Planning

Since the last meeting the council has logged ‘no objection’ to work to trees at Williams Wood, Vicarage Rd (26/00562/TPO) and the installation of new solar panels and other work at Pipers Cottage, Nettleden Rd (26/00534/FHA).

At the meeting on Thursday the Council will consider:

i. 25/02852/OUT – Mollcroft, 69 Hempstead Lane, Potten End, HP4 2RZ – to reconsider the Council’s objection to outline planning permission with all matters reserved for the construction of up to three self/custom built dwellings. This is the development utilising the government’s definition of grey belt that is troubling in its wider implications for the village.

ii 26/00692/TPO – 15-17 Hempstead Lane, Potten End – works to trees

iii 26/00715/AGD – Brown Springs Farm, Plough Lane, Potten End, HP4 2GD – agricultural barn used for animal fodder and machinery

iv 26/00755/ROC – Little Paddock, Frithsden Copse, HP4 2RG – Variation of condition 5 (permitted development) attached to planning permission 4/00230/10/FHA

v 26/00815/FHA – The Barn, Little Heath Lane, Potten End – new garden store outbuilding.

vi 25/01742/MOA – Polehanger Lane – Outline Planning Application for up to 700 dwellings and other services. The Parish Council is extremely concerned at the erosion of the gap between Hemel and Potten End and the likely increase in traffic through the village if this development goes ahead. Details of the council’s proposed objection can be downloaded.

The Parish Council is asking for volunteers to undertake a character appraisal of the Potten End Conservation Area. If you’d like a better idea of what that might involve there’s a copy of the Frithsden character appraisal available at Cedar as a little light reading over a coffee!

Open Spaces

The Parish Council will be considering a proposal to install a large tank under Frithsden Green next to the Alford Arms which together with other associated drainage improvements will alleviate what is an increasing problem with flooding in the area.

The Council has reached agreement with the Cricket Club for its use of the sports field this season which includes allowing a team from Leverstock Green to use the ground when Potten End aren’t playing at home on a one year trial.

We were delighted that the funfair was able to visit over the weekend for the first time for many years and hope to see it return in 2027.

Finance

The councils financial year ends on 31 March and as it’s your money we spend you should challenge anything about the council’s finances you don’t understand. The process starts with a draft set of accounts for 2025/26 which are available for download.