere.
Residents in Piccotts End are particularly concerned as knowledge of several potential developments becomes known.
We have LA1, about 390 homes at the top of Marchmont Fields. There's LA2 as you go into the Old Town from Piccotts End. An application for five dwellings on Marchmont Farm.
Julie, Goverdhan and Alex however, have received a number of emails from residents of Piccotts End, alarmed at the recent speculative application (21/04508/MOA) to DBC to build 390 homes on the Leighton Buzzard Road.
Many will be aware that this application is inconsistent with Dacorum’s current or local plan. A green belt proposal, the application is not likely to be supported by Officers. There are other concerns regarding this speculative application too.
There is a process, known as a ‘Call in’ whereby councillors (Julie, Goverdhan and Alex), have a formal opportunity to put forward a case, often to prevent an officer decision and the matter has to be heard at the relevant Development Control committee meeting. We three councillors will most definitely do this on behalf of our residents.
The application is on land that's not in the ward but Councillor Guest of Chaulden and Warners End ward, has already alerted officers that she too will be calling this in. Despite being outside of Grovehill and Piccotts End, this does affect Grovehill and Piccotts End residents. Hence, Julie, Goverdhan and Alex's intention to call this in, if it comes to it.
Officers have advised that if the process goes to committee, it is likely to be heard in April. Residents and councillors will all have the opportunity to speak but we're confident that the application will fail as it doesn't fit in with our local plan.
We'll try our best to keep residents up to date. In the meantime, please share as much information as possible, with your neighbours and co-residents and please consider registering your objections. You can do that here.
HINTS
Things have changed a lot over the years and objecting on some grounds, just doesn't get heard as it's deemed irrelevant. Please don't object on things like view, value of property, parking, etc.
With LA1 and LA2 potentially surrounding Piccotts End and adding a considerable number of dwellings to the area, it is felt that the strongest objection is simply that of overcrowding. Yes, it's that simple.
Issues such as infrastructure are also irrelevant. It's down to bodies such as utility companies to deliver electricity, gas, water and sewage disposal, for example. Education and health care are also matters which although warrant concern, are the responsibility of Hertfordshire County Council.
'Infrastructure deficit' can be raised, however. The inadequacy of current infrastructure should surely be addressed, prior to introducing more homes into the area.
And of course there's green belt. Many, many residents have concerns regarding our shrinking green spaces, biodiversity and wildlife. We want to keep as much as we can, right?
