TEMPORARY CLOSING OF BENINGTON ROAD, WALKERN

HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

THE HERTFORDSHIRE (TEMPORARY CLOSING OF BENINGTON ROAD, WALKERN) ORDER NO.2 2024

NOTICE is given that Hertfordshire County Council intends to make an Order under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, to prohibit all vehicular traffic from using that length of Benington Road, Walkern from a point 100m north of the junction with Walkern Road north westwards for a distance of approximately 300m (“the Road”), except for access. An alternative route will be via Benington Road, Walkern Road, Benington Road, Broadwater Lane, Gresley Way, B1037 Stevenage Road, High Street and Benington Road. The Order is needed because the replacement of an existing utility pole is proposed to be executed near the Road. If the Order is made, it shall come into force on 15 January 2025 for a period of up to 18 months. However, the restrictions specified shall only take effect at the times indicated by signs on or near the Road. A copy of the proposed Order may be inspected free of charge at County Hall, Hertford between  the hours of 9.00am and 5.00pm (excluding weekends, bank and public holidays). If you have any queries about the proposed Order, please contact Kyle Basson tel. 01634 966 884 at Road Traffic Management Ltd or Andrew Crosby tel. 0300 123 4047 at Hertfordshire County Council.

Farnham House
Stevenage
Herts
SG1 2QF

12 December 2024

Mark Doran
Executive Director
Growth and Environment

Walkern Parish Council Report – November 2024

The Parish Council met on Thursday 7th November at Walkern Sports and Community Centre. This report covers some of the issues we have been dealing with over the last few months. The full minutes of the meeting will be available on the Parish Council website and on the Parish Council Notice Board by Budgens.

Inspired Villages (Retirement Homes)

 Representatives from Inspired Villages have been invited to the next meeting on December 5th to present their proposals to the Council. This is not a formal planning application and therefore the Council will not make a response at this stage. Please check the Parish Council website and face book page nearer the time to see if they have confirmed their attendance and come along If you would like to hear the proposals before they submit a planning application to East Herts District Council.

Vandalism

We need your help as the gate to the High Street playground has been damaged several times in the last few months. Someone has removed the heavy duty bolts holding a metal plate in position so that the gate cannot be forced open the wrong way. This looks like a game but in fact it could have serious consequences as once the gate is stuck open it leaves a gap wide enough for a young child to run through and reach the very busy road.

We have reported this to the police who will visit the park more often but it is very difficult to find out when the damage occurs and who is responsible.

Please talk to family members and neighbours explaining how dangerous this could be for the young children using the park as this is now a police matter.

Councillor Vacancy

Following the resignation of John Wilson there is a vacancy for a Parish Councillor. We are a friendly group of people from all walks of life who care about the village. The work of the Parish Council is wide and varied. Yes, we do look after the waste bins, dog bins and street lights but there’s a lot more to it than that! In the past five years we have obtained grants to improve community facilities as well as owning many of the village assets, such as the sports field, the Pavilion, the allotments and the High Street Playground.

There is an opportunity for the public to attend our meetings and see the work of the Council and all are welcome, so if you feel you would like to contribute to the life of the village then come along and meet us.

Litter Bins

East Herts have recently contacted the Council about proposals to change and remove a number of bins in the village. When pressed for more information our clerk, Abi, discovered that they intend to remove a large number of the bins, possibly up to 50%, which they say are not fully used.

The Council really cannot understand their position, as we are regularly contacting them to complain that bins are overflowing because they have not been emptied and rubbish accumulating on the paths around them form a health hazard.

Abi has again contacted them expressing our concerns and strongly urging them to review the number of bins to be removed, as this would have a detrimental effect on the village and the wider community.

Virtual Attendance at Council Meetings

The government has published a consultation paper to allow councils to use virtual attendance at council meetings. The National Assossiation for Local Councils is encouraging all parish councils and individual councillors to respond to a survey giving our views. We very much support the flexibility that being able to allow virtual attendance at meetings would give councillors and residents who may not be able to attend in person. It may also allow residents with young families or those caring for others to consider taking part in local government.

A Mighty Thankyou to Jan Fewell

 The Council wish to express our gratitude and thanks to Jan Fewell, who for many months has patrolled and picked up litter along the Stevenage Road. This is no easy job as the road is narrow and twisting but we and many other residents really do appreciate her efforts in keeping the local countryside clean.

 Gate Closure at Walkern Sports and Community Centre

 The gate onto the footpath towards Aston at the WSCC will be closed for 24 hours on 24th/25th December 2024. This is not just a whim of the Council but is required by law to comply with the Public Rights of Way Act.

The public can still use the entrance from the High Street to gain access to the field. Also, if it is closed for slightly longer than 24 hours, please be patient as a Councillor is having to leave their family Christmas to open it again!

 The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Thursday 5th December 2024 at the Walkern Sports and Community Centre commencing at 7.00 pm.

