Welcome to the latest edition of Rickmansworth This Week e-news. If you would like to receive this by email, please contact me at rwstruck@gmail.com to get your own regular delivery. Feedback on this newsletter is always welcomed.

Development Control Committee decisions from last week’s meeting include the following:

The Cottage, Homefield Road, Chorleywood WD3 5QJ
http://snipr.com/trdc0282
Erection of two pairs of two-storey semi-detached dwellings (4 houses) with detached garage. Permission REFUSED, over-development and effect on Conservation Area.

38 Highfield Way, Rickmansworth WD3 7PR
http://snipr.com/trdc0666
Erection of detached timber framed triple garage with first floor storage and roof lights with access from track to north-west. Permission GRANTED, subject to conditions.

152 The Drive, Rickmansworth WD3 4DH
http://snipr.com/trdc0704
Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of two, two storey dwellings with basements, detached garage, new vehicular access and associated driveways and landscaping. Permission GRANTED, subject to conditions.

253 Watford Road, Croxley Green WD3 3RX
http://snipr.com/trdc0905
Demolition of existing car showrooms and erection of 42 one and two bedroom apartments in 2, three/four storey blocks with 50 car parking spaces. Permission REFUSED, over-development, insufficient car-parking, etc.

Local Area Forum
Tuesday, 24 June at 7.30pm in Penn Chamber,Three Rivers House, Northway, Rickmansworth Everyone welcome. Refreshments will be available from 7.00pm. The agenda includes:

• Community Safety - update on Anti-Social Behaviour, nuisance youths and policing issue
• Presentation on Planning Enforcement Issues
• Home Start organisation – what is it?
• Other Local Issues.
  

William Penn Delays
Gee Construction have confirmed that it does not now expect to achieve the target for completing work on the William Penn swimming pool by the end of the summer.
This is obviously hugely disappointing, but Three Rivers District Council remains fully committed to ensuring that the project is completed as soon as possible, while staying within the Council’s fixed budget and quality requirements. All concerned have been instructed to ensure that no corners are cut in a rush to completion.
Behind the scaffolding that now screens the front elevation there has been progress on site. Both pools have been prepared for tiling, blockwork and internal walls are nearly complete, and specialist contractors are installing mechanical and electrical services.

Croxley Great Barn Open Days
One of the region’s oldest buildings opens this weekend in the first in a series of monthly guided tours. The 600-year-old Croxley Great Barn, which used to belong to the Abbot of St Albans, is in the grounds of St Joan of Arc School, and has been off-limits to the public since the mid 1970s. But control has now been passed to the Three Rivers Museum, whose volunteers are to deliver guided tours.
People wishing to attend the inaugural viewing should gather in Caravan Lane, Rickmansworth, at 10.30am on Saturday. To confirm your attendance please call Barbara Owen on 01923 772325.

Welcome to the latest edition of Rickmansworth This Week e-news. If you would like to receive this by email, please contact me at rwstruck@gmail.com to get your own regular delivery. Feedback on this newsletter is always welcomed.

Moneyhill Parade Post Office set to close
Post Office Ltd has today opened a six week local public consultation on its Area Plan for South Essex, South Herts and Bucks, listing the closure of 41 existing branches in this area, including Moneyhill Parade. The detailed Area Plan proposal is available at ftp://ftp.royalmail.com/Downloads/public/ctf/po/SouthEssexSouthHertsBucksAreaPlanproposalbooklet.pdf

Sign the petition at http://campaigns.libdems.org.uk/moneyhill

Development Control Committee Thursday, 19 June at 7.30pm in Penn Chamber,Three Rivers House, Northway, Rickmansworth Local items on the agenda include:

The Cottage, Homefield Road, Chorleywood WD3 5QJ
http://snipr.com/trdc0282
Erection of two pairs of two-storey semi-detached dwellings (4 houses) with detached garage. Carried over from last meeting, awaitiing an appeal decision on a previous scheme for this site. That appeal was dismissed, and the officer recommendation is to refuse this application as well.

38 Highfield Way, Rickmansworth WD3 7PR
http://snipr.com/trdc0666
Erection of detached timber framed triple garage with first floor storage and roof lights with access from track to north-west. Carried over from last meeting for a committee site visit.

152 The Drive, Rickmansworth WD3 4DH
http://snipr.com/trdc0704
Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of two, two storey dwellings with basements, detached garage, new vehicular access and associated driveways and landscaping. Carried over from last meeting for a committee site visit.

