Category Archives: News

BBC Two – ‘The Planners’ – a new series

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Members of WPAG should find this series of interest to them.

The BBC describe the series as:

‘An eight part observational documentary series following planning applications and the contentious processes behind them’

Episode 1 ‘Deals with three national house builders proposing to build over 500 homes on a greenfield site – meets severe opposition from locals’

If you missed the first broadcast of The Planners on BBC2 Thursday last week you can still watch it, on your computer, by accessing The BBC iPlayer and selecting ‘The Planners’.

If you are not familiar with using the iPlayer – go to the BBC website, and follow the tab marked TV and enter ‘The Planners’. Or follow this link to save time.

As the series progresses, we might expect that it will address the impact of current and projected major changes to the Planning System that we discuss on this website.

 

 

WHBC – Emerging Core Strategy Consultation – Welwyn’s Response

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(The body of this article was kindly prepared for the WPAG website by Cllr. Colin Hukin, Chairman of the Welwyn Parish Council’s (WPC) Planning & Licensing Committee).

Introduction

On Sunday November 8th 2012 we reported that WPAG was working with the WPC and the Parish Plan Action Group on the WHBC Consultation Paper for a Core Strategy.

On Monday 28th January 2013 the WPC approved the Parish Council’s Official Response to the Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council’s (WHBC) Consultation Paper on the Emerging Core Strategy.

Cllr. Colin Hukin writes:

What does the Core Strategy Aim to Do?

When finalised, the Emerging Core Strategy will set out the Borough’s vision, objectives and strategy for how Welwyn Hatfield will develop between now & 2029.

The Core Strategy is the key Planning Document in the Local Development Framework.

It covers a period of 18 years, 2011 to 2029, and proposes the Housing Target of 7200 new homes.

It also provides for Employment Land, Infrastructure, Services, Transport, Health, Education, and Public Open Spaces.

What are the Core Strategy Objectives?

The objective is to provide for the Borough’s  development needs over the plan period, in a form which:

  • Maintains the Existing Settlement Pattern
  • Prevents coalescence of Towns & Villages, and
  • Releases a Limited Amount of Green Belt Land, to ensure that its boundaries will not need  reviewing before 2034.

The Housing target, 7200 houses, equates to 400 units per year.  This is the minimum number that the Borough believes will be acceptable to the National Planning Inspectorate. The previous East of England Plan (now defunct) proposed a target of 12000+ new houses over this period.

Planned distribution of New Housing across the Borough is as follows:-

Hatfield                                           3290 Units

Welwyn Garden City                      3150 Units

Welwyn                                             275 Units

Digswell                                              50 Units

Oaklands & Mardley Heath                30 Units

Woolmer Green                                  10 Units

N.B. The Welwyn figure includes 196 houses at the Frythe Site plus some of the (now completed) houses on the former BP Godfrey Davis Garage site (the official start date for the count fell during completions). The remainder are to be built on Urban Land. 

N.B. The Oaklands and Mardley Heath figure includes the houses built on the former Lisles Garage site on Mardley Hill.

N.B. The Affordable Housing Target included within the above figures is at least 1770 homes in the period. Continue reading →

Luton Airport – Fasten your seatbelts

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Check In

Few of us knew much about Luton Airport until we watched, and heard (!) Lorraine Chase on the Campari TV advert in 1976.

There have of course been many developments in the years since, which have impacted residents living nearer to the Airport more than those in Welwyn. But those living under the flight paths are affected too, and here in Welwyn, we have all noticed the increasing number of aircraft overflying Digswell,  Oaklands and Mardley Heath, and Danesbury, to the north of Welwyn village.

Safety Precautions

To keep a watching brief, WPAG supports the activities of a group named   LADACAN – Luton and District Association for the Control of Aircraft Noise, to whom we pay an annual subscription.

Established in 1968, at a time when Luton Airport proposed a significant expansion of its operations, they are a well organised residents’ group with a professional approach. LADACAN is primarily concerned with the impact of Luton Airport on the surrounding communities.

LADACAN attracts huge support from all affected communities around the airport, and was much involved in various public inquiries into the Airport’s plans in the 1970s.

