Local News 2026

June 1. 2023 Town Council gives a resounding NO to the L&G 550 homes in North West Harpenden

May 30th. 2023/ Harpenden Town Council EXTRAORDINARY MEETING to review

LAND AT COOTERS END LANE AND AMBROSE LANE PLANNING APPLICATION by Legal & General.

Within the Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan the North-West Infrastructure Zone states that significant development proposals in the North-West must:

Demonstrate how impact of new development on the A1081 and local roads will be mitigated.

Demonstrate provision for appropriate education facilities in close proximity to new development to meet the need for school places arising from the proposed development.

Demonstrate sufficient convenience shopping within a close proximity to new development.

Demonstrate sufficient open space, including recreational space in line with local community needs, within a close proximity to new development.
Having reviewed the applicant’s evidence it appears that these requirements have not been met in full.

A1081 and local roads - The development is likely to have an additional significant negative impact on the local road network. The A1081 adjacent to the development is already heavily congested and the neighbouring residential streets are tight and already subject to much ‘rat running’. The constraints in that area make it very difficult for any effective mitigating measures to be put in place therefore there is little surprise that the applicant appears to have not been able to demonstrate realistic mitigations.

Education facilities - The previous draft Local Plan required the site to provide a primary school. A primary school is no longer proposed by the applicant as the modelling suggests that it is not needed. However, having reviewed contributions to the consultation from Hertfordshire County Council it appears that they suggest that a primary school provision may still be needed.

Convenience shopping - The proposal appears to rely upon the existing parade of shops along the A1081. It is not clear if this is sufficient to support the needs of the new development.

Open Space - There is a sufficient level of recreation and open space included within the proposals. The proposals could be strengthened by replacing one of the grass sports pitches to an all-weather facility. There remains additional demand for this type of facility in the area.

Proposals Affecting the A1081, B653 and B652

The Application does set out highways improvements measures however; these are based upon the inaccuracies of the transport assessment mentioned above. Therefore, it appears that the measures will not ease traffic congestion on the A1081, nor will they minimise the disruption to traffic flow both of which are key requirements of this Policy.

Travel Plans

This focuses on the requirement for applicants to maximise the use of sustainable travel modes. The proposal sets out a number of suggestions relating to sustainable travel modes and we would make the following observations:

The proposed cycle path infrastructure measures appear entirely inappropriate and ineffective.

The on-road cycle route is unsafe and does nothing to address the most challenging aspect of the route which is when it reaches the Nickey Line bridge. The ‘quietway’ route encompasses narrow country lanes and residential streets with significant on-street parking. The applicant refers to the need for additional surveys to be undertaken and so it appears that the feasibility and deliverability of these proposals is unclear.

THE FINAL DECISION ON THIS PLANNING APPLICATION RESTS WITH ST ALBANS DISTRICT COUNCIL

April 4 2025. Government approves Luton Airport plan to allow potential 32m passengers a year.

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander granted the development consent order for the airport’s plans to expand its perimeter and add a new terminal, allowing a potential 32 million passengers a year.

The decision overturns the Planning Inspectorate’s recommendation for refusal. Expansion will deliver huge growth benefits for Luton with thousands of good, new jobs and a cash boost for the local council which owns the airport.

Last year, 16.7 million people used the airport, the fourth largest in the London area and a base for a number of leisure airlines.

LUTON AIRPORT COMMENT

The DCO application to grow our airport has been approved

Paul Kehoe CBE, Independent Chair of Luton Rising, the Luton Council company that owns London Luton Airport and associated assets for community benefit, said:

“We welcome the announcement from the Secretary of State for Transport that our application for the long-term sustainable growth of our airport has been approved. Today’s decision enables us to continue detailed planning for the next chapter in the success story of London Luton Airport.

“The benefits are clear. At a new capacity of 32 million passengers per year, our scheme will deliver up to 11,000 new jobs, additional annual economic activity of up to £1.5bn, and up to an additional £13m every year for communities and good causes.

“By introducing maximum limits for the airport’s noise, operational greenhouse gas emissions, air quality and surface access impacts, we also believe that our Green Controlled Growth framework represents the most far-reaching commitment to the sustainable operation of an airport ever put forward in the UK.

“We would like to thank the many thousands in the local and business communities who have supported us in successfully making the case for growth. From polling that we commissioned last year, we also know that more than five times as many people support London Luton Airport’s expansion plans than oppose them

“We will review the details of the Order and look forward to working with our partners to realise the significant economic, employment and social benefits for our town, the region and across the UK, as we contribute towards the Government’s vision for national growth.”

