Parking proposal could make matters worse
St Albans District Council intends to introduce one hour of free parking in 40 on-street spaces, replacing the current 30-minute free period. The spaces are located around the perimeter of the existing charging zone away from the prime High Street locations.
This proposal is the District Council’s response to the high volume of feedback received from Harpenden residents and retailers, as well as findings from The Harpenden Society’s surveys of members and local businesses, and the survey commissioned by Harpenden Town Council. If so, the proposal is deeply disappointing.
The Harpenden Society’s own survey identified four key issues requiring attention:
The Society is disappointed with the proposal to apply a one-hour free parking period to just 40 spaces — approximately 17% of the total — which will deliver only minimal benefit. It does nothing to simplify the parking registration process and risks making the system even more confusing for motorists.
Martyn Reed of The Harpenden Society, expressed his concerns:
“The Society and its members made clear that one hour of free parking should apply to all on-street spaces and that the parking process needs to be simplified. Introducing a two-tier system will almost certainly increase complexity, requiring additional parking codes and more signs.”
The Harpenden Society urges St Albans District Council to reconsider its approach and instead focus on meaningful improvements:
Transport Infrastructure Under Growing Strain
Road and rail infrastructure in and around Harpenden is struggling. Traffic congestion has become a daily occurrence, and the rail network feels less reliable than ever.
While there is understandable concern about the proposed developments in North East Harpenden (738 homes) and North West Harpenden (580 homes), and the additional pressure these will place on already stretched transport infrastructure, there are also significant developments planned just beyond our immediate area which are likely to have an even greater impact:
Whilst acknowledging that new homes are needed, and inward investment will be good for jobs, the Society needs to know that the growth will be managed, and that the infrastructure will be put in place, to protect the current residents quality of life.
Engagement with Decision-Makers
The Harpenden Society is actively engaging with the District Council, which approves new developments; the County Council, which manages the road network; and our MP, who can help influence Network Rail, Thameslink, and the Secretary of State for Transport, who has approved the expansion of Luton Airport.
District Council Position
In June 2025, we attended the District Council’s pre-planning meeting for the proposed North East Harpenden development. We asked that approval be delayed until supporting infrastructure is in place—specifically to minimise the need for car travel into the town, and to address the clearly inadequate road junctions at Station Road and Westfield Road when driving is unavoidable. While our concerns were noted, it was made clear that road infrastructure is considered a County Council responsibility, and that they deem the current arrangements to be adequate.
County Council Position
Our next step was engagement with the County Council. In January, we held a public meeting attended by Paul Zukowskyj, a Hertfordshire County Councillor and cabinet member responsible for transport. We urged the Council to recognise that the piecemeal approval of developments is a dangerous approach, and that a holistic review of all proposed developments and their cumulative transport impacts is essential.
Paul acknowledged that the County Council holds responsibility for road infrastructure. However, under current government guidance, anything short of complete “gridlock” is not considered sufficient grounds for objection to a new development.
Rail and Air Travel Concerns
We also raised concerns with our local MP, Victoria Collins, focusing on air and rail capacity and reliability. Victoria acknowledged our concerns about recent rail performance and the increased pressure from local development. She also relayed a response from the Department for Transport to her written parliamentary question which accepted that performance had been poor, but suggesting there had been some overall improvement. More recent data shows that this improvement was short lived.
A subsequent meeting between Ms Collins, Thameslink, and Network Rail identified two main causes of recent disruption:
What Happens Next
The Society will not let this issue drop. It is clear that the fragmented responsibility for transport infrastructure is working against residents. While the proposed move to a unitary authority, the forthcoming Railway Bill, and the potential creation of Great British Railways may eventually bring greater accountability, these changes will take years to implement—and longer still to deliver tangible benefits.
In the meantime, Jeff Phillips, Chairman of the Harpenden Society, committed to press for commercial and residential developments to be considered holistically, with transport infrastructure planned, funded, and ideally delivered, before construction begins, not as an afterthought.
If you share our concerns then please consider joining the Society, and get involved, click here to join.
One council or two?
It may come as a surprise to many residents that Harpenden is currently served by two separate councils.
Most of the town’s 31,000 residents are represented by Harpenden Town Council, which has 16 councillors. Alongside this, there is a much smaller authority, Harpenden Rural Parish Council, with 5 councillors, covering an area to the north and west of Harpenden and serving approximately 450 residents. The origins of the town council and parish council go back to 1898 when Harpenden civil parish, which was mainly acres of farmland was split into two.
