Trees and Conservation Areas
Trees Survey Update
Last year we were able to report on two Tree
Surveys being carried out in Radlett.
The first survey regarded trees on the Highways being carried out by County Engineer, Mike Davies. He is now able to confirm that both the survey of the Highways and the graded works have been completed.
The Society holds the report of works, whether to remove dead trees, to lop and observe dying trees or to prune overgrown branches along the Highways leading in and out of the village as well as those along the streets and verges. We shall be grateful if you would let us know of any trees which give cause for concern.
However it would be helpful to pedestrians on our many footpaths throughout the Parish if owners ensured that their shrubs and hedges do not obstruct the paths on their boundaries.
The second survey involved reviewing The Council’s
Tree Preservation Orders (T.P.O’s) This year in Hertsmere 152
Orders have been reviewed covering 987 properties. 1,696 individual
tree Orders and 148 group/ woodland Tree Orders have been made. Of
the 152 Orders, 46 have been made in Radlett (30%).We supported Hertsmere
Borough Council in applying for further funding for this important
work and we are able to confirm that funding is secure till March
2005.
It is anticipated that the work to check records going back 40 years
and to complete the issue of new orders throughout the Borough could
take until 2006. Meanwhile a new database is being produced as TPO’s
are confirmed, so that eventually the Society will be aware of all
Orders in the Parish. We hold a list of T.P.O’s already confirmed
since the database was set up in 2003.
During the year it was brought to our attention that many trees in Radlett had ivy growing up them. The Parish Council has sent letters to organisations such as, sports grounds regarding this and advising to simply remove about a foot at the base of the main ivy stem. Where trees are in our Conservation Areas then permission needs to be sought from Hertsmere Borough Council, giving notice of 6 weeks of any works to be carried out on a tree.
We strive to retain the tree character of Radlett for all to enjoy.
Conservation Areas
A Conservation Area is designated by a local planning authority under the Planning Act 1990, of special architectural or historic interest , the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. There are three Conservation Areas in the Parish of Aldenham:-
- Loom Lane, Cobden Hill Area (designated 1988)
- Central Radlett, including Aldenham Rd. Station Rd, The Grove,Watling St.
- The village of Letchmore Heath
In protecting these areas care is taken when considering applications for planning permission. In exercising control over new development the Council takes into account such matters as the scale, setting, massing, siting and appearance of the proposed development in relation to surrounding buildings. The use of appropriate materials or the use of old materials is relevant. Owners and occupiers therefore need to consider carefully these relevant issues in their applications. Features of Roofs, Chimney stacks, Slates and Tiles, Gutters, Walls, Windows, Doors, Garden Walls and Fences as well as Hedges and Trees.
The Council has a duty in preventing harm and yet controlling change in co-operation with owners / occupiers. In Loom Lane the loss of trees would be discouraged and where appropriate new trees recommended to be planted.
The distinctiveness of an area will continue to be enjoyed by those living or working in it, or merely passing through.
Rosamund Gray