20 Apr 2024
Bureaucratic delays have hampered a campaign to thwart the development of green space in the heart of a St Albans estate.
As previously reported by the St Albans Times, vast swathes of what was previously thought to be public space were sold across the estate in June 2021, including one lot around Mayne Avenue, Samian Gate, Flavian Close, Icknield Close, Glenum Close, Hadrian Close, Lindum Place, Augustus Close, Claudian Place, Antonine Gate and Ermine Close, and a second in the vicinity of Windridge Close, Westfields, Deva Close, Dubrae Close, Rowlatt Drive, Mayne Avenue and Corinium Gate.
Then last February saw the cutting down of three mature trees in Antonine Gate on land used as a safe play space for children and a community meeting point, which is crossed by a public footpath providing a route to nearby Verulamium Park.
On April 11 a planning application was submitted to build two houses on the site, even though it is designated highway land, which means any development should in theory not be permitted.
The applicant was required to post site notices about the application on nearby trees, lampposts etc, but failed to do so in accordance with planning procedures.
Additionally, SADC did not send out letters to adjacent residents warning them about the proposals until very late in the day.
An email seen by the St Albans Times stated: “The letters to neighbours were sent for posting on 5th April.It’s possible there may just be a delay with postage… Please let us know if the letters have still not been received by residents.
“Regarding the site notice, this was sent to the agent to display at the site however if this has not been done, we will arrange to display a notice at the site.”
Antonine Gate resident Catherine Geldard is one of those people objecting to the plans: “This is a prominent, well maintained open green space. It is used as a play area for children and has, and will continue to be used if left alone, for community gatherings such as street parties.
“These open spaces were created for residents and to enhance the environment on the estate when it was built. There is no argument or reason to suggest these green spaces are no longer necessary and therefore should be developed for housing.
“The footpath for this part of Antonine Gate runs through the middle of this space and is widely used by residents and people returning to the estate from the park or Mayne Avenue.
“There is a street light in the middle of the green space. I can see no provision for relocating this in the plans and indeed, where would it be relocated without causing intrusive light to other homes? The freeholder of this land has already removed healthy mature trees without permission from Herts county council.
“This green space like many others on the estate sits on a bend. Any building here would result in over-development of Antonine Gate and would spoil the aesthetics of the street scene.
“Furthermore I do not see how construction could safely take place given that vehicles have always had to come past this part of Antonine Gate to use the turning space at the end of the cul-de-sac. This involves coming around this bend – construction vehicles parked here and any resulting building or even parked vehicles would block sight lines for pedestrians crossing over from the footpath at the end of Antonine Gate back over to the footpath on this site.”
Timothy Beecroft, chair of Verulam Residents Association, added: “This is a site which has been a concern ever since the trees on it were cut down in controversial circumstances some time ago. I am sure that, once again, many residents will take every opportunity to do what they can to defend our precious green space.”
You can object to the plans on the SADC Planning Portal using the reference 5/2024/0513.