50 Harpenden businesses signed an open letter to SADC ( directly addressed to Cllr Paul De Kort, leader of SADC, and Amanda Foley, chief exec) against the High Street parking charges.

Organised by campaigner Elaine Bradford, a former high street shop owner and now a hypnotherapist with a practice on the High St.

She engaged with the businesses below. Two conditions have been requested in the letter:

Immediate suspension of the Harpenden parking charges - pending a thorough consultation with all stakeholders.

Introduction of a more balanced and fair traffic management and parking policy.

Alex Cowland, director, Alex Barbers

Abdul Hye, managing director, Bangkok Lounge

Nick & Julie Pike, owners, Bar Azita

Karen Blair, owner, Blush Beauty

Claire McKenna, osteopath/director, Body Mechanix

Alan Bramwell, practice owner, Bramwell Dental Practice

Patricia Adam, owner, Cache

Katarzyna Albinska, shop manager, Cancer Research UK Harpenden

Mark Wilson, director, Charles Wilson Engineers Ltd

Maxine Ryan, landlady, Cross Keys Public House

Troy Kiff, manager, District Modern Stores

Liam Lawless & Alicja Szypryt, studio owners, fit20 Harpenden

Daoud Hawa, store manager, Fonehouse Harpenden

Erdogan Dari, owner, Golden Scissors Barbers

Yusuf Dari, owner, Golden Touch Barbers

Jack, general manager, Harpenden Arms

Philip Egan, proprietor, Harpenden Eye Centre

Mary McGovern, practice manager, Harpenden Orthodontics

Hemant Vakharia, owner, Healthy and Wise

Robert Beiny, managing director, Hearing Healthcare Practice

Ken Edwards, managing director, Hertfordshire Air Conditioning

Jonas Hurst, director, Hurst Childrens’ Theatre Group

Beth Russell, branch manager, Johnson's Cleaners Harpenden

Alexis Weatherley, owner, Jolie Nail & Beauty

Andrei Lussmann, managing director, Lussmanns

Tom Zadok, assistant manager, Majestic Wine

Craig Main & Alexander Andrews, director, Main Hair Gallery

Dr L Mileham, owner, Milehams Car Parts Ltd

Barrie Woolston, director, Molasses House

Hasan Aslan, owner, Okka Restaurant

Fiona Grant, owner, Oui Harpenden Ltd

Olga Sipcenoka, managing director, Portofino Harpenden Ltd

Martin Williams & Robert Belcher, co-owners, R&M Butchers

Sharon Cousins, director, Rebecca Jane Health & Beauty Ltd

Mary Durkin, owner, Serena Hart

Donna Browne, manager, Silver Palate

Penny Swanne, managing director, Swanne Boutique Ltd

Luke Gumley, general manager, The George of Harpenden

Jack Rugman general manager, The Harpenden Arms

Niki Hackett, landlady, The Oddfellows Public House

Johnny Shepherd, founder, The Pudding Stop

Lee Hughes, director, The Shaken Cow

Olivia Reeder, manager, The Silver Cup

Baris Dari, owner, The Turkish Barber

Mark Watson, director, The Waffle House Harpenden

Damien Tidd, owner, Thompsons Close Café

Lara Wares, director, Threads of Harpenden Ltd

Bharat Shah, pharmacist and owner, Tompkins Pharmacy

Sean Fletcher, director, Travel Four Seasons (Harpenden) Ltd

Suzanne Shipton, director, Tuckfield & Co Estates

Elaine said: "Over the weeks this is now not only about local businesses but also includes, residents, visitors, employees of businesses in the town and particularly the elderly and most vulnerable who are struggling with the complexity of the new parking arrangements. AND

"I have been in Harpenden for the best part of 25 years and I don’t want to see the high street decimated."

Suggestions for a more equal initiative include "one to two hours of free parking to encourage footfall", "more flexible permits for shoppers, workers, and elderly residents who do not qualify for a Blue Badge", and "the inclusion of cash payment options to ensure accessibility for all."

Other concerns include elderly residents feeling "excluded" by the new system and the "decline in footfall" which was labelled "immediate and severe".

Craig Main and Alexander Andrews, directors of Main Hair Gallery said: "The introduction of high street parking charges has led to a noticeable drop in footfall, reducing our sales compared to the previous year and recent months.

"Customers are deterred by the added cost and inconvenience, affecting not just our salon but the wider high street. Combined with rising business rates, these challenges are making it increasingly difficult for local businesses to remain competitive and sustainable."

Meanwhile, Niki Hackett of The Oddfellows Arms pub added: "My lunchtime trade is down by at least 60 per cent, a lot of my customers are elderly and do not have smart phones and are scared to use the machines".

