26 Apr 2024
Are councillors doing enough to protect a much-loved wildlife site from development?
Bedmond Meadow, which borders the whole of the western edge of the Verulam Estate, has been described by Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust as “a de-facto Local Wildlife Site”, which is unique in St Albans and of significant ecological value and importance.
When it was included in SADC’s draft Local Plan, Matt Dodds, planning and biodiversity manager for Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, said it made a mockery of any environmental credentials the council professes to promote.
He said: “The site itself is a species rich mosaic of habitats including species rich chalk grassland, species rich neutral grassland and scrub.
“It easily qualifies as a local wildlife site and the only reason that it is not designated as such is because the landowner permission required to designate the site has not been given.
“It is a de-facto Local Wildlife Site and should be considered as such.
“St Albans district council has been made aware of its value many times. Recent surveys conducted by the ecologist acting for the developer on another application to establish for horse grazing on the site confirmed its botanical value, despite failing to record its most spectacular species – lizard orchid, one of rarest plants in the county.
“It could not be more precious for people and wildlife, yet it has been put forward as a development site in the Local Plan. It is the epitome of the sort of site that should be protected in accordance with local and national policy.”
The debate over whether the meadow should be protected from development has now raised its head in the run-up to the district council elections, with allegations its inclusion in the draft Local Plan belies the Lib Dems’ professed green credentials.
Campaigner Dr Robert Wareing, who has fought to save the meadow for years, said: “The Lib Dems are circulating literature claiming to be fighting to preserve green spaces and trees on the Verulam Estate and fighting to safeguard our area from over-development. However, there is one very significant omission.
“What this literature fails to say is that the Lib Dem-dominated St Albans district council has put forward Bedmond Lane Meadow as having potential for development in the draft Local Plan. The literature circulating makes no reference whatsoever to this meadow or the threat to its continued existence. Is this omission deliberately deceptive or disingenuous?
“Either way, it is clear that significantly more green space and trees will be lost through the loss of this 12-acre meadow than any other ‘land grab’ of small parcels of land on the estate. And as for safeguarding our area from over-development, Cala Homes, owners of the meadow, have declared their aim is to build 78 houses on it.
“I raise this as someone who has consistently voted for the Lib Dems but now feels betrayed, especially given the paradox that councillors have stood shoulder to shoulder with residents over the past decade in fighting to preserve this wildlife meadow.”
Verulam councillor Julian Degg responded: “Two Local Plans prepared by SADC’s previous Conservative administration failed to get approval by the Government’s inspectors.
“This has left our green spaces in a vulnerable position, as the Government could decide at the moment to allow building where they see fit, without local agreement.
“It is imperative that the council submits a Draft Local Plan that is approved by the Government. Many sites have to be included in our Local Plan because government policy insists on some use of the Green Belt, despite clearly expressed objections from the leader of the council and Daisy Cooper.
“When it comes to Bedmond Meadow, it is one of several sites that could accommodate possible development in Verulam ward. It is a suggested site: not all the named sites will be developed and no planning applications have been submitted.
“Liberal Democrats believe in protecting our local environment, and they also understand that there is a desperate need to increase housing capacity. If plans for Bedmond Meadow were to be submitted, the Liberal Democrat team in Verulam would continue to work with residents and the VRA for the best possible outcome.
“The draft Plan is currently being revised. A new version will be consulted on later in the year.”
