26 July 2010: EAST OF LUTON - VICTORY FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE
We greeted with delight the news that the Joint Planning Committee of Luton Borough and Central Bedfordshire Councils have removed from their draft Core Strategy the proposal for thousands of houses and a bypass in Lilley Bottom valley in North Hertfordshire. CPRE Honorary Director, Kevin FitzGerald says:-

'This is wonderful news for all who love the countryside. CPRE has fought this from the outset and set up the local group Keep East of Luton Green, consisting of people from both Hertfordshire and Luton. With our support they have worked extremely hard and to great effect. The countryside which has been spared from destruction is some of the most beautiful in Hertfordshire, just as attractive as the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which it borders. This is the first blow struck by the new government in its policy to give local people more say in plans which can drastically affect their quality of life. It means that one local authority cannot try to meet its housing needs by invading the countryside in a neighbouring authority's area.'

RADLETT STRATEGIC RAIL FREIGHT INTERCHANGE LATEST: 7 July 2010, The SoS dismisses Helioslough's appeal against St Albans DC's refusal of a second planning application. Read the Decision Letter below.

WORTH PROTECTING! CPRE Hertfordshire greetings cards in packs of 8, 4 each of two superb Hertfordshire countryside views in Spring and Summer are now on sale £8/pack, £15 for two packs. Email us to order