Government backs airport expansion at any price

The proposal for further massive expansion of Luton Airport was thoroughly examined by a team of professional planning inspectors, who recommended that the plan should not go ahead because of its noise and environmental impacts.

Heidi Alexander, Secretary of State for Transport, has overruled this advice and granted permission for a further 13 million passengers and over 170,000 flights a year – with 70% more of them at night – at Luton Airport.

With Britain facing significant economic challenges, this decision makes no sense because the costs of airport expansion far outweigh any benefits.

In 2019, when aviation was at its busiest, there was a £30bn balance of trade deficit in tourism due to more people spending money overseas than bringing it in, according to the Office for National Statistics.

The increasing costs of damage caused by climate change will rub out any benefits from the government’s Green Power Plan in 5 years according to the New Economics Foundation.

Being awoken at night by aircraft noise increases the chance of stroke or heart disease according to the World Health Organisation. Increased health harms add to the costs on the NHS.

And the local transport infrastructure is insufficient to cope with the additional passenger load at Luton according to the planning inspectors who examined the application. Increased gridlock penalises other local businesses.

The inspectors strongly recommended against the expansion due to harm arising from noise and vibration effects. Noise blight caused by Luton Airport expansion is likely to negatively affect economic prosperity in the area.

Setting all of this in context: is the government’s approach genuinely sustainable? Will airport expansion and increased emissions from cheap flights leave the world in a better state for future generations? We think not – and having fed the documents into ChatGPT it agrees. Here’s its verdict:

“Whether the mitigation measures proposed for the London Luton Airport Expansion are truly sustainable depends on how “sustainability” is defined and weighed across environmental, economic, and social factors. Here’s an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the proposed sustainability measures:

1. Environmental Sustainability: Mixed Results

Pros:

The plan includes carbon offsetting, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) adoption, and renewable energy use in airport operations.

Commitments to biodiversity protection and noise insulation help reduce local environmental harm.

Cons:

Carbon offsetting is often criticized as a short-term fix rather than a real reduction in emissions.

SAF is still in early adoption stages, with limited availability and high costs.

Increased air traffic will inevitably raise overall emissions, conflicting with UK climate goals.

Verdict: While the measures help, they do not fully neutralize the environmental impact, especially concerning long-term aviation emissions.

2. Economic Sustainability: Likely Strong

Pros:

The expansion promises job creation, regional economic growth, and improved business opportunities.

Improved transport infrastructure benefits both airport users and local commuters.

Cons:

Future aviation demand is uncertain, especially with post-pandemic travel shifts and remote work trends.

There is a risk of overestimating economic benefits while underestimating environmental costs.

Verdict: Strong in the short-to-medium term, but long-term viability depends on future aviation demand and government regulations.

3. Social Sustainability: Divided

Pros:

Noise insulation programs and flight path optimizations aim to reduce disruptions for local communities.

Expansion could improve international connectivity, benefiting passengers and businesses.

Cons:

Increased noise pollution and air quality issues could still negatively impact residents’ health and well-being.

Local opposition suggests concerns about the quality of life deterioration.

Verdict: Some improvements are planned, but local communities may still bear significant burdens from increased airport activity.

Final Assessment: Is It Truly Sustainable?

No, not entirely. While the expansion includes some sustainability efforts, it does not fully offset its environmental impact or prevent potential long-term challenges such as increased emissions and noise pollution. Economic benefits are strong, but the environmental trade-offs remain significant.”

Credit: ChatGPT, OpenAI, 4 April 2025

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JAN 20.TOWN COUNCIL INDEPENDENT RESEARCH

ON ACCESSING TOWN CENTRE NOW PUBLISHED

The Town Council recently commissioned independent research to gather the opinions of residents and town centre businesses on accessing and visiting Harpenden’s town centre. THEY have now received the findings from the research. You can read the Independent findings report here.

The Town Council will be considering its view on this report at the end of this month and a further update will be published then.

THEY are awaiting the final costs of the research, however they expect the total cost to be c£30k. The business element of the research will be £10k and the residents research is c£20k, however the final figure depends on the number of hard copy surveys requested.

WHY WAS THE RESEARCH COMMISSIONED?

The Town Council has commissioned independent research that seeks to gather the opinions of residents and town centre businesses on accessing and visiting Harpenden’s town centre. The surveys included questions regarding changes to the limited waiting parking bays which were introduced in February.

The residents’ survey will be posted to every household in Harpenden so that views are gathered from as many local people as possible. All members of each household aged 16 or over will be invited to take part in an online questionnaire (or they can request a printed copy) using a unique identifier code to ensure reliable results.

