A public consultation began on Wednesday, July 12, on a new draft Local Plan (LP) for St Albans district.
The LP promise to commit to the climate emergency, as well as deliver more social housing, jobs, schools, GP surgeries, public transport, and play areas. It is designed to grow the local economy by providing thousands of jobs, and promoting equality and inclusion.
Members of St Albans City & District Council’s Planning Policy and Climate Committee agreed to the consultation at a meeting on Monday, July 10.
Councillor Chris White, Leader of the council and chair of the committee, said: “Now is the time for the public to have their say. It is vital that we hear from people right across the community and I particularly hope that we get a good response from our younger residents.”
But residents and other local councillors are concerned over existing issues in the area, which may be amplified due to some of the Local Plan’s proposals. The first housing plan suggests 274 new homes that will be built north of Radlett, adding to the existing issues at A5183 Watling Street junction with B556 Harper Lane, where a number of incidents have occurred.
London Colney parish councillor Tony Lillico Cllr spoke to Radlett News and said: “I am very concerned that without significant investment in widening the rail bridge and improving the road junction, adding 274 houses to this end of Harper Lane will turn an already dangerous intersection into a complete death trap.”
“Adding a nursing care scheme covering more than 50 homes is a laudable objective for this site. But if the railway station is unable to cope with the elderly and disabled, then we are generating rather than solving problems.
“So the scheme needs to be supported by ensuring lifts are installed at Radlett station to allow residents access to the platforms. It is unbelievable that these facilities are not already provided at the station.”
The consultation is open until until September 25. You can find out more at www.stalbans.gov.uk/new-local-plan
It is a joke traffic congestion is mad around the area already especially if there are any accidents on any of the motorways or main roads add into the mix the rail freight depot and new housing projects and no one will be getting to their work places on time!
Far too much housing is being squeezed into the south east of the country.
Immigration is also putting a massive strain on housing as well as many other services