 Christine Nudds, Parish Councillor

TEMPORARY CLOSING OF HIGH STREET, WALKERN

HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

THE HERTFORDSHIRE (TEMPORARY CLOSING OF HIGH STREET, WALKERN) ORDER NO.2 2024

NOTICE is given that Hertfordshire County Council intends to make an Order under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, to prohibit all vehicular traffic from using that length of High Street, Walkern from its junction with B1037 Stevenage Road south westwards and south eastwards to its junction with Benington Road, a distance of approximately 586m (“the Road”), except for access.

An alternative route will be via B1037 Stevenage Road, Gresley Way, A602 (Broadhall Way/Hooks Cross), High Street, Walkern Road and Benington Road.

The Order is needed because works are proposed to be executed on or near the Road.

If the Order is made, it shall come into force on 30 November 2024 for a period of up to 18 months. However, the restrictions specified shall only take effect at the times indicated by signs on or near the Road.

A copy of the proposed Order may be inspected free of charge at County Hall, Hertford between the hours of 9.00am and 5.00pm (excluding weekends, bank and public holidays).

If you have any queries about the proposed Order, please contact Carl Leggett tel. 0300 123 4047 at Ringway.

County Hall
Hertford
Herts
SG13 8DN
14 November 2024
Mark Doran
Executive Director
Growth and Environment

Walkern Parish Council Report – October 2024

The Parish Council met on Thursday October 3rd at Walkern Sports and Community Centre. This report covers some of the issues we have been dealing with over the last few months. The full minutes of the meeting will be available on the Parish Council website and on the Parish Council Notice Board by Budgens.

Appointment of the Parish Clerk

Although Abigail Brown began her work for the Council on September 13th this was the first official meeting where all Councillors were present and able to meet her in person. She kindly agreed to write a little introduction for herself to be included in this month’s journal.

Abi writes,

“I was thrilled to recently be appointed as Parish Clerk for Walkern. I live locally with my husband and two children and can regularly be found walking my dog on the many country walks we have right on our doorstep.

I look forward to supporting the beautiful village of Walkern and its Parish Council and getting to know residents and local business owners.

All my contact details can be found on the website so please feel free to contact me if there is anything I can help with.”

Parish Domain Helper Service

I reported last month that the National Association of Local Councils are strongly advising Parish Councils to change to a “.gov.uk” email domain rather than continuing with “.org” which it is at present. This would give added security to Council’s business. We decided to follow this advice. The new contact details for Councillors can be found in this month’s journal and on the website, though emails using the .org address will be forwarded to us.

Councillor Vacancy

Following the resignation of John Wilson there is a vacancy for a Parish Councillor. We are a friendly group of people from all walks of life who care about the village. The work of the Parish Council is wide and varied. Yes, we do look after the waste bins, dog bins and street lights but there’s a lot more to it than that!

In the past five years we have obtained grants for the Fitness Trail, the Playground at the Walkern Sports and Community Centre as well as the provision of young trees that have been planted there. We also give grants and recently the Elderberries, the Cricket Club and other village groups received help towards running costs.

The Council owns many of the village assets, such as the sports field, the Pavilion, the allotments and the High Street Playground. These assets are run directly by the Council or by committees who work with the Council.

We are also approached with the problems of individual householders and can help by raising their concerns at a district and county level.

There is an opportunity for the public to attend our meetings and see the work of the Council and all are welcome, so if you feel you would like to contribute to the life of the village then come along and meet us.

Defibrillator Course

There are two defibrillators in the village, sited at the entrance to the High Street Playground next to Budgens, and at the Pavilion at the Walkern Sports and Community Centre. The Council have arranged a free training course to run from 10am.on Sunday November 24th at the United Reformed Church. Numbers are limited as there will be a chance to practise using the machine on life size dummies. More information is given in the journal so if you would like to attend

please enquire as soon as possible as it’s on a “first come first served” basis.

To book a place please contact the Clerk:

07584 679526 or

 The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Thursday 7th November 2024 at the Walkern Sports and Community Centre commencing at 7.00 pm.

 Christine Nudds, Parish Councillor

Notice of Vacancy for Councillor

Would you be interested in becoming a Parish Councillor?

The voluntary position involves working as a team with other councillors to make Walkern a better place for it’s residents.

You would be expected to attend monthly meetings and get involved with the administration of the council.

For more information contact Michele Rist: 01438 861367 or any parish councillor

councillor vacancy poster

Walkern Parish Council Report July – August 2024

Walkern Parish Council Report

The Parish Council does not meet in August but this report covers some of the issues we have been dealing with over the last few months. The full minutes of the meeting held in July will be available on the Parish Council website and on the Parish Council Notice Board by Budgens.

Walkern Neighbourhood Plan

We are very pleased to announce that the Neighbourhood Plan (First Revision) has been adopted by East Herts District Council. This has been the result of a great deal of detailed work by Councillors and our consultant Jaqueline Veater. It was recognised that the Parish Council has made particular reference to the environment, green spaces and biodiversity in the update, including a new section on green corridors and a tree charter. It also includes requirements concerning new developments as well as those protecting the conservation area.