253 Watford Road, Croxley Green WD3 3RX
http://snipr.com/trdc0905
Demolition of existing car showrooms and erection of 42 one and two bedroom apartments in 2, three/four storey blocks with 50 car parking spaces. A previous application for 43 flats was refused by Three Rivers Development Control Committee, and is awaiting an appeal in July.

New Local Plans

Applegarth, Parrotts Close, Croxley Green WD3 3JZ
08/1140/FUL http://snipr.com/trdc1140 and

08/1141/CAC http://snipr.com/trdc1141
Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of one, two storey block consisting of six flats with associated access parking, refuse and cycle store and landscaping. Also requires Conservation Area Consent to demolish the existing house.

Hawkford Hall, 231 Uxbridge Road, Rickmansworth WD3 8DP
08/1173/FUL http://snipr.com/trdc1173 and

08/1174/LBC http://snipr.com/trdc1174
Change of use of parking bays (3) to occasional use for storage of mobile pump units. Also requires Listed Building Consent.

Watersmeet Film
Miss Potter (PG) 92mins. Thursday 19 June at 2:00pm and 7:30pm. Renee Zellweger stars as Beatrix Potter, a sheltered but talented young woman who falls in love with her publisher Norman Wayne (Ewan McGregor).

Local Area Forum
Tuesday, 24 June at 7.30pm in Penn Chamber,Three Rivers House, Northway, Rickmansworth Everyone welcome. Refreshments will be available from 7.00pm. The agenda includes:

• Community Safety - update on Anti-Social Behaviour, nuisance youths and policing issue
• Presentation on Planning Enforcement Issues
• Home Start organisation – what is it?
• Other Local Issues.

Welcome to the latest edition of Rickmansworth This Week e-news. If you would like to receive this by email, please contact me at rwstruck@gmail.com to get your own regular delivery. Feedback on this newsletter is always welcomed.

Tesco plans for Happy Man site
Tesco have delivered glossy leaflets to homes within 1km of the (Un)Happy Man site, outlining their proposals for a Tesco Express convenience store. The development, if approved, would incorporate eight two-bedroomed apartments on two floors above the store. The glossy leaflets are described by Tesco as part of their “public consultation”. At the time of writing, Tesco have not yet submitted their planning application to Three Rivers - when they do, Three Rivers will conduct its own official public consultation, so if you have any views (or if you have already responded to Tesco) please submit them at the appropriate time to Three Rivers planning department. I will let you have more details when Tesco submit their application.

Other local plans

63 Nightingale Road, Rickmansworth WD3 7BU
08/1089/FUL http://snipurl.com/trdc1089 and
08/1077/CAC http://snipurl.com/trdc1077
Application to demolition of existing detached dwelling and erection of four detached dwellings with access road - this also requires a CAC (conservation area consent) to demolish the existing house.

Bury Garage, Bury Lane, Rickmansworth WD3 1DU
08/0926/CAC http://snipurl.com/trdc0926
Application for conservation area consent to demolish part of existing side boundary wall adjoining Beeson’s Yard.

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Ricky Residents Meeting
All residents are welcome to attend the AGM of Rickmansworth and District Residents’ Association is tomorrow, Tuesday, 3rd June, at 8.00pm in St Augustine’s Hall, Our Lady’s Catholic Church, Park Road - note the change of venue from the usual.
After the business part of the meeting, there will be a talk by a representative from Transport for London (TfL) who will speak on the plans for controversial new rolling stock on the Met Line.

Development Control Committee
At the meeting on 22nd May, several items were deferred but some decisions were reached. The items of local interest were:

The Cottage, Homefield Road, Chorleywood WD3 5QJ
http://snipr.com/trdc0282
Erection of two pairs of two-storey semi-detached dwellings (4 houses) with detached garage.
Decision deferred, pending an appeal decision on a previous scheme for this site.

38 Highfield Way, Rickmansworth WD3 7PR
http://snipr.com/trdc0666
Erection of detached timber framed triple garage with first floor storage and roof lights with access from track to north-west.
Decision deferred, pending a committee site visit.

152 The Drive, Rickmansworth WD3 4DH
http://snipr.com/trdc0704
Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of two, two storey dwellings with basements, detached garage, new vehicular access and associated driveways and landscaping.
Decision deferred, pending a committee site visit.

9 Park Close (opposite Batchworth Heath), Rickmansworth WD3 1QH
http://snipr.com/trdc0720
Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of two storey detached dwelling with basement level and room in roof and single storey detached triple garage.
Planning permission REFUSED - inappropriate development in the Green Belt and detrimental impact on the openness of the Green Belt by reason of its siting, height, design, massing and scale.

