October 2026 Parish Council Report

Tony BondParish Council News

FOOTPATH 22 – ST ANDREW’S SCHOOL

Herts County Council (HCC) has been holding a consultation on draft proposals to extinguish the public right of way that runs through the school playground. It would be replaced with a new path to be created as part of the development of land to the rear of Hill House. The new path would also replace the narrow path that runs from the almshouses to Oudle Lane.

Councillors discussed these proposals at the parish council meeting on 6th October and agreed to support them in principle. It was emphasised that the extinguishment of the public path would help the school provide a secure environment for its children and staff.

Residents and councillors sought clarification, however, on a few practical matters relating to future use of the pathways that would remain outside the school boundaries, and whether all existing school gates would remain operational for drop off and pick up.

HCC has acknowledged these questions and will address them in conjunction with the school before deciding whether to make an Order to put the proposals into effect or to re-consult.

 

PLANNING ENFORCEMENT

Many residents will be aware of the quick and successful enforcement action taken by East Herts Council at Sheering Mill Lane, Sawbridgeworth over the August bank holiday to stymie unapproved development. Here in Much Hadham, enforcement officers are taking welcome assertive action at two sites.

Firstly, a field accessed from the junction of Danebridge Road and the B1004, and re-developed to store building materials, has not been cleared and restored to its former state, contrary to a planning enforcement notice. A planning officer visited the site shortly after the deadline ran out in late-September and the next steps leading to a prosecution will be taken.

Secondly, 48 holiday lodges have been installed at Great Hadham Golf and Country Club contrary to planning permission for only 26, and the ground has been cleared for many more, possibly as many as 115. Planning officers issued an enforcement notice on 31 July demanding restoration of the site and removal of the extra lodges. The owner has appealed against the enforcement notice, and it is now with the planning inspectors to decide whether to dismiss the appeal.