Local News and Events

Planning changes to protect jobs and homes

Office buildings and cars in Cranborne Road industrial estateFurther changes to local planning regulations are being introduced to help protect some of Hertsmere’s major employment sites and distinctive homes.

We’re rolling out new ‘Article 4 directions’ in order to prevent buildings in designated employment areas in Borehamwood, Potters Bar, Shenley, Elstree and Bushey being converted into housing, without the need for planning permission.

Original Article 4 directions were confirmed just over two years ago, but changes in national legislation mean the directions have to be updated in order to protect against redevelopment or conversion of premises in business parks or industrial estates.

In addition, we’re implementing new directions to protect a number of bungalows across Radlett, which are deemed of value in the recently adopted Radlett Neighbourhood Plan.

This follows recent changes in national legislation which allow for an extra storey to be built on homes, without the need for planning permission, as long as it complies with certain criteria.

A copy of the new Article 4 directions for employment areas and a set of frequently asked questions can be found at www.hertsmere.gov.uk/article4.

A copy of the new Article 4 directions for Radlett and a set of frequently asked questions can be found at www.hertsmere.gov.uk/RadlettArticle4

The new directions will come into force in May next year. Until then all interested parties can give their views in a public consultation by emailing at local.plan@hertsmere.gov.uk.

Responses can also be submitted in writing to Planning department, Hertsmere Borough Council, Civic Offices, Elstree Way, Borehamwood WD6 1WA.

Flying the Progress flag with Pride in Hertsmere

Pride ceremony

June is Pride month and we are sending a clear message of support to Hertsmere’s LGBTQ+ community.    

The Pride Progress flag was raised outside the Civic Offices in Borehamwood today (Tuesday 7 June) by the Mayor of Hertsmere, Councillor John Graham. He was joined by council staff, councillors and colleagues from the NHS, Hertfordshire Constabulary and Herts Fire and Rescue Service. A collection for the Herts Mind LGBTQ+ online support group has raised more than £100 so far, with donations continuing over the month.

Pride Progress is an updated version of the rainbow Pride flag, which better represents diverse communities. Pride flags are also being raised in Aberford Park in Borehamwood, Parkfield in Potters Bar, and King George Recreation Ground in Bushey.

Data from the Home Office shows that LGBT hate crime based on sexual orientation have risen every year since 2016/17 to 2020/21. More locally, homophobia was behind one in eight reported hate crimes in Hertfordshire, in the year that ended in March 2021.  

We are offering community grants to voluntary organisations and community groups that celebrate Hertsmere’s diverse communities and promote inclusion across the borough. These groups could qualify for a funding boost of up to £2,000.

Throughout June, our staff are invited to wear Progress Pride badges to show support to the LGBTQ+ community. These were purchased from The Pride Shop, where donations from sales support The Pride Fund – raising funds for Pride events across the UK.

For more information about Pride month and how it aims to support LGBTQ+ individuals and communities, click here.

Jubilee Holiday Bin Collections

Jubilee_bin_collections

There will be no bin collections on Thursday 2 or Friday 3 June due to the Jubilee bank holiday.

Bins that are usually collected on either of these days will be collected on Saturday 4 June.

If you are having a street party please make sure your bins are accessible on the relevant day:

Normal Day             Revised Day

Monday          –         No change

Tuesday         –         No change

Wednesday    –         No change

Thursday        –         Saturday 4 June

Friday            –          Saturday 4 June

Climate Action Community Grant

Climate Action Community Group

Our changing climate affects all of us. To help promote green schemes, Hertsmere Borough Council is inviting local community groups to apply for a new grant to help them take action on climate change.

The new Climate Action Community Grant provides funding of up to £500 to community-based organisations taking measures locally to tackle our climate emergency.

The aim is to encourage volunteers and communities to take action through a range of initiatives, including energy efficiency measures; renewable energy; promoting active and sustainable transport; reducing waste; improving the use of resources; enhancing biodiversity; reducing carbon emissions; through to supporting local, sustainable or seasonal food production.

Addressing climate change is a major focus of the council’s work and we’ve set out our plans for reducing carbon emissions resulting from our services and operations, as well as developing green schemes.

The grant is for any community group that needs help to set up a project. The grant will support practical measures such as tree planting and habitat improvement; education programmes to increase awareness and the skills needed to change and adapt lifestyles; green travel and transport schemes; energy saving in community buildings; local food initiatives; and recycling and reuse projects.

The closing date for applications is Thursday 30 June. Decisions will be made in July and grants allocated in August. 

This new initiative forms one part of the council’s ambitious plans to achieving net zero carbon emissions before 2050. 

To find out more about the Climate Action Community Grant or to apply, please visit www.hertsmere.gov.uk/CACG

New Mayor of Hertsmere welcomed

Cllr Graham, left, and Cllr Eni, right, pose with Mayoral chains.T
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The borough’s mayoral chains have been passed on to Hertsmere Borough Councillor John Graham.