It is important not to confuse Harpenden Rural Parish Council with the Hertfordshire County Council division known as “Harpenden Rural”, which covers Redbourn and Wheathampstead, has a population of more than 11,000, but is not affected by this proposal.
What’s Changing?
St Albans City and District Council is carrying out a Community Governance Review (CGR). The purpose of the review is to consider whether parish and town council arrangements should be updated.
Community Feedback So Far
The first consultation phase of the CGR ran from 4 August to 6 October 2025 indicated that Harpenden Town Council and Harpenden Rural Parish Council should merge. The proposal would see the existing Harpenden North ward extended to include the Harpenden Rural area, creating a new ward called “Harpenden North & Rural.”
A Local Perspective
Jeff Phillips, Chairman of the Harpenden Society, commented:
“This is an important time in local government, the move to unitary authorities is likely to result in a major shift in where decisions are made. St Albans City and District Council is expected to be abolished, with some responsibilities moving up to a new unitary council, and others being devolved to local councils such as Harpenden Town Council.
The Harpenden Society believes now is the right time to prepare for this change. This proposal, which is also supported by both councils, would not only protect the interests of residents in Kingsbourne Green but also give Harpenden Town Council the resources it needs to deliver services more efficiently under the new regime.”
Have Your Say
Members are encouraged to learn more about the proposal and take part in the consultation by reading the Community Governance Review information and completing the questionnaire on the St Albans City and District Council website. Community Governance Review: Questionnaire | St Albans City and District Council. Closing date is 23rd February 2026.
This is a key opportunity to shape how Harpenden is governed in the years ahead.
Image © Crown copyright 2025 Ordnance Survey.
Concourse ‘eyesore’ repairs delayed until March
Harpenden Town Council have advised that the original plan was to deal with repairs quickly. But early investigation revealed it is difficult to resolve as it involves slabs resting directly upon major tree roots. This means that the straight forward and relatively cheap option of relaying the slabs wouldn’t establish a level surface. Also, they didn’t wish to kill the tree whilst dealing with the surface.
Further research has been conducted into potential solutions and identifying contractors who could complete this work. They hope to have enough information and contractor responses to take a report to Community Services Committee for decision on 11 March. They are hopeful that if suitable contractor solutions are received, they may be able to proceed quite quickly after that.
Members' Briefing
Shaping the future of local government in Hertfordshire
Currently, Hertfordshire has a county council, which looks after things such as social care, roads and education, and 10 district and borough councils,which provide services such as housing, planning and waste collection.
The Government believes having a smaller number of all-purpose councils would make local government simpler, more accountable and more sustainable.
Say goodbye to Hertfordshire County Council and these District Councils:
St Albans, Broxbourne,Dacorum, Hertsmere, North Hertfordshire, Stevenage, Welwyn, Hatfield, East Hertfordshire, Three Rivers and Watford.
Say hello to:
a two Unit Authority, a three Unit Authority or a four Unit Authority.
Town and Parish Councils
Existing Town Councils and Parish Councils will stay within the appointed Unit Authority (although some may wish to amalgamate with their local Town Council) and there may be a demand for new Parish Councils like central St Albans.
Who makes the final decision?
The Government. They believe having a smaller number of all-purpose councils would make local government simpler, more accountable, more cost effective and more sustainable. They did consult in late Autumn and asked all 11 existing councils in Hertfordshire whether they thought the county should split into two, three or four unitary authority areas in the future.
The Harpenden Society view
In our opinion, if the costs before and after are evenly balanced, or, at least, cost benefits are not conclusively made out, then undoubtedly the more favourable cost case would come with two unitaries, not three or four. A reorganisation to, in effect, simply merge St Albans and Dacorum, adding in
current county council powers, would not seem to be worth the disruption and cost.
The Harpenden Society committee notes that the government is determined to reorganise local government to create unitary authorities. We hope that it does indeed make for greater efficiency, reducing bureaucracy and overlap. Devolution of central government powers to a strategic authority is welcomed, provide fragmentation does not go too far in creating inefficiencies. The two-unitary proposal for Hertfordshire will likely give the best opportunity to balance local input with operational efficiency. We would particularly welcome devolution of super-local assets and services to Harpenden Town Council, which benefits from immense local respect, provided the financial consequences are not detrimental.
