Section 38 Application Notice - Harpenden Common

HARPENDEN COMMON

Harpenden Town Council has applied to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for consent under section 38 of the Commons Act 2006 to carry out restricted works on Harpenden Common. The Planning Inspectorate will decide the application on behalf of the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

The proposed works are: to surface one section of the permissive horseride and one footpath on Harpenden Common with a crushed concrete/fines mix to alleviate the problem of impassable wet, muddy areas and improve accessibility for all users throughout the year.  The surface material is of a type that has been used across the Common previously for the same type of work and is used on other bridleways across the Hertfordshire Rights of Way network. The works will cover an area of with a total length of 280m by 2m wide.

The works will take place on Harpenden Common; adjacent to the woodlands near Southdown Ponds connecting two existing granite surfaced paths along the existing horse ride, and also the path between Southdown Ponds and the previously resurfaced path opposite St Dominics School.

A copy of the application form and accompanying documents may be obtained by writing to Harpenden Town Council, Town Hall, Leyton Road, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2LX or by making an appointment by calling 01582 768 278 until 30/08/2023.

Any representations should be sent in writing ON or BEFORE that date to the Planning Inspectorate, Commons Team at 3F Temple Quay House, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN or commonlandcasework@pins.gsi.gov.uk.

Representations sent to the Planning Inspectorate cannot be treated as confidential. They will be copied to the applicant and possibly to other interested parties.

Mr Carl Cheevers, Town Clerk, Harpenden Town Council, Town Hall, Leyton Road, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2LX