Paul Munns
Climate Change - The End of the Line for the HGV?
CPRE, both nationally and here in Hertfordshire is concerned about climate change.
The countryside is great at absorbing our carbon dioxide emissions and we campaign to protect it because of this and because of its other benefits.
An Evening with Clara and Robert Schumann
Our President Sir Simon Bowes Lyon and his wife Lady Caroline are hosting an evening concert on Saturday 14 March to raise funds for CPRE Hertfordshire.
It will be held in the Drawing room of their home at St Paul's Walden Bury.
The concert will feature beautiful songs, duets and piano solos by Clara and Robert Schumann performed by professional opera singers Carola Emrich-Fischer and Thomas Niesser accompanied by Margaret Johnson (Felici Opera Musical Director) and with guest pianist Alicia Chaffey.
There will be an opportunity at the end of the evening to ask questions of the performers about the music and the lives of these two brilliant composers.
Tickets cost £25 (including wine and canapés).
For further information about the event and to purchase tickets please go to: www.feliciopera.com or ring 07712 530550
Please also find attached the e-flyer for this concert.
We hope you will be able to join us.
Kevin FitzGerald
Hon. Director
Yet More Green Plots to Plots of Gold - Buyer Beware
Several years ago we at CPRE Hertfordshire learned about what we call "plotlands". These are created by the land owner and are plots of land that are about 1/6th of an acre, enough on which to build at least one house.
Green Plots to Plots of Gold - Part 2
Somewhere over the rainbow
There is supposed to be a crock of gold at the end of a rainbow, I recall. Not that I have ever found such an end. And the chance of my finding one is probably only slightly more unlikely than is the chance of making a fortune out of a plot of land that you see advertised in a local newspaper.
Such an advertisement appeared just before Christmas. The plots of land were close to Much Hadham, a lovely village in East Hertfordshire.
It is when the owner of agricultural land gets planning permission for houses that the value or price of the land rockets. However, as I noted before about similar plots of land for sale on the other side of the county near Little Gaddesden, not all land is designated for development.
East Hertfordshire District Council’s Strategic Local Plan is set in concrete, for the next 15 years. The major focus of development according to that Plan is at the south of the District, around Eastwick and Gilston, north of Harlow.
Much Hadham is not in the Green Belt. Land there has the EHDC designation "beyond the Green Belt" and the Council is very careful about protection of the landscape and the small village communities in that part of the world.
No one can know the future, especially not in the detail needed to know when a particular plot of land will go for development. So, if you are thinking of splashing the cash just because a sign says it is it up for auction, tread carefully. Do your research. Talk to East Herts DC’s Planning Department.
If you live in or near Much Hadham and have concerns about land being up for sale, please contact the District Council’s Planning Department. There are actions that they can take that can make life harder for anyone who is being less than fully open about the reasons for selling land.
CPRE Hertfordshire 2019 AGM
CPRE HERTFORDSHIRE 2019 AGM
Held at Woolmer Green Village Hall on Saturday 7 September, the AGM was a well attended meeting.
A new venue and a new day of the week was chosen in the hope that an increased number of people would be able to join us. The intention is to stay at this venue and day next year.
An interesting address, entitled “How can we ensure there is positive progress for our countryside?” was given by Tom Fyans, CPRE Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Policy and Campaigns. He also introduced the new look logo and branding to the meeting.
The usual business was covered and a vote of thanks was given to Eliza Hermann and Rick Sanderson whose terms of office as Trustees have ended. Allan McNab was appointed as a new Trustee.
Questions were taken from the floor and were followed by refreshments and a raffle, which raised £128. The homemade cakes were delicious.
You can download a copy of the minutes from the attachments below.
Green Plots to Plots of Gold - Buyer Beware
Several years ago we at CPRE Hertfordshire learned about what we call "plotlands". These are created by the land owner and are plots of land that are about 1/6th of an acre, enough on which to build at least one house.
Read the full story in the attachment.
Berkhamsted Common Late Autumn Walk
This 4.1 mile circular walk starts and ends at the rail station in Berkhamsted in the west of the county HP4 2AJ . Nearly all of the walk is within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the first half of the route follows part of the Hertfordshire Way, the 195 mile long-distance path around the whole of Hertfordshire.
Climate Emergency and Water Resources Conference
CPRE county branches, including CPRE Hertfordshire, across the East of England are holding a one day conference on Water Resources on Wednesday, 29th April 2020 at the Fleet Community Centre, Fletton, Peterborough.
Have Your Say ! Luton Airport Expansion Consultation Deadline 16th December 2019
CPRE Hertfordshire objects to this expansion. We have a climate emergency. It urges members and residents to say no to the proposals to grow Luton Airport from 18 to 32 million passengers per annum. The consultation runs to the 16th December 2019. https://futureluton.llal.org.uk/ . CPRE Hertfordshire endorses the fact that people and organisations are questioning their need to fly more than ever, and that the alternatives to flying must be improved. As people vote with their feet the forecasts of air traffic growth are unsound as well as highly damaging.
2019 Rural Living Awards Presented
The Presentation Evening in October was a successful evening celebrating efforts made by individuals, groups and businesses to improve life in their community and/or to enhance the environment in Hertfordshire.
The Award Scheme recognises those who work so hard to protect, promote and enhance the countryside and towns or villages to make Hertfordshire a better place to live, work, go to school or enjoy for today and the future. Everyone was eager to hear who would be receiving an Award.
Our thanks go to the Chair of Herts County Council who sponsored the evening. Mayors, Chairs and Councillors from the District and Borough Councils joined the celebrations and everyone was delighted to hear about the amazing things happening across the county.
CPRE Hertfordshire Winter 2019 Newsletter
We are pleased to publish our latest newsletter "Winter 2019" available as a download. Please enjoy reading our latest news and we would appreciate any feedback to enable us to improve this newsletter.