Departure Lounge – Relax while you are waiting.

We must be realistic. Most of us would acknowledge that Welwyn is not ‘blighted’ by the presence of Luton Airport, and many of us do enjoy the convenience that the local connection offers, (even though we might find fault with much else there).

Clear for Take Off?

Welwyn comes into the category ‘affected community’ and WPAG has concerns in the following two main areas:

a) noise from over-flying aircraft needs to be contained.

b) airport traffic adds to congestion on the A1(M), and the B656.

We have reason to be concerned because of current plans for major expansion of ground service facilities at the Airport, and the introduction of a taxi-way:

  •  The purpose of the proposed taxi-way is to increase flights
  •  An increase in aircraft movements leads to more frequent overflying
  •  Increased passenger and freight traffic is expected.
  •  Surrounding communities and the road network will feel the pressure.

Navigational Controls

LADACAN, through its connections, has a voice in these areas of debate. They hold a seat on the Airport Consultative Committee to influence the airport and local authorities.

LADACAN works with other groups, both national and local, to share experience and expertise.

Some Turbulence Ahead

LADACAN made history in 2005 by successfully challenging the White Paper, The Future of Air Transport, in the High Court.

The new proposals for expansion of the Airport (2012) will demand a good deal of work and campaigning if the quality of life of those living nearby is not to deteriorate further.

The coalition government has started work on a new national policy for aviation.

A Smooth Landing?

LADACAN continues its efforts to ensure that a reasonable balance is struck between the airport operation and the peace and quiet of the area around the airport. Without LADACAN, current airport operations would have been considerably more troublesome than they are presently. To keep up-to-date with what is going on at Luton Airport, go to the LADACAN website.

Had an enjoyable flight?

Then join WPAG and help us in our support of LADACAN.

We think we are worth it.

“Soda? No, lemonade”!

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Barnfield – Public Enquiry

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We reported in November that this Waste Management Development in Hatfield had been ‘put on hold’ as a result of action by the Secretary of State at the Department of Communities and Local Government.

It has now been confirmed that on Monday 28th January the Secretary of State has ‘called-in’ Veolia’s Planning Application to build an incinerator at New Barnfield, Hatfield.

The Welwyn Hatfield Times 30.1.13 reports that a letter sent to Hertfordshire County Council states:

‘The Secretary of State is of the opinion that application is one he ought to decide himself because he considers the proposal concerns matters that give rise to a substantial cross boundary or national controversy’.

There will now be a public inquiry.

For news of the local fight against this development, go to the website created by the Hatfield Anti-Incinerator campaigners.

 

 

 

 

 

Welwyn’s Community Cafe – Regularly Tuesdays

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A Village Partnership formed

Launched in 2009 as one of many products of the Welwyn Parish Plan, the Community Café is a joint venture between Welwyn Parish Plan Action Group (WPPAG) and St. Mary’s Parochial Church Council (PCC). The weekly Community Café, which is held in New Church House, Welwyn, has recently celebrated three years of successful operation.

The WPPAG idea was to create a social facility for Welwyn along the lines of the long established community café in Codicote. The aim was to hold a weekly coffee morning, and the then rector, Alan Winton, was very supportive of the choice of New Church House with its excellent meeting and catering facilities.

So, a partnership was formed, with shared responsibilities. The original explicit policy, which was to make a modest profit without charging commercial café prices, still stands.

The Community Café duly opened on 3rd November 2009 and, apart from exceptional interruptions, it has been in business every Tuesday morning since.

Who Runs the Community Cafe ?

A small committee representing the founding partnership is responsible for overall management decisions.

The WPPAG Treasurer keeps the Community Café accounts and annually ensures the equal division of the financial surplus between WPPAG and the PCC.

The kitchen is staffed on a rota by local volunteers under the guidance of a volunteer supervisor. Barbara Spencer is currently in charge.

What is on offer?

The freshly brewed coffee, tea, and the biscuits and popular toasted teacakes (supplied by Katie’s village bakery) are of excellent quality and at prices unchanged since the day of the launch.

Church House in Welwyn Village is an accessible and friendly place and the Community Cafe has become a recognised venue for the exchange of local news and views.

