The plans group is established to ensure that development
plans meet the objectives of the Society. The local
agreed planning policy guidance document forms the
basis for much of our work.
Organisation of the Group
The Plans Group has nine members, eight of whom,
working in pairs on a four-week cycle, examine all
planning applications for sites in Harpenden (town
and rural parish) and where necessary make recommendations
to the planning authority at St Albans. The caseload
varies from week to week, but
over a year the Group as a whole looks at about
600 applications. It is a part of the Society_s
service to the community which we believe is much
valued. In addition to examination of the weekly
plans lists, we welcome comments from members who
may have an interest in a particular proposal. We
will consider such comments and views when formulating
our own response to a particular application
Membership of the group is open to members of the
Society. It is obviously desirable that anyone joining
the Group should have an interest in architecture
and the built environment, but that interest can
be entirely amateur.
Major Concerns
The Group are concerned about the growth of Harpenden,
and oppose any extension into the green belt. We
look very carefully at plans to demolish existing
properties and to build one or more as replacements.
Infilling is generally opposed, as are significant
extensions to existing buildings, particularly if
they are not in keeping with the scale and style
of neighbouring properties.
For more information about the Plans Group contact
the group co-ordinator Anthony
Steele
