Hertfordshire & North Middlesex Area of the Ramblers' Association
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Countryside
Countryside Protection and Campaigning in Hertfordshire
The purpose of this work carried out by your Area, is to protect the beauty and tranquillity of the countryside against undesirable development. We seek the very best outcomes for the public and all walkers in Hertfordshire.
This is enshrined in the Objects of the Ramblers' Association: "in safeguarding the countryside from unsightly and polluting developments so that walkers can enjoy its tranquillity and beauty."
"In May 2010, the two main issues we have campaigned against were achieved when the new Government issued guidelines which stated that housing numbers proposed in the East of England Plan no longer needed to be followed. 100,000 new houses would have had to be accommodated by Hertfordshires councils on Green Belt and Greenfield land in some of the most beautiful countryside.
At Stansted Airport a second runway was proposed which would have made the airport as big as Heathrow. Public Rights of Way would have been destroyed along with countryside, ancient buildings, villages and communities. The noise from overflying planes would have ruined the beauty and tranquility of Hertfordshire. The new Government were opposed to the second runway and BAA subsequently withdrew their planning application."
The new Government want local councils in consultation with local communities to decide their own housing needs.They are at different stages in the process, following similar procedures as set out in the section on Local Development Frameworks below. For up to date information, please contact the Planning Policy section at the respective local council in which you have an interest. Contact details are provided. The main issue is to ensure the best outcome for Public Rights of Way that may be affected by developments in the future. It is necessary to ensure requirements concerning this are written in to the final LDF because if they are not, when planning applications come in later on, there will be nothing that can be done to ensure a good outcome for the footpath system."
To help our members in this endeavour, several useful documents may be found here:
Woodland, Tring Park
Woodland Trust