Customers come from all parts of the village, and beyond, to socialise in an informal and friendly atmosphere.

Regular attendees include parish councillors (who attend on a rota basis) and our local Neighbourhood Police Team make very regular drop-in visits –  “’Hello, Hello. Do I smell a good cup of coffee”?

Spin off activities from the café have included several series of computer classes and a weekly patchwork and embroidery group.

Everybody is welcome at Welwyn’s Community Cafe.

Drop in – any Tuesday morning – every Tuesday morning.

Make it a habit.

(With thanks to Jon Green, Chairman WPPAG for his input to this News item)

 

Community Safety – DriveSafe teams formed

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We reported recently that our Community Officer PC Ben Satchfield was to give a  Speedwatch Presentation at the Civic Centre on Monday evening 28th January. This was a well attended meeting attracting positive responses from the audience.

Ben reports in his February 2013 Safer Neighbourhood Newsletter as follows in this extract:

Dear Residents,

I write to you on the evening of a popular meeting which I have held in partnership with Welwyn Parish Council at the Civic Centre. I presented Community Speed Watch to a group of local residents and am pleased to report that 12 volunteers have come forward to help with this community initiative. Community Speed Watch involves local residents using the Speed Indication Device in areas of speeding concern, whereby they will monitor speeds and send warning letters to those over the limit. The device flashes up a driver’s speed and also helps to reduce vehicle speeds when it is being used. Whilst I now have a Digswell scheme and a Welwyn scheme, additional volunteers can be added so contact me if you wish for more information.

PC 1467 Ben Satchfield       

Neighbourhood Team Co-ordinator – Welwyn Rural Team             Tel: 101

The Frythe – A Brief History

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During the preparation of the article posted about the Re-development of The Frythe, we uncovered many interesting details about its history, some of which we hadn’t known before. We feel you might enjoy reading this very brief extract, but for a more rewarding and detailed study, whether your interest is in archaeology, or genealogy, we recommend you do as we did, which is to pay a brief visit to Wikipedia as a first step, and then spend the next few hours surfing other related sites on the internet!

The Frythe comprises a Victorian House or Mansion, sitting within green belt parkland of 47 acres, south west of Welwyn village, P1050050 with access to the Great North Road (now B197). It has boundaries with Homers Wood to the East and South, with the Ayots and Whitehill to the South and West, and the Whitehill road which leads North West down past the Whitehill Car Park and The Acorn Nursery, before joining Welwyn Village via School Lane

The House was originally built for William Wilshere in 1846. It was sited centrally with a long drive, P1050032providing views over the Mimram valley, and surrounded by well laid out lawns and gardens, which were landscaped with many selected specimen shrubs and trees. The House is not listed, and neither are any of the original ancillary structures, greenhouses, stables, brew house, cottages etc. Many of the trees are protected.P1050058

The Frythe became home to successive generations of the Wilshere family, each of whom were benefactors of St Mary’s Church in Welwyn.  Various census returns show that sometimes the house was occupied by the principal family member alone, with up to 9 staff in attendance.

Following the death of the last surviving Wilshere in 1934, the Frythe became a Residential and Private Hotel, before being requisitioned at the start of World War II by the military authorities, and used by the Special Operations Executive (SOE) for the design and manufacture of secret specialist equipment for military purposes. Items such as the ‘Welpen’ – an explosive weapon disguised as a fountain pen – was designed here, and then manufactured in quantity up the road at Aston House, which was SOE’s Secret Weapons Centre STATION 12 . The Frythe itself was code-named Station IX.

Post World War II, ownership subsequently passed to ICI, to Unilever and then to GlaxoSmithKline, and the Frythe was used for commercial research and development P1050039P1050034purposes. Many outbuildings, laboratories and offices were constructed over the years,

The site was closed in 2010 and subsequently developed for housing by Linden Waites Homes. The original Frythe Mansion has been retained and converted into apartments, and sales of a total of 196 ancillary dwellings commenced at the start of 2015. The site has been appropriately re-named Wilshere Park.

 

 

 

Planning Application: The Frythe

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(The following Report is based upon research and analysis undertaken by Ron Oxley, WPAG Lead Member for Planning Applications).