Land to rear of Woodlands, Dell House, Barnstead Down, Old Chorleywood Road and rear of 137a The Drive
http://snipr.com/trdc0775
Removal of unofficial Builders Yard and erection of three detached dwellings with basement level, using existing access off Old Chorleywood Road and associated tree works and alterations to access.
Planning permission REFUSED - siting, bulk, height, balconies and fenestration results in overbearing development, actual and perceived overlooking, no room for refuse-collection vehicles to turn, etc.

Nomad Kayak Club controversy
There has been local concern that Three Rivers is about to “evict” the Kayak Club from the premises in the Aquadrome.
When planning permission was granted last October for a new cafe and public conveniences, a planning condition was attached confirming that the existing building must be demolished. The existing premises are regarded by most people, including the Club officers, as unattractive from the outside and basic inside. However this demolition will not take place at the earliest before the end of the year and the Club will remain in situ, rent free, until then.
This does not mean the Club closes then. TRDC has been negotiating with the Club for about two years about future arrangements to accommodate it. A year ago the Club had agreed an alternative arrangement, but now they have come up with a different plan which TRDC has been happy to discuss with the Club officers, and those discussions are continuing.
It seems the confusion arose because the appropriate legal notice, to comply with the planning permission, had to be issued and some people thought, incorrectly, that the Club was about to close down.

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Road works
Parts of Riverside Drive, London Road, Harefield Road & Church Street will be closed for resurfacing the roundabout for up to three nights, starting tonight, 7.30pm to 6.30am.

Development Control Committee
The Committee meets at 7.30pm Thursday 22nd May at Three Rivers House, open to the public.
Items of local interest include:

The Cottage, Homefield Road, Chorleywood WD3 5QJ
http://snipr.com/trdc0282
Erection of two pairs of two-storey semi-detached dwellings (4 houses) with detached garage.

38 Highfield Way, Rickmansworth WD3 7PR
http://snipr.com/trdc0666
Erection of detached timber framed triple garage with first floor storage and roof lights with access from track to north-west.

152 The Drive, Rickmansworth WD3 4DH
http://snipr.com/trdc0704
Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of two, two storey dwellings with basements, detached garage, new vehicular access and associated driveways and landscaping.

9 Park Close (opposite Batchworth Heath), Rickmansworth WD3 1QH
http://snipr.com/trdc0720
Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of two storey detached dwelling with basement level and room in roof and single storey detached triple garage.

Land to rear of Woodlands, Dell House, Barnstead Down, Old Chorleywood Road and rear of 137a The Drive
http://snipr.com/trdc0775
Removal of unofficial Builders Yard and erection of three detached dwellings with basement level, using existing access off Old Chorleywood Road and associated tree works and alterations to access.

Watersmeet
Tuesday 20th to Saturday 24th. 7.45pm (plus matinee at 2.30pm on Saturday only)
The Sorcerer. Gilbert & Sullivan opera performed by PHEOS Musical Players. Tickets £13 (concessions available). Further info from 01923-285882 or www.pheos.co.uk

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Ricky Week

The weather forecast looks good for the opening weekend. Events tomorrow and Sunday:

Saturday 10th
9.30am Art exhibition in St Mary’s Church
10.00-12.30 Breakfast barbecue and mini-market in the Baptist Church
10.00-4.00 Three Rivers Museum open
11.00 Story Time for 8 year olds in the Librray
11.00-4.00 Maple Lodge Nature Reserve open day to celebrate 25th anniversary. Admission free
12.00-4.00 Barbecue in grounds of Conservative club, Bury Lane
The Parade
2.00 Carnival Parade sets off from the area between St Joan of Arc and the railway bridge, travelling via the High Street, Station Road, Northway, Church Street and Bury Lane, finishing in the Bury grounds.
2.30 Crowning of Miss Rickmansworth 2008 in the Bury grounds
2.00-5.00 Carnival fete in the Bury grounds
2.00-4.00 St Mary’s Church Tower open - grand views of Ricky and surrounding landscape

Sunday 11th
9.30am Art exhibition in St Mary’s Church
10.00 Ricky Week service in St Mary’s Church
10.00-5.00 Classic cars in the Aquadrome
11.00-4.00 Dinghy racing on Troy Lake, beyond West Hyde
11.00-4.00 Maple Lodge Nature Reserve open day to celebrate 25th anniversary. Admission free
12.00-3.00 Summer Fair at St Joan of Arc
12.00-4.00 Barbecue in grounds of Conservative club, Bury Lane
1.00-3.00 Morris dancing in Ruislip Woods
2.00 Wildlife Wander from the Batchworth Lock centre, along the Ebury Way and around the Withey Beds
2.00-4.00pm Three Rivers Museum open