Cllr Graham, pictured left, takes over the role as Mayor of Hertsmere from Cllr Anne Swerling and was inaugurated at the council’s annual meeting yesterday (Wednesday 18 May). The new Deputy Mayor, Cllr Victor Eni, pictured right, was also welcomed. During her time as Mayor, Cllr Swerling raised money to support Essex and Herts Air Ambulance.

She said: “Thank you to everyone who has welcomed me and particular thanks to Cllr Graham, who has been an excellent support in his role of Deputy Mayor and I’m sure will excel in his new Mayoral role.”

New mayor Cllr Graham is looking forward to his year as Mayor during which he will be raising money to support Peace Hospice Care.

If you would like to invite the Mayor to attend one of your events, please contact the Mayor’s Secretary on 020 8207 7477 or email mayors.secretary@hertsmere.gov.uk.

Hertsmere Dementia Friendly Communities relaunched

Members of the group meet for the first time

Aimed at raising awareness of Dementia in Hertsmere and improving the lives of those faced with a diagnosis, the Hertsmere Dementia Friendly Communities (HDFC) has relaunched.

Previously known as the Hertsmere Dementia Action Alliance, HDFC has relaunched during Dementia Action Week (16-23 May). Due to a sustained drop in dementia diagnosis rates for the first time ever, Dementia Action Week’s theme is ‘diagnosis’ and statistics show Herts Valleys diagnosis rates are 60.4%, which is 6.3% below the national target, suggesting the region is following this trend.

It is thought that misconceptions around symptoms may be leading people to go undiagnosed and missing out on guidance and support.

As part of the relaunch, Dementia Friends awareness sessions will be rolled out, and dementia friendly measures will be implemented across the borough.

Meetings will be chaired by Communities 1st, with members of the group including Carers in Herts, Citizens Advice, East of England Ambulance Service, Healthwatch Herts, Elstree and Borehamwood Town Council, Hertswise, Representatives of the Potters Bar PPGs, Age UK Herts, and ourselves. Find out more about Dementia Action Week at Dementia Action Week | Alzheimer’s Society (alzheimers.org.uk)

Community grants available to celebrate our communities

Community grant applications open

Voluntary organisations and community groups that celebrate Hertsmere’s diverse communities and promotes inclusion across the borough could qualify for a funding boost of up to £2,000.

The 2022/23 community grants programme from Hertsmere Borough Council is now open for applications from groups and organisations that actively support residents and create a cohesive borough. The community grant could help your organisation to support a particular group covered by the protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010, to celebrate our diverse communities through creativity or culture, to host an inclusive event or celebration, or to increase the accessibility of existing services to the wider community.

The aim is to help support and encourage the excellent work already being carried out by local organisations and community groups who celebrate Hertsmere’s many communities and help promote inclusion and cohesion.

If you are a voluntary organisation or community group working to celebrate our heritage and identities, championing social justice or supporting inclusive communities, we want to hear from you.

All applications must demonstrate that they engage with or benefit Hertsmere residents. 

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Monday 27 June.

For more information about the community grants programme go www.hertsmere.gov.uk/communitygrants

Our Ward Improvement Initiative Scheme (WIIS), where each councillor has £750 to spend on good causes and projects within their ward, will reopen for applications on the 23 May.

To find out more please visit: www.hertsmere.gov.uk/WIIS If you are looking for on-going funding for your organisation, the Hertsmere Community Lottery may also be of interest to you.

To find out more please visit our website: www.hertsmerecommunitylottery.co.uk

Never Too Late Campaign launches in Hertsmere

Free 7-day activity pass for all adults in Hertfordshire!

Hertfordshire’s ‘It’s Never Too Late to be Active’ campaign is back from 9 May to encourage older people to become more active. Launch events are taking place across the county during May, where you can pop along to find out more about the campaign.

Anyone who signs up to the campaign will receive a FREE 7-day activity pass for their local leisure centre, a welcome call to help them find a suitable activity, an activity planner and entry into a prize draw to win a £150 sports voucher.

Come along to a launch event at 96 Shenley Road, Borehamwood, WD6 1EB on Thursday 12 May from 10am-3pm to find out more. There will be a range of organisations attending as well as a taster session from Saracens Love to Dance at 11am-12pm. Come along and try it out! 

For a full list of launch dates visit: Hertfordshire County Council | It’s Never Too Late to be Active campaign – coming soon!

Aldenham Golf Club – public consultation on expansion proposals. Have your say

A public consultation on the plans is taking place between 5-15 May, so that local people have the opportunity to comment before the Aldenham Golf Club prepares the planning application for submission to the council. Leaflets have been sent to the 330 neighbouring homes, and there is a consultation website at: www.aldenhamgolfclubconsultation.co.uk

For more information please call 07385 129 091 or email: contact@aldenhamgolfclubconsultation.co.uk