The former boatyard adjoining Aldenham Reservoir has been repurposed as a construction yard in what an informant has described as a “scandal”.
A video sent anonymously to Radlett News shows a fence roughly three metres high adjoining the makeshift construction site and a wide track running through the neighbouring field, which is owned by Hertfordshire County Council (HCC).
The informant alleged that no planning permission had been sought to change the use of the former storage site, nor to erect a fence, nor to drive vehicles through the HCC-owned field at the expense of the environment.
They said: “I was shocked beyond words when I saw the situation for myself.”
HCC councillor Caroline Clapper said: “HCC will be launching an investigation following a potential breach of law.”
A spokesperson for Hertsmere Borough Council added: “Planning enforcement have been informed of this alleged change of use and will be visiting the site to investigate.
“At this moment in time, however, we do not know the names of the person or company carrying out the works or the details of ownership of the affected site.”
The former boatyard was previously used by Aldenham Sailing Club until water levels at the reservoir became so low that the sailing club was forced to cease its activities.
A representative of Aldenham Country Park said: “A temporary tenant has caused issues and is due to leave. Action has now been agreed for the removal of the track, re-instatement of the grass in the field, removal of fences and all items stored to go, so the boatyard will be restored as it was previously. This will be happening once the ground dries out.”
Excellent bit of local investigative journalism! Appreciated the video – well done, Ms Sheera!
So who let them set up there then in first place??? The gates were locked, so did they break in there or did someone let them in???? I hope the Council for once do the right thing, investigate fully, name the parties/individuals concerned and take appropriate legal action!