Whenever there’s a new development the “Public Notice” policy requires the Planning Department to write to all the immediate neighbours of a property.  Usually, for private houses building extensions this makes sense.  It’s mainly the immediate neighbours who will feel the effects.
Unfortunately this principle doesn’t work so well when it’s applied to commercial properties where of course the effects can be felt far wider.
A good example of this is the potential effects on the residents of “little Australia” in Porters Wood many of whom may be unaware of the proposed “Lorry Park” which Kane Haulage intend to create opposite their existing depot on Porters Wood Industrial Estate on a separate site.
New Liberal Democrat councillor Rod Perks who has been getting up to speed on the way planning is run in St Albans has raised this as a concern
“I feel it’s important for the council to consider the local situation rather than always apply a one size fits all solution.  The residents of all properties served by Valley Road may very well wish to express an opinion on the likely impact upon road safety and future maintenance costs, street parking and “pupil delivery” to STAGS amongst other things.
I am personally lobbying for greater publicity to properly inform the debate not just here but for any planning application which could have wide implications.”
Although yet to be formally `registered` anyone wishing to either examine or comment upon the proposed development should, in the first instance, email [email protected]
The Application, once officially received, is likely to be subject to a “call in” notice to help ensure that it is openly debated by Plans Central committee and not dealt with by Officers under their delegated powers.