The plan will be used as part of the East Herts Development Plan, replacing the 2018 Walkern Neighbourhood Plan. All the documentation relating to the Plan is available on the East Herts District website or from the Walkern parish website by following a link under the NEWS heading

Walkern Parish Website

The Council has been aware that the website needed a complete overall and we are very grateful to Mike Allingham for taking on the task. The site has easy to follow headings concerning the work of the Council, for example planning applications, news and how to contact us. There is also information on the finance, governance and policies that should be made available to the public as well as the dates of Council Meetings, agendas and minutes.

Updating the website is ongoing; our aim is to make it as informative as possible as well easy to access

Parish Clerk

Residents may be aware that the Council has been advertising for a new Clerk in recent months. We were pleased to receive a number of applications and interviews have taken place in August. We hope to appoint a new Clerk in September as soon after the Parish Council meeting as possible.

Memorial Garden

The Council carefully considered a request from a resident about a possible pet memorial garden in the area. However, the rules and regulations concerning the putting up of plaques and the scattering of ashes are detailed and complicated. We have responded to the resident concerned that we are still in the process of creating a Peace Garden on the old Baptist Chapel site in Froghall Lane. The garden will have a bench and would be somewhere quiet and tranquil for residents, including pet owners, to sit and contemplate.

Development at Bockings

We were very pleased to receive an invitation from Rachel Furze, the newly appointed architect for the site to meet her and John Foks, one of the landowners, to discuss their new plans. These included an idea to protect the land at the side of the River Beane, the possibility of a single storey building on the garage site and the development on the paddocks to include a variety of styles that would fit into a rural environment. It was a cordial and informative meeting where an offer was made to hold a public meeting sometime in the future so that Councillors and village residents could see the proposed plans and ask questions.

The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Thursday 5th September 2024 at the Walkern Sports and Community Centre commencing at 7.00 pm.

Christine Nudds, Parish Councillor

Notice of Vacancy for Councillor

PARISH OF WALKERN
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

that due to the resignation of John Wilson, a vacancy has arisen in the Office of Parish Councillor for the Parish Council.

If by 9 September 2024 (14 days excluding Dies Non, after the date of this notice) a request for an election to fill said vacancy is made in writing to the Returning Officer at the address below by TEN local government electors for the said Parish, an election will be held to fill the said vacancy, otherwise the vacancy will be filled by co-option.

If an election is not requested by TEN local government electors, the vacancy will be filled by cooption as soon as practicable after 9 September 2024.

Caroline

Dated 19 August 2024

Richard Cassidy
Returning Officer
Wallfields
Pegs Lane
Hertford
Hertfordshire
SG13 8EQ

Adoption of Walkern Neighbourhood Plan First Revision

At the full Council meeting of East Herts District Council on Wednesday 24th July, Councillors agreed to make (adopt) the Walkern Neighbourhood Plan First Revision. It now forms part of the development plan for Walkern Parish, replacing the 2018 Walkern Neighbourhood Plan.

All the documentation relating to the Neighbourhood Plan is available on the East Herts District website at Walkern Neighbourhood Plan First Revision | East Herts District Council.

TEMPORARY CLOSING OF B1037 STEVENAGE ROAD, WALKERN

HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

(TEMPORARY CLOSING OF B1037 STEVENAGE ROAD, WALKERN)
ORDER 2024

NOTICE is given that Hertfordshire County Council has made the above Order on under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, to prohibit all If vehicular traffic from using that length of B1037 Stevenage Road, Walkern from its junction with the Gresley Way roundabout north eastwards, south eastwards, north eastwards, south eastwards, north eastwards and eastwards for a distance of approximately 2122m (“the Road”). An alternative route will be via B1037 Fairlands Way, A1155 (Fairlands Way/ St Georges Way), A602 (Monkswood Way/Broadhall Way/Hooks Cross), High Street, Walkern Road, Benington Road and High Street. The Order is needed because works are proposed to be executed on or near the Road. The Order has been made and shall come into force on 15 July 2024 for a period of up to 18 months. However, the restrictions specified shall only take effect at the times indicated by signs on or near the Road. If you have any queries about the Order, please contact Jenny Swann tel. 0300 123 4047 at Ringway.

 

Planning application: 3/24/1061/SCREEN

Please find consultation letter attached for Land West Of High Street Walkern Hertfordshire.

3/24/1061/SCREEN

Application Received Tue 04 Jun 2024
Application Validated Tue 04 Jun 2024
Address Land West Of High Street Walkern Hertfordshire SG2 7PF
Proposal Request for Screening Opinion: Integrated Retirement Community (IRC) of up to 125 units, comprising a variety of ancillary community, activity, ornamental and natural green spaces. The scheme comprises a central, main building (the Clubhouse) that contains communal facilities, including a restaurant, gym, studio space and swimming pool.
Status Awaiting decision
Appeal Status Unknown
LocationBlockSite Plan

LocationBlockSite Plan