Businesses located in Harpenden Town Centre will be also asked to take part in a telephone or face to face interview.

The Town Council aims to gather information to help understand changes within the local area and any resulting impact on the town centre.

The survey was carried out by an independent research company, Public Perspectives, on behalf of Harpenden Town Council. Research and took place in November and December 2025.

Further information:

Independence and confidentiality

The survey was carried out by an independent research company, Public Perspectives, on behalf of Harpenden Town Council. Responses are confidential and anonymous. This means that answers and opinions expressed in the research will not be published alongside personal details, and all information will be stored securely in line with data protection legislation.

Swordsmen of the Silver Screen with Sword-master Andy Wilkinson.

Date: Saturday 14 March Time: 6.30pm – 8.00pm

Location: Harpenden Library.Ticket price: £7.70

Join sword-master Andy Wilkinson as he demonstrates Olympic fencing and theatrical sword-craft and gives his popular talk ‘Swordsmen of the Silver Screen’ - packed full of film clips and insights into the actors and fighting experts who created dazzling action scenes in the halcyon days of the Hollywood swashbucklers.

A true Renaissance man, Andy has been a director, actor, stuntman, screen-writer, producer, fight-choreographer, stage combat instructor, author, and award-winning fencer. A Library Centenary event.

https://herts.spydus.co.uk/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/ENQ/WPAC/EVSESENQ?SETLVL=&RNI=14948426

Harpenden History Society has issued its programme of exhibitions in the museum and monthly talks for 2026.

The ‘Redbourn Residents Group’ OPPOSES THE LAWES TRUST PLANS FOR 1,000 NEW HOMES.

Plans for more than 1,000 new homes on Green Belt land to the north of the village have been proposed by the Lawes Agricultural Trust (LAT) – a charitable trust which owns the estates at Rothamsted in Harpenden

It would also include a new two-form entry primary school, a potential new care home, around 23 football pitches’ worth of open space, play areas and other enhancements around the River Ver chalk farm, and up to 50 per cent affordable housing.

The 104-acre open arable site is situated on the northeast edge of the village of Redbourn, between Dunstable Road, Harpenden Lane and the Redbourn bypass.

The development will see 42 hectares of Green Belt land reclassified as grey belt – which means it does not strongly contribute to the main purposes of the Green Belt – and would see the size of the village population increase from 2,200 to 3,200 houses.

A consultation event by Lands Improvement Holding was held at the Redbourn Village Hall in late November where display panels showing all aspects of the proposal where on display with a number of experts on hand to answer questions. A consultation form was provided for visitors to complete on site or on line.

OPPOSITION GROUP FORMED

Following this meeting local residents and businesses formed an opposition group on WhatsApp ‘Redbourn Residents Group’. Organised by Pauline Willis, Deana Barge and Nick Johnson. They have reviewed the proposals and have raised a series of objections as seen in the documents here to spread the word across the whole of Redbourn.

Petitions are in evidence across the High St gathering support. SEE example here.

They have been communicating with other groups in the country, who are experiencing the same type of proposals of developers using “green belt” to grey for building houses.

Pauline has also received a very positive response from CPRE regarding the ongoing and future campaigns and maybe resulting in a national campaign. So all groups may have to pull together!

ATTEND THE NEXT MEETING

In the immediate future they are

urging all local residents/business

owners to attend a follow up

consultation meeting in the

Village Hall on Jan 26 at 6.00pm

to show the solidarity against

the proposals to the Lawes

Agricultural Trust who are

working with leading strategic

land development company

Lands Improvement Holdings,

the organisers of this meeting.

More to come after Jan 26.

JAN 26. Many Redbourn residents turned out in large numbers to protest against the proposed development of approximately 1000 homes by the Lawes Agricultural Trust. This development will see many hectares of Green Belt land reclassified as Grey. Said Annabel Egerton

I’m still reeling from the comment

made

“we aren’t here to listen to your

objections

or opinions” we are here to show

thepresentation”. So rude,

dismissive and uncaring towards

a village full of residents whose

lives are about to

be severely and negatively

impactedby not just one but

several major building projects.

The lack of respect

Said David Mitchell. Leader of

Parish Council

I asked about the traffic on

HarpendenLane and concerns

at the width of the

road. I was told that none of their

research indicates any traffic

issues or problems with volume!!!

EDITOR’S NOTE: IT IS JUST 40 Parking bays out of 235 in total

Feb 16. Liberal Democrats Propose 1-Hour Free Parking Boost Close to Harpenden High Street Local Liberal Democrats are proposing one-hour free on-street parking within minutes of Harpenden High Street.

