Public Inquiry into Development at Marshcroft Lane, Tring

Our thanks to The Chiltern Society and Grove Fields Residents Association (GFRA) for this latest update following the recent Inquiry. Please see below.

As you’ll be aware, a Public Inquiry took place recently into Dacorum Borough Council’s refusal of planning permission to develop a new estate of 1,400 houses plus associated buildings at Marshcroft Lane, Tring. The developers, Redrow, have spent many years preparing for this and fielded an impressive group of experts. However, the DBC and COG teams (made up of the Combined Objectors Group (COG) – the Chiltern Society, CPRE Hertfordshire and Grove Fields Residents Association) along with the barrister and legal team, gave good challenge and it was generally felt that the Inspector genuinely sought to gain as much factual evidence as possible.

Following the conclusion of the Inquiry, the Planning Inspector will write up his findings and his recommendation. This will go the Secretary of State at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities who will make the decision on the case. There is no prescribed timetable for this, and we anticipate it could take 6 to 9 months or even longer before we will know the outcome.

During this next phase we have been advised to lobby politicians in order to influence the final decision. The GFRA will be discussing this with CPRE Hertfordshire and the Chiltern Society and will agree a coordinated approach. If you have experience of lobbying politicians, then please get in touch with the GFRA. Details below.

Meanwhile, we are hugely grateful to the more than 400 individuals who donated to our Marshcroft campaign – thank you all! Your generosity means that we reached our £30,000 fundraising target which allowed our Combined Objectors Group to retain the external specialists who have been so valuable in making our case and presenting the evidence.

Everyone has given their best and will continue to do so, right up to the last possible moment.

Thank you for your continued support.

Contact details for the GFRA as follows:

Email: grovefields@virginmedia.com
www.grovefieldsresidents.com
Tel: 07722 240963