Topic ID 290
Looks like a decision is due today on whether to concrete over huge chunks of our green belt: http://news.independent.co.uk/world/politics/story.jsp?story=572351 http://society.guardian.co.uk/housingdemand/story/0,14488,1327974,00.html Sad but inevitable I feel.
Reply ID 1739
It really shouldn't be inevitable, but the Government seem determined not to back down, whatever the evidence against their plans. On the one hand the Government are recognising the need to move large numbers of civil service jobs out of the South East (which is the employment sector they have most control over) in part due to the housing problems, but on the other hand are encouraging continued over-development of the South East jobs market by building thousands more houses in unsuitable places. A report published this week made it clear that Hertfordshire and Essex just couldn't cope with the new housing numbers: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/essex/3741894.stm It will get to the stage where South East has been over-developed by such an extent, that more and more people will move elsewhere for a better quality of life, leaving behind a surplus of houses.
Reply ID 1741
Bear in mind that this plan is devised by Prescott, who -- judging by his own example -- seems to assume every person needs about nine different homes. Not to mention two Jags. Or in his own words.... "The guverment's maade plans for that wot people need in't now a loooad o' grass an' trees john it's -- an' i'm sayin this to yer now it were in ower manifestoooo you can luke any time yer like -- it's 'ouwses wot we need fer a new Britain new society a new deal fer evryone not Tory boom an' bust an' the praam minster's sed an i'm tellin' yer now.....(ad infinitum)
Reply ID 1745
How will this effect the house prices in Hertford i wonder...time to leave ?
Reply ID 1747
Interesting question Frenchie. On one hand, more supply = lower prices, but then again, it's not impossible that a greater population in the surrounding areas will lead to even more pressure on the desirable towns like Hertford, and push prices higher still. These things can often have quite unforseen consequences.
Reply ID 1749
>How will this effect the house prices in Hertford i wonder >...time to leave ? Why would you want to leave? Whatever the house prices, Hertford will still be a wonderful place to live.
Reply ID 1754
Whats good about Hertford is the 7 miles or so distancing us from Broxbourne. Im hoping this greeen gap doesnt get filled in and we get added onto the seamless towns of Brox/Hoddes/Wormley.
Reply ID 1756
I agree, Frenchie. When my folks come down to visit from Sheffield they are always amazed at how green the area immediately around Hertford is.
Reply ID 1800
Taking forward Joby's comment this is one time I am fully behind HCC who have been trying to air this in the wider media. We need to make ourselves heard in the media so that central Government understands that while we pay a charge to HCC and EHDC we can see who to compalin to but with this regional (Prescott) monolith that uses our central taxes to pay its way it is not asking our opinion -in fact it is telling us what we want!!
Reply ID 1833
I can't believe someopne hasn't started a petition or an action group against this. Anyone any idea? Prescott just needs to see the the traffic around here on ANY day of the week to realise we can't sustain any more development!
Reply ID 1850
My neighbour is a Hertford estate agent and says a large and growing perchentage of people registering with him are people from North London. They are moving for the schools, safety and green belt. Might find themselves back where they started in 15 yrs...
Reply ID 1869
Have to agree. Moved out to Cheshunt from Finsbury Park in 1980. It was a totally different world, so friendly and quiet. Now Cheshunt has become an extension of London, probably twice the size it was 25 years ago. Sadly, I can see Hertford going the same way which is a shame. Although I live on Sele Farm I still find it inifinitely more pleasant than Finsbury Park and a much better place to live than Cheshunt. I can see us upping roots for the likes of Braughing in the future though. :(
Reply ID 1872
According to Red Ken we're already just an extension of London's outer transport zones......[:(]
Reply ID 1879
Me too...........born in Stoke Newington, raised in Enfield, bought my first home in Waltham Cross and have been in Hertford for over 10 years. I have many friends too who have moved out of town this way. I think that we are partly to blame. I know of no one who has moved to Hertford who regrets it. We move out here, love the town and the people and then unintentionaly sell it to everyone we know.