The plans will give shoppers and visitors more flexibility when using our town centre. The Lib Dem-led council is also freezing parking prices for the next financial year.

The one-hour free bays are proposed for Arden Grove, Southdown Road, Thompsons Close and Victoria Street, offering over 1000 hours a week* of extra free parking for Harpenden. The proposed change comes after a year of monitoring and data-gathering by the district council, followed by a review of that data, as well as listening to the views of residents and businesses, including respondents to the Harpenden Town Council survey. After a formal advertising period, proposals would be implemented in the early Summer.

Following years of devastating government cuts to local authorities, councils like St Albans District Council have been forced to make tough decisions like increasing parking charges in order to balance budgets and continue delivering for local people. While councils across the country have been going bankrupt or cutting services, Liberal Democrats at St Albans District have worked hard to stay financially resilient and protect vital public services - like CCTV, fly-tipping enforcement, and support for our most vulnerable residents.

Cllr Helen Campbell, Chair of Public Realm, said: “Since parking charges were introduced a year ago, we’ve been closely monitoring data - as well as listening to local feedback. Together with Victoria Collins MP and council leader Paul de Kort, I’m delighted to announce new changes that will allow for one-hour free on-street parking within minutes of Harpenden High Street. “We’ve been able to find a way to deliver more free parking for Harpenden whilst keeping the council afloat - and delivering things like increased parking enforcement, which residents have repeatedly asked for.

Our Review looked at feedback from residents and businesses about the impact of the previous changes, hard data about usage, as well as the revenue raised from the measures. The Harpenden Town Council survey added extra context about how people get to the high street too. “Taking all of this together, we are really pleased to announce these changes which we believe will better balance the needs of residents and businesses with the need to balance the books when it comes to council finances.

“The financial pressures that rest on councils’ shoulders right now are crippling. But through sensible financial choices, the Liberal Democrats have been able to protect the services and facilities that residents want and deserve - at a time when many other councils have been forced to make huge cuts and close amenities like leisure centres.”

Victoria Collins, MP for Harpenden & Berkhamsted said: "I’m grateful to the many residents and businesses that have shared their views with me over the past year, including Harpenden Town Council’s research which provided extra helpful context. I have regularly ensured this feedback was heard and taken into account. The Lib Dem team has fought hard to find a way to deliver extra free parking where it's needed most, in a way that keeps our council finances strong too. “In parliament, I’ll be keeping up the fight for more investment in our local authorities - so that councils can focus on delivering services for local people - as well as support for our high streets and independent businesses. “These plans show yet again that the only team fighting to make your voice heard and deliver practical solutions for our area is the Liberal Democrats.”

Notes

The proposals will be formally advertised for a statutory 21 days during February and March for public consultation. *1000 extra hours is based on c.40 on-street bays which would be allocated for 1-hour free parking (half an hour extra).

The permitted parking time is currently nine hours per day, six days a week.

Feb17. Parking proposal could make matters worse says The Harpenden Society

The Harpenden Society has noted reports suggesting that St Albans District Council intends to introduce one hour of free parking in 40 on-street spaces, replacing the current 30-minute free period. These additional spaces are located around the perimeter of the existing charging zone and could reasonably be described as sub-prime locations.

This proposal is presumably the District Council’s response to the high volume of feedback received from Harpenden residents and retailers, as well as findings from The Harpenden Society’s surveys of members and local businesses, and the survey commissioned by Harpenden Town Council. If so, the proposal is deeply disappointing.

The Harpenden Society’s own survey identified four key issues requiring attention:

The existing 30-minute free parking period is insufficient

Parking rules and permitted periods are not clearly understood

There are too few parking meters

Mobile phone reception is inadequate

Applying a one-hour free parking period to just 40 spaces — approximately 17% of the total — will deliver only minimal benefit. It does nothing to simplify the parking registration process and risks making the system even more confusing for motorists.

Martyn Reed of The Harpenden Society, expressed his concerns:

“The Society and its members made clear that one hour of free parking should apply to all on-street spaces and that the parking process needs to be simplified. Introducing a two-tier system will almost certainly increase complexity, requiring additional parking codes and more signage.”

The Harpenden Society urges St Albans District Council to reconsider its approach and instead focus on meaningful improvements:

? Extend the free parking period from 30 minutes to 60 minutes across all on-street spaces

? Review the availability of parking meters and improve signage

? Address mobile phone coverage issues and work with network operators to resolve reception gaps"

Victoria Collins MP will be at Redbourn Village Hall on Wednesday, 4 March at 6.30pm