The Harpenden Society exists for everyone who appreciates
the richness of life in Harpenden and wants to ensure
that the town remains a green and pleasant place
in which to live, work or visit. The Society was
founded in 1930. It is a registered Charity (278154)
with more than 1000 members. It has a very active
executive committee and a number of subcommittees
or task groups to deal with particular activities
or campaigns
The Society’s objectives are to stimulate public
interest in the local area; to promote high standards
of planning and architecture and good public amenities;
to encourage the conservation of Harpenden’s
character and charm; and to protect the environment,
while avoiding sterile preservation.
The main activities of the Society are:
• Meetings and Visits The society arranges
public meetings on local and topical subjects, and
visits to places of interest.
• Newsletter for Members This is published
four times each year.
• Harpenden Society
Awards These are made annually for new buildings
or projects that contribute significantly to the
town and local environment.
• Plans Group Members
of the Group monitor all planning applications for
sites in the Harpenden area. They visit the site
where necessary, and if appropriate makes recommendations
and representations to the St Albans District Council.
Advice and assistance is available to members and
non-members who are concerned about development
proposals. Representatives of the Society attend
relevant meetings of the District Council’s
Planning Committee. The Society responds to and
comments on policy documents such as local structure
plans.
• Commons and Greens The Society responds
to and comments on any activities or plans that
may affect Harpenden’s open spaces. These are
a key feature of the town and need to be protected
and properly managed.
The Harpenden Society is involved in the Save Southdown Ponds Appeal to ensure the Ponds are renovated into a ecological site for recreation and education.
• Transport The Society is represented on
the Harpenden Transportation Forum, and comments
on proposals for traffic schemes and parking controls.
•Luton Airport The Society is strongly opposed
to the plans for expanding Luton Airport, and is
represented on
LADACAN ( Luton and District Association for
the Control of Aircraft Noise), and various committees
concerned with Luton Airport use and development.
• Local Links The Society works with and has
links with a number of local groups, including,
Harpenden Town Council, St Albans District Council,
The Upper Lea Valley Group (ULVG), Campaign to Protect
Rural England (CPRE), Harpenden in Bloom, Rothamsted
Park Management Committee.
For further information please contact the Secretary,
G.J. Hunt, 12 Pigeonwick, Harpenden, AL5 4EZ,
e-mail < gordon.hunt1@ntlworld.com>