More activities during the week, then the Ricky Festival takes place all the following weekend (17th & 18th) in the Aquadrome and along the canal.
Organised by the Rickmansworth Waterways Trust and Three Rivers District Council, with support of Three Valleys Water and British Waterways.
Saturday 17th 10.30am to 10.30pm, Sunday 18th 10.30am to 5.00pm
Events include:

• Mediaeval Living History Display
• Three live music stages - rock, jazz and folk
• Boat trips
• Narrow boats on display - some open for viewing
• Boaters’ Tug of War
• Animal farm for youngsters
• Environment Fair - craft & trade stalls
• Exhibitions, model boats, and more
• Licensed bar

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Local Election Results
The only seats to change hands in Three Rivers last week were two of Labour’s seats in South Oxhey. One went to the BNP and the other to the Conservatives. Both were very close - in one, the BNP majority was 18 votes, in the other one only 8 votes separated the three candidates
Rickmansworth and Rickmansworth West were held by the Conservatives, while Penn and Maple Cross & Mill End were held by the Liberal Democrats.
The composition of the Council is now: Lib Dems 31 (unchanged), Conservatives 12 (up 1), Labour 4 (down 2), and BNP 1 (up 1).
Full results are on the www.threerivers.gov.uk website.

Local Plans
253 Watford Road, Croxley Green
http://snipr.com/trdc0905
Demolition of existing car showrooms and erection of 42 one and two bedroom apartments in 2, three/four storey blocks with 50 car parking spaces. A previous application for 43 flats was refused by Three Rivers Development Control Committee, and is awaiting an appeal in July.

National Compost Awareness Week
Hertfordshire County Council is donating 10 tonnes of compost, made from green waste collected throughout the county - mostly at the Household Waste Recycling Centres. This will be given away to residents, as has been done in previous years, as part of National Compost Awareness week. The giveaway this year will be held in Sir James Altham swimming pool car park, Little Oxhey Lane, South Oxhey. The change of venue is to give residents in other parts of the district the opportunity to get some. Grounds Maintenance staff will be on duty tomorrow, Wednesday 7th May between 8.30am and 3pm (or until the compost runs out). Residents are asked to bring their own bag(s). It will be on a first come first served basis, with a limit of 2 bags each.

Welcome to the latest edition of Rickmansworth This Week e-news. If you would like to receive this by email, please contact me at rwstruck@gmail.com to get your own regular delivery. Feedback on this newsletter is always welcomed.

Planning Appeals

Following refusal of permission by Three Rivers, a number of developers have gone to appeal recently. The following four local ones are coming up over the next couple of months:

Windrush and The Cottage, Rectory Road http://snipr.com/trdc1947
Outline Application: Demolition of existing two detached dwellings and erection of a three storey building comprising 12 x 2 bed flats and alterations to vehicular access.
The Informal Hearing will open on 17th June 2008 at Three Rivers House, starting at 10.00am.

253 Watford Road, Croxley Green http://snipr.com/trdc1487
Proposed Development: Demolition of existing car showroom and erection of 43, one and two bedroom apartments in 2, three/four storey blocks with basement car parking.
The Public Inquiry will open on 22nd July 2008 at Three Rivers House starting at 10.00am.

61 Harefield Road http://snipr.com/trdc0863
Proposed Development: Conversion of ground floor to veterinary surgery and conversion of first floor into two flats.
The Public Inquiry will open on 31st July 2008 at Three Rivers House starting at 10.00am.

140 Berry Lane http://snipr.com/trdc2479
Proposed Development: Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of three detached dwellings.
The appeal is to be decided on the basis of an exchange of written statements by the parties and a site visit by an Inspector.

Waitrose to sponsor this year’s Panto
Waitrose have come up with a sponsorship deal with Watersmeet for this year’s pantomime. They saw last year’s production, which they enjoyed, and were very happy to have their brand associated with the panto, the venue and the Council.
Waitrose will be funding one whole performance of the pantomime for disadvantaged children and families from the Three Rivers district.