The Frythe – Approval of Plans to Redevelop

The Frythe, just south west of Welwyn, was sold on 19th December 2010 to the development Company, Land Improvements. Although the 47 acre site is Green Belt land, it presents approximately 29 acres of Brownfield Development opportunity.

Land Improvements is a development company specialising in producing plans, obtaining planning approvals & organising pre-contract site preparation and management of the subsequent construction work.

On 20th December 2012, two years after the sale, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council (WHBC) granted Full Planning Application to build 196 new homes, (to include Affordable Housing). Agreement was also given to convert the original Victorian mansion into 14 apartments.

The basic layout of the site was approved, with several distinct areas ‘designated’, or marked out, for housing development. Using this approach, eight areas (A to H) have been designated, allowing each to have a distinct identity.

The Planning Application includes the provision of roads and footways, car parking, drainage, pool improvement, soft and hard landscaping, play space and lighting, and a perimeter enclosure.

Demolition of the laboratories and offices is now complete, and the groundwork for roadways and services is under construction, preparatory to the next stage, which will be to draw up building works contracts.

The first market-driven housing completions are expected in the third quarter of 2014, with Affordable Housing following on in parallel with later market-driven completions.

Infrastructure for a Bus Service onto the site will be investigated. Continue reading →

Welwyn Parish Plan – Your New Ideas needed

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Wanted – your Ideas and Suggestions

The Welwyn Parish Plan Action Group, who are responsible for progressing the Parish Plan, are inviting suggestions for new projects in 2013.

The  Action Group is inviting new ideas and suggestions for projects of benefit to the Welwyn Community, to consider for adoption and taking forward in 2013.

Do you have a pet idea to make Welwyn a more attractive, convenient or sociable place to live or work? If you have – the Parish Plan Action Group would like to hear from you.

 

Where to send your ideas

Please send your ideas by post to the Parish Plan Secretary, 2 Wendover Drive. Welwyn AL6 9LT.

All ideas will be acknowledged and you may be invited to come along and tell us more!

Alternatively come to the Community Café at St.Mary’s New Church House on any Tuesday and speak to Shirley Butler or me.

Jon Green

Chairman Welwyn Parish Plan Action Group

 

The Welwyn Parish Plan – Progress Report

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The following Report is from Jon Green, Chairman Welwyn Parish Plan Action Group

WELWYN PARISH PLAN – PROGRESS REPORT

Over the 4 years the Plan has been in existence a range of initiatives have been launched, some large some small.

To give some examples, the Parish Plan Action Group has:

  • started and progressed the village centre traffic safety project in liaison with the Highways Agency and the Parish Council (remember the debate about a mini-roundabout?)
  • launched the Community Café in partnership with the St.Mary’s Church P.C.C.
  • published a free Guide leaflet of useful information and contacts
  • planted and continue to plant bulbs to beautify the road verges
  • organised four Art and Craft Fairs in 2012, with more planned for 2013
  • organised  several series of computer classes with the help of professional tutors
  • issued a transport information leaflet
  • persuaded the bus companies to include Queensway on the 314 route and to agree an additional Green Line stop
  • put up a community noticeboard at the entrance to the post office.

So you can see – the Welwyn Parish Plan Action Group has been quite busy since we started.

Current Activities

Our most far reaching involvement is about to become more visible with the emergence of Welwyn Hatfield Council’s Strategic Plan. As most people are aware the Council have recently published their proposals for housing development forward to 2029.

The Parish Plan Action Group has been deeply involved, in partnership with the Parish Council and Welwyn Planning and Amenity Group. Our objective is to lobby the Borough Council for the most advantageous outcome for Welwyn parish, including Oaklands/ Mardley Heath and Digswell.

Future Planned Activities

Looking forward into the New Year we hope to launch a school holiday scheme in conjunction with the Borough Council to keep children occupied. This would be run by trained youth leaders.

New Ideas Wanted

The Parish Plan Action Group is managing a LIVING Parish Plan.

To help it breath we do need a constant flow of new ideas.

Please contact Jon Green at with your thoughts and suggestions.