Solar Plant Appeal
SOLAR ENERGY “FARM” APPEAL AND NEW APPLICATION
There have been major developments relating to the proposals to build a massive Solar Energy Generating Plant covering 323 acres of Green Belt agricultural land at both Slades Farm and at Hilfield Farm between Letchmore Heath, Radlett and Elstree. Both farms are owned by the Aldenham Estates who also own Elstree Aerodrome and Hill Farm in Elstree.
The original application was made by a new company called Elstree Green Limited in January 2021. This attracted a record number of objections as over 1,400 Hertsmere residents sent their comments. Hertsmere’s Planning Committee unanimously rejected the application in November 2021.
Elstree Green Limited have now submitted an Appeal against that rejection which will be the subject of a Public Hearing in Radlett in October this year which is expected to last for 8 days. The reference is APP/N1920/W/22/3295268 and you can see details at www.gov.uk/government/organisations/planning-inspectorate
Both Hertsmere Borough Council and Aldenham Parish Council will be opposing the Appeal and have appointed their own legal teams. Local groups including the Radlett Society and the Letchmore Heath Village Trust have come together as a “Combined Objectors” group to also oppose this Appeal.
This is going to be a costly process as the developers have hired top barristers to argue their case. An initial estimate is that the costs for the Combined Objectors Group will be at least £75,000. For this reason, we are launching a fund-raising campaign to help us ensure we can fight this Appeal properly as it is clear the future of our Green Belt countryside is at stake. If you have not already received a leaflet, you will do so shortly. In addition you will see posters and banners relating to this campaign.
To make matters worse, Elstree Green Limited also submitted a new application on 31 May 2022 for a Solar Energy “Farm” which is essentially the same as the original bar a few minor modifications.
We need your help and that of anyone you know:
Please consider making a donation towards the legal costs of the Appeal:
Pay to “Radlett Society and Green Belt Association” account at The Co-operative Bank with Reference “Solar Appeal”
Sort code 08 92 99
Account no 67202812
Or by cheque to “Radlett Society and Green Belt Association” with reference “Solar Appeal” and post to:
RSGBA
c/o 12 Oakridge Avenue
Radlett
Herts
WD7 8EP
Please also send your objections to the new application to Hertsmere:
The Application reference is 22/0948/FULEI and comments must be received by 14 July 2022
Send to: [email protected]
or by post to:
Planning Department, Hertsmere Borough Council, Elstree Way, Borehamwood, Herts WD6 1WA
Here is a link to a copy of the RSGBA’s objection to the original appeal. RSGBA objection letter to Planning Appeal Chairman 03-06-22
Thank you
The Radlett Society and Green Belt Association
RSGBA
The aims and objects of the Radlett Society and Green Belt Association are:
(a) to improve, protect and preserve for the benefit of the public the countryside and the country around the village of Radlett, the village of Radlett and the green belt around Radlett
(b) to stimulate public interest in the area of benefit
(c) to promote high standards of planning and architecture in the area of benefit
(d) to secure the preservation, protection, development and improvement of features of historic or public Interest in the area of benefit.
RSGBA 2021 newsletter
The 2021 RSGBA Newsletter has been circulated to Radlett residents and is also available here – RSGBA 2021 NEWSLETTER
Radlett Neighbourhood Plan (see https://www.radlettplan.org/ ) Approved
The Radlett Neighbourhood Plan was approved by the Radlett Residents in the Referendum on 6th May 2021. There were 2,842 votes cast of which 2,127 were ‘Yes’ votes. For further details please see the press release here.
This now means that Hertsmere BC must refer to the Plan and the criteria therein when considering planning applications and other developments. The Plan is also a key reference point for us – and residents generally – in considering how to respond to proposals.
Radlett and District Museum
Please see the Museum page on this website here for further information or go directly to their own website here.