The number of planning applications for developments within Chipperfield continues to rise and over the past year the Parish Council has received on average over one a week from Dacorum Borough Council for us to comment upon. The majority are for routine extensions and home improvements and are non-controversial. However, on some proposals the Council has expressed its concern that applicants are attempting to over-develop small properties, which would make them ungainly in appearance and help reduce the already limited number of homes suitable for first-time buyers.
Three applications were of special significance. It is hoped that approval for four new homes for elderly residents and the conversion of three cottages adjacent to the shops in Chapel Croft will enhance this part of the village as will the approval of a new dwelling, garage and stables at Bucks Hill Stables to replace the motley collection of buildings on that site. Parking for the employees of Chipperfield Garage continues to be a problem, but the Parish Council felt it could not support the conversion of Green Belt agricultural land opposite Kings Lane into a car park and this application was subsequently refused by the Borough Council.
In addition to dealing with planning applications, the committee has also replied to a number of Government and Regional consultation papers passed to it for comment, notably on proposals to streamline planning procedures and on the East of England Plan. On the latter the Council expressed its view that no Green Belt land should be given up for development and that the Government targets for new dwellings in the county was excessive in view of the likely impact on the already stressed local infrastructure.
Cllr David Nobbs