Local Elections
A reminder that local elections for one-third of the seats on Three Rivers Council take place this Thursday. All the wards in the “unparished” area have an election this time - that’s Ricky, Ricky West, Penn, Maple Cross & Mill End, and Moor Park & Eastbury. Polling stations are open from 7.00am until 10.00pm. The count takes place at Three Rivers House on Friday morning - the Council will publish results as they are declared on the website: www.threerivers.gov.uk

No plans for Mount View
Local residents have been made anxious by an election leaflet referring to plans for flats in Mount View. No such plans have been submitted to the Council.

Ricky Week and Ricky Festival
Ricky Week begins on May 10th with the carnival parade through the town, and ends with fun, food and music at the Rickmansworth Festival, the town’s annual celebration of all things canals and environmental over the final weekend.
This year the Festival is on 17th and 18th May, with the usual array of canal boats moored up to four deep along the towpath, exhibitions, history talks and much more.
More information in this newsletter nearer the time - or go to www.threerivers.gov.uk and look at the Community Noticeboard pages.

Welcome to the latest edition of Rickmansworth This Week e-news. If you would like to receive this by email, please contact me at rwstruck@gmail.com to get your own regular delivery. Feedback on this newsletter is always welcomed.

Tudor Parade
At last a date has been given by EDF for connecting the new streetlights to the power supply - week commencing April 21st. It has been extremely frustrating that this work, which was scheduled to be completed before last Christmas, has dragged on in this way.

Development Control Committee
The monthly meeting is this week, on Thursday April 17th, 7.30pm, at Three Rivers House. Members of the public are welcome to attend. There are no major schemes in the Rickmansworth area on the agenda.

Watersmeet Film - The Queen
The Friends of Watersmeet Film Society are showing ‘The Queen’ on Thursday 17 April 2008. Matinee 2.00pm, Evening 7.30pm.
Following the matinee you can enjoy a special Afternoon Tea for £1.00. From 6.30pm a Palace Punch and canapes will be on offer at £1.50.

The Queen: The sudden death of Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997, catapulted the House of Windsor to the brink of disaster. The decision of the Royal Family to remain holed-up in their summer retreat at Balmoral surprised a shocked public, pushing royal popularity to an all time low… Starring Helen Mirren.

Following the matinee you can enjoy a special Afternoon Tea for £1.00. From 6.30pm a Palace Punch and canapes will be on offer at £1.50.
All welcome. New comfortable seating has now been installed.

Welcome to the latest edition of Rickmansworth This Week e-news. If you would like to receive this by email, please contact me at rwstruck@gmail.com to get your own regular delivery. Feedback on this newsletter is always welcomed.

Decisions at Development Control Committee, 20th March

Diversion of Public Footpath between 165/167 High Street and 18/20 Ebury Road
This is the footpath (to be called Farr’s Alley) which was re-opened last year. The committee agreed that this should go out to formal public consultation, with official notices in the local press. If there are no objections, the diversion will be confirmed. The application is by the developer of the scheme at 18/20 Ebury Road, for a diversion to bring it into line with the approved plans - these plans are still on the council’s website http://snipr.com/trdc2209

2 Moneyhill Parade - Hambling’s Butchers shop http://snipr.com/trdc0109
Change of use from A1 (retail) to A5 (hot food take-away) for a pizza operation. The planning officers recommended approval. The agenda for the meeting listed 4 objections and 7 in support. A further 17 letters were subsequently submitted, also in support. The committee approved the proposed change.

Digging for Heat in the Rose Gardens
Residents may wonder what is going behind the hoardings at the Rose Gardens opposite Three Rivers House. The answer is the installation of ground source heat pumps. These are a simple and practical way of extracting heat from the ground to heat the council offices in the winter and cool them down in summer. The system will make a practical long term difference in reducing C02 emissions, heating costs and, ultimately, Council Tax bills. The system costs about the same amount as a conventional replacement, which was needed anyway. It will pay for itself in six years and reduce carbon emissions from day one.
Water pipes are being buried three metres below ground. At this depth, the soil stays at a relatively constant 11 - 12 deg.C, compared to the much wider variations in the air of between minus 10 and plus 30 or more deg.C depending on the season. Because the ground is warmer than the air in winter and cooler than the air in summer, the single pumping system can help provide both heating and cooling at different times of the year.
There’s more about how these systems work on www.energysavingtrust.org.uk - follow the link for “Generate your own energy”.

Easter Alleluia
For early risers next Sunday, the traditional short ecumenical Easter service takes place at a new venue this year - the Berry Lane open space at the top of Field Way, not Ropes Island. It starts at 7.00am. There’s usually coffee and hot-cross buns afterwards.