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
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.
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.
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!
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.
June. Cotswold Sofas & Camille Dining Table
and Chairs
Sofas
All our sofas and armchairs are handcrafted in the UK by master upholsterers using the highest quality materials - from sustainably sourced wood frames to robust steel springs. Available in over 50 fabrics with a 15 Year guarantee on the frames.
Come visit our showroom in Harpenden to try them out.
You can also protect your purchase with our upholstery care plan.
Camille Dining Table and Chairs
A true statement piece in our Camille Limewash Oak collection. The soft curves, elegant shape and beautiful wood grain - enhanced thanks to the hand-applied wax - makes it the perfect focal point for larger dining rooms. Easy to extend and looks beautiful with our Rattan Chairs.
Shaped entirely by nature, no two pieces are ever the same. To preserve the oak’s natural beauty, the timber is carefully wire-brushed and finished by hand with a subtle limewash, enhancing the oak’s unique wood grain.
On the Harpenden High Street
June. Welcome to THE PERCH Harpenden’s Cocktail Bar in Station Rd.
The newly designed Bar has been granted permission to open following the licence review by the Licencing Sub Committee.
So why not call in to see what’s on offer?
The photos below show the interior area and the bar where cocktails of all desires are mixed, Beers are also available as is a range of food.
It is open Weekdays 1pm - 12 midnight
Fridays & Saturdays: 12 noon - 1am
Sundays 12 noon - 12 midnight.
Fabulous on trend music too.
HOW TO TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE WITH LOCAL INITIATIVES
SADC Council Leader highlights “significant progress” made over past year on reducing St Albans City and District Council’s emissions
The initiative follows the completion last year of a new sustainable IKO Carrera roof at the Museum.
Due to be delivered later this year, the panels will provide a supply of clean renewable energy.
This innovative design uses cutting-edge technology to enhance the energy efficiency of the building.
It also improves the surrounding air quality by converting some gases which contribute to the greenhouse effect into harmless compounds.
An additional feature is a reflective finish which reduces the surface temperature to allow the solar panels to work more efficiently.
St Albans City and District Council, the Museum owners, is undertaking the roof project as part of its efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
Councillors voted unanimously seven years ago to declare a climate emergency with the aim of cutting emissions to net zero across the District by 2030.
Councillor Paul de Kort, the Council’s Leader, gave an update on progress to a meeting of the Planning Policy and Climate Committee on Tuesday 9 June.
He highlighted some of the achievements made over the past year including the:
*Completion of plans to transition to low carbon heating systems at Verulamium Museum and the Civic Centre.
*Recruitment of staff dedicated to sustainability work including a Built Environment and Sustainability Manager and Decarbonisation and Energy Manager.
*Securing of a £1.5 million grant from the Government’s Warm Homes fund to make energy-efficient improvements to more than 80 privately-owned properties owned by low-income households.
*Distribution of 12,000 free trees to residents and community groups throughout the District as part of the Your Tree Our Future scheme. Planting of a further 4,550 trees at the former Abbey View golf course.
*Reseeding of 5,800 square metres of land - the equivalent of almost five Olympic sized swimming pools - to create wild meadows at locations in Harpenden, Redbourn and St Albans. The meadows provide a thriving environment for insects and other wildlife, boosting pollination.
Cllr de Kort said after the meeting: “Tackling climate change, restoring nature and increasing biodiversity are key priorities for this Council and it is vital that we continue with this important work at pace.
“The past year has seen significant progress and we take great pride in the pioneering work we have undertaken at Verulamium Museum.
“We’re the first local authority in the country to make use of a new sustainable roofing system which both enhances energy efficiency and air quality.
“This adds to the already substantial action we have taken to contribute to this District’s overall climate altering emissions. We also have firm, approved, plans to do more.”
Photo: the new Verulamium Museum roof.
June 26. Official Opening Harpenden’s NEW Bank Hub by Derek French. On the corner of Thompson’s Close.
June 19, Herts County Council want to hear from Harpenden residents in their new Survey,
WHAT MATTERS TO YOU?
Starring Eastenders superstar Lorraine Stanley as Fairy Rose, Disney’s Art Attack’s Lloyd Warbey as Loopy Louis, and the return of Harpenden’s favourite dame JOSH HANDLEY as Betty Bouffant!
Get ready for a hair-raising adventure about the girl with the magical golden hair as Polka Dot Pantomimes and the Eric Morecambe Centre proudly present RAPUNZEL– A Tangled Tale!
Pantomime at the Eric Morecambe Centre, Harpenden is always the highlight of the festive calendar and RAPUNZEL is the perfect Christmas outing for the whole family. As always, there’ll be modern songs to sing along to, huge amounts of laughter, plenty of audience participation, incredible special effects…and a talking Chameleon!
DEC 5 -30 AT THE EMC HARPENDEN.
Derek French, who has campaigned for nationally over many years in support of the concept of banking hubs to replace the myriad of closed bank branches. Derek said:
“I’m delighted to have been asked to do the honours today for Harpenden’s High Street Banking Hub.
“I have been campaigning for sharing solutions to the inevitable closure of bank branches, in a growing digital age, for 30 years. There was a time I thought “It will never be needed in Harpenden,” but all this changed in 2007 when larger and larger communities began to be affected. I devised the banking hub model, and formally launched it at Westminster backed by 25 national bodies and with the specific involvement of Age UK, Federation of Small Businesses and Which?
“I have worked with hundreds of local councillors and MPs all over the country, but I have to say Harpenden Town Council – from when it became obvious that the last of our six banks was to close in 2022 – has been exceptional in its support and engagement in the face of some unique challenges, culminating in hosting the interim Hub in the Town Hall from December 2024 – to the search for these High Street premises.
“My thanks to Link (the assessor) and to Cash Access UK, on behalf of the banks, and to Post Office Limited (the operator – special thanks to Vidur) for getting us to where we are today.
Cllr Kirsti Wenn, Mayor of Harpenden also spoke. John Howells, CEO of LINK also attended and spoke. Victoria Collins, MP for Harpenden and Berkhamsted sent he apologies.
The banking hub is a shared banking space, funded collectively by the banks. It provides a counter service operated by the Post Office, where customers of all major banks and building societies can carry out regular cash transactions, Monday to Friday. It also offers a community banker service where customers can talk to their own bank about more complicated issues.
Above. The private room to meet your Bank Representative to discuss your needs.
Left. The days when Bank reps will be available.
