News from the Rickmansworth Liberal Democrats
DEVELOPER FINED HEAVILY
The owner and developer of a site in Quickley Lane, Chorleywood was fined over £20K after failing to abide by a Stop Notice served by TRDC. The development was not built in accordance with the approved plans and work began prior to the necessary pre-commencement conditions being discharged. An Enforcement Notice and a Stop Notice were served prohibiting further works on site. Following continued activity TRDC pursued a prosecution and got a High Court Injunction. The case was heard on 3rd August. Mr Lewis was fined £21k for 6 offences, ordered to pay TRDC's costs and a victim surcharge - amounting to £22,571.
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NEIGHBOURHOOD FORUM PROPOSALS
The new Localism legislation allows areas without parish councils to set up Neighbourhood Forums. Two Conservative councillors have proposed this for Rickmansworth but have not included the whole area. As a result many residents outside their selected area did not receive the consultation document.
There are 5 parish councils in TRDC - Chorleywood/ Sarratt/ Croxley Green / Abbots Langley and Watford Rural(which covers Carpenders Park, Oxhey Hall and South Oxhey). The remaining wards are Rickmansworth, Rickmansworth West, Penn, Mill End and Maple Cross, Moor Park and Eastbury. Some years ago it was suggested that Rickmansworth should have a parish council but there was no support for this.
The consultation about this ended on September 14th. We believe the proposal has not been thought out thoroughly.
*They only wanted residents in the two wards of Rickmansworth and Rickmansworth West to participate. We do not understand why the rest of Rickmansworth was excluded as they all support local businesses, use facilities, pay for them through their council tax. Why were they excluded? Certain people outside the zone have been invited to join in and be members but the rules do not allow this.
*One of the main suggestions is that this will give a greater say over development. But any approach to planning must be in line with Three Rivers Council's planning policies. The legislation is designed to encourage and facilitate development. If unelected people are to be encouraged to try and influence planning will they have to declare interests in the same way that councillors have to? There is no such suggestion that they should disclose their financial interests.
* Residents with parish councils pay a Council Tax Precept to the parishes to fund them. There is no information about how the Forum would be funded. At present all Rickmansworth residents pay 'special expenses' as part of their Council Tax to fund items that are paid for by parishes in the rest of the district. It is not acceptable for residents outside the zone to fund the activities of a forum they are not part of? And should the residents in the zone pay a precept to an unelected body. That can't be right!
* They claim the Forum will give residents extra clout in influencing Three Rivers Council. But TRDC is a very open and democratic council, which encourages the public to speak at meetings and listens to them. Elected members of all parties are represented on every committee - unlike many councils - and have every opportunity to speak out and represent their wards.
* They say that communication will be by email. But what about those not on email (quite a substantial number)? Are they also to be excluded ?
We would like answers to these questions. Don't you think you should get the answers too!
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See the Three Rivers Museum VIDEO of when an Olympic Torch visited Rickmansworth by clicking this link http://youtu.be/uJ_nRrxzPeg
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A full list of forthcoming events at Watersmeet can be seen by clicking this link http://www.threerivers.gov.uk/Default.aspx/Web/Forthcomingevents