In August 2022 London & Continental Railways (a joint venture between Network Rail and the Department of Transport) intends to appoint a development partner to build over 450 new homes in and around the environs of the main line railway station in Hemel Hempstead. Which would be good news if the proposed development was in keeping with the low rise, semi-rural outlook of the area, but illustrations show it probably won’t be.
In order to help influence any proposed development, over 450 local residents have signed up to support the new campaign group ‘Four and No More in Boxmoor’, which is pushing for a ‘four storeys only’ height limit on the build. Following a recent public meeting to discuss the group’s next moves, the campaign now has a mandate to contact the land owners Network Rail and London & Continental Railways.
As local resident and campaign leader Peter Welch explains, ‘We were delighted to see so many locals turn up for our meeting, and even more pleased that they gave us the support we need to take this campaign to the next level.’
With around 50+ residents in attendance to hear and discuss the campaign objectives the Four and No More in Boxmoor group were able to explain their position and outline future actions.
‘We are trying to stop the over development of the railway station site’, explains Peter, ‘we’re absolutely not against the building of local housing and amenities, but the tendering document created by London & Continental features several high rise towers in the illustration, which we feel would be exploited by developers and out of keeping with the semi-rural location and existing topography.’
Supporting the campaign, Dacorum Borough Councillor for Boxmoor, William Allen, adds ‘The people of Hemel Hempstead love this area and come here in their hundreds for family time, dog walking and to enjoy the canal for boating and cycling plus the lovely views from local cafes and bars. There are no high rise buildings at other main line stations along the line like Tring or Berkhamsted, so why should Hemel have its views ruined?’
Welch concludes by appealing to local residents: ‘In order to progress this campaign with maximum authority we need to speak for as many locals as possible, so if you agree there shouldn’t be high rise development at the station site please show your support by signing up now, otherwise plans may be waved through when it’s too late to stop them. People can find us by searching for our Facebook page at FOUR AND NO MORE IN BOXMOOR or visit our website at www.fourandnomore.org. to sign up to support our campaign and become part of a community committed to keeping development of semi-rural areas of Hemel Hempstead as they should be – low rise and low key. We want local housing, better station parking and new retail outlets, but they should be in keeping with the area and existing infrastructure.’
Sign up and find out more at:
www.facebook.com/four-and-no-more-in-boxmoor-101220232486718
www.fourandnomore.org