Reply ID 1894
I think the typical urban sprawl in inevitable. Everyone who I know who has lived in Hertford most of there lives is saying the town is going downhill rapidly. Those who move out from London find it refreshing, but unconciously bring with them, different social behaviours. The Town folk, move out the the villages, where the villagers accuse them of infecting the villages! Catch 22. [:p]
Reply ID 1896
Having lived in Hertford and the villages and coming originally from Camden Town must say i agree with Dude. I have a terrible conspiracy theory banging about in my head at the moment based on certain decisions in which I've been involved. Is someone trying to make Hertford as pleasant as possible (perceived or not) thereby creating a demand which can only be supplied by the proposed sprawl north and west of Harlow.
Reply ID 1913
Rapidly? But are these people with a, how shall I put it, mature perspective (old!). Do they remember when 'this was all fields'?
Reply ID 1936
quote:The problem is, Dude, that some of these people probably moved to Hertford at some time themselves. And if they didn't their parents or grandparents probably did. People migrate. And I bet when that migration happened, whenever it was, there were people who classed themselves as genuinely local who were bemoaning the influx. Ultimately it's this influx that brought the trains, buses, wider variety of shops, etc, to Hertford that the locals probably enjoy to a degree. I just accept that it happens. Some aspects are good and some a little less savoury.
Originally posted by Dude
I think the typical urban sprawl in inevitable. Everyone who I know who has lived in Hertford most of there lives is saying the town is going downhill rapidly. Those who move out from London find it refreshing, but unconciously bring with them, different social behaviours. The Town folk, move out the the villages, where the villagers accuse them of infecting the villages! Catch 22. [:p]
Reply ID 2001
Hertford has changed, there have been terrible developments, but equally there have been very good developments. Some of the housing that has gone up in North Road, and other housing behind what was the Two Tuns is very inkeeping and attractive. I also like the fact that there are so many pubs and restaurants, and on the whole things to do e.g. gyms and fitness facilities. Another thing that does not seem to change in Hertford, is the sense of community, that was what attracted us in 1983, Hertford is very friendly and so many people know each other. Having a web site like this one is typical of Hertford, and a way for us all to express our views, so although I agree with some of what is being said, it isn't all bad, and I do not think the unique atmosphere in our town will ever truly be lost, it will never be like living in London. [:D]
Reply ID 2189
The front page of the Hertfordshire Star covers the East of England Regional Assembly's (EERA) decision on Friday to recommend that the massive expansion of housing in East Herts go ahead. Various MPs and councillors are now calling for us to write expressing our opposition to the expansion as we move towards the public inquiry phase. Does anyone know who we should be writing to regarding this? I guess Mark Prisk would be first port of call, but is there anywhere else we should be sending letters? Also, is there any dedicated campaign group currently opposing this that can coordindate a response? I definitely feel I need to be doing something in opposition to this, but feel a little powerless to stop the two-jags juggernaut concreting over our countryside.
Reply ID 2212
quote:I've just seen the article in the Star. I think what Mark Prisk, Marion Roe & others are referring to when they urge people to write is asking that they respond to the consultation on the proposals that is taking place, according to the Star for 12 weeks from 8th December - I'm sure the local press will give further coverage on exactly what to do when this process starts. Perhaps Hertford.net could post something about the consultation on its front page then too? I think there's a specific campaign group set up in Hunsdon against the plans, as they're particulary badly effected. Elsewhere it's just the local councils & MPs campaigning against the housing numbers.
Originally posted by Joby
Various MPs and councillors are now calling for us to write expressing our opposition to the expansion as we move towards the public inquiry phase. Does anyone know who we should be writing to regarding this? I guess Mark Prisk would be first port of call, but is there anywhere else we should be sending letters? Also, is there any dedicated campaign group currently opposing this that can coordindate a response?