Whist on the subject of the Planning department, the planning process leaves many members of the public frustrated and wondering about the logic leading to some decisions. Recently, we had the case of an application being refused under officers delegated powers, only to have an identical one (same location and details, so I do mean identical) recommended for approval just five months later. The applicant had appealed and it was held in abeyance pending the outcome of the committee meeting. This particular application was not in Berkhamsted, but similar things have happened here to. We have recently had two applications that have been similar to previous ones, both rejected by the inspector following refusal by the planning authority (Dacorum Borough Council) and yet recommended for approval by the planning department officers. Indeed, one did not quite meet the recommended parking requirements and only a few weeks before the Borough Council adopted new parking standards. These accepted that the motor car is here to stay and applications should be refused unless either the site is near to public parking (such as in the town centre) or has adequate public transport nearby. So who defines ‘nearby’? We are often told that planning decisions are governed by the law and often find it difficult to refuse a perfectly proper application provided it meets the guidelines as set out in the local plan and other planning guidance notes. I have to keep reminding myself that the planning process is an enabling process which favours the developer, rather than the needs or wishes of the local population.

I have no objection to granting or refusing planning approval when all the agreed guidelines are met, but the officers appear to be bending over backwards to recommend approval for developments that are questionable, to say the least. The difficulty is that once permission is granted that is often the end of the matter. If permission is refused, then the applicant can appeal against the decision. Very one sided, in my view, but that is the way the law is set at the moment and we have to uphold the law even if we do not agree with it. It therefore seems to me that your local planning authority along with your local elected representatives should err on the side of caution even if it means setting aside monies in the budget to support decisions your representatives make on your behalf.

The Town Council contacted the local Electricity Board (all right, Regional Electricity Company, but I am getting on in years) to find out just what is going on with our supplies. They offered to come a speak to the Council, but the planning meeting held on 5th January have suggested to them that a public meeting may be in order. I mean, we had a two hour cut on 4th January and another two hour one on 7th January while it was repaired. The problem is, they always have a good excuse like - the weather, everyone else, it just blew up, its old, and the tree did it guv! Then I remember that County and Borough, not to mention developers, all want to build more houses without any thought about the services required because it is then someone else’s problem.

I can’t let the Christmas lights saga escape completely, so I will let you have the latest news. The proposed new organisation had its inaugural meeting on Tuesday 7th January and most of the voluntary bodies were represented as were the County, Borough and Town Councils complete with the C.V.S. All I will say is that a number of representatives gave the impression that it was a good idea, but perhaps someone else within their organisation may well be better placed to attend in the future for one reason or the other. If my memory is correct, when the Town Council was involved before, it made a good effort before it passed to the ‘private’ sector. As the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce pointed out, for the past three years, whilst they did the organising, it all went like clockwork, but the Chamber does not have the resources, manpower, and indeed, is not in the business of promoting social events within the town, just looking after the interests of its members.
The Town Mayor was volunteered to chair the organisation, which should take on board both the social and decorative aspects of the festival. It was also suggested that the body should embrace all the Towns public/open-air events to maximise effort and co-ordinate everything. The second meeting will happen just before the deadline for the next issue so, with luck, all should be made clear.

By now, you will have realised that the Town Council has reduced the precept for the coming year. Hurrah I hear you all cry. I will tell you now, it was against my recommendation that the Labour, Lib-Dems and Conservatives pushed through a cut of £8000 on what I suggested. The Borough Council is in the same boat with the expectation of a minimal increase this year, but privately admitting next year will mean a cut in staff and/or services or a much larger increase in your council tax. Just before an election too. I must admit I am not a political animal and believe that if the public want a service provided, then someone will have to pay, one way or the other. I also believe you have a better chance of making your views known to your Town Councillors than you do to most Borough, County or National representatives. On the other hand, you normally get who your local political party wants you to have. Think about it!