Timetable:
Other Views
Steve Jarvis, leader of Hertfordshire County Council, said: "We think the two unitary option is the one that is best placed to deliver services to people at the lowest cost, which will mean we have the most money available for delivering services.” St Albans District Council also takes the same view.
Jeff Phillips (Chair the Harpenden Society) said
Many residents are unaware that this process of change is already underway and may not have read the background rationale. Additionally we are still awaiting a decision on
the future role and responsibilities of HTC.
Public Consultation Opens on New Cancer Centres
Plans to secure the future of specialist cancer services for more than two million people across the East of England have moved forward, following agreement on capital funding for a new cancer centre. A public consultation will take place from 19 January to 29 March 2026 on proposals to relocate Mount Vernon Cancer Centre (currently 24 miles from Harpenden) to a new, purpose-built facility next to Watford General Hospital (18 miles from Harpenden).
The proposed relocation would create a centre of excellence alongside the planned new Watford General Hospital, providing cancer patients with direct access to essential on-site services such as Accident and Emergency and critical care. It would also offer modern facilities to support research, training and innovation. The new cancer centre would continue to serve patients across Hertfordshire, north west London, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and east Berkshire.
The proposals include expanding chemotherapy, diagnostics and follow-up care in local hospitals, increasing chemotherapy delivered at home, and reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for routine appointments.
Early site works at Watford General Hospital are already underway. Incorporating the cancer centre into the wider hospital redevelopment could reduce overall costs through shared construction and infrastructure. Final decisions and delivery timelines will be confirmed following the consultation.
Ian Barrison of the Harpenden Society welcomed the progress and encouraged residents to take part in the consultation.
“This is a definite step in the right direction, and we strongly encourage our members and local residents to respond to the consultation,” he said.
“While the new facility will only be slightly closer for people in Harpenden, it will be significantly more convenient and will offer state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. The possible siting of stand alone radiotherapy services at the Lister Hospital Stevenage, or at the Luton and Dunstable Hospital, would also benefit Harpenden residents. That is why this proposal deserves support".
Residents are encouraged to respond to the consultation (closes 29th March 2026) and show support for this important initiative Cancer Centre - proposal questionnaire
LADACAN considering appeal of High Court ruling
The High Court has ruled in favour of the Secretary of State’s decision earlier this year to overturn the advice of planning inspectors and permit further massive expansion of Luton Airport.
LADACAN have responded by saying “The Luton Airport case is a watershed moment for the UK’s climate future. The government’s expert advisers have warned that we cannot meet Net Zero while continuing to expand aviation on the basis of partial or outdated climate assessments. Yet the Government is still approving airport growth using narrow CO₂ accounting that excludes inbound flights and ignores aviation’s much larger non-CO₂ warming impacts.”
LADACAN are now considering an appeal and are “urging all those who care about reducing the environmental impacts of aviation to donate to our crowdfunding appeal”
Jeff Phillips chairman of the Harpenden Society expressed disappointment and concern about the judgments, he said
“The Harpenden society has fully supported LADACAN’s application for a judicial review on the secretary of state’s decision to allow double the size of Luton airport.
Whilst the society believes that Luton Airport is a valuable local asset which brings employment to the area and convenience for travelers we are stand with LADACAN against the planned expansion because of the environmental impacts and stresses it places on local roads and rail.”
To show support to LADACAN’s appeal, and to help fund legal expenses should it proceed, please visit
https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/stop-luton-airport-expansion
CAA Consultation on Overhaul of UK Airspace Design Process
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has opened a public consultation on sweeping reforms to the way aircraft flight paths are designed and amended across the UK. The consultation, which runs until 18 December, proposes a redesigned system intended to “make it easier to make changes to modernise the use of airspace, efficiently and effectively.”
Under the plans, a new body — the UK Airspace Design Service (UKADS) — would be created to take over responsibility for managing all airspace-change proposals.
The proposals relate solely to the approval process for new or amended flight paths. They do not concern any specific route and apply nationwide, not just to Luton Airport.
The 85-page consultation document outlines a streamlined framework based on:
The CAA argues that the reforms will simplify and modernise an increasingly complex system. However, some observers warn that the changes could make it easier for government and airport operators to advance airspace alterations with fewer opportunities for public scrutiny or challenge.
Potential Local Impact
The proposals could become particularly significant for Luton Airport, where previous attempts to modify departure routes have been constrained by the current process.
On the downside a revised process could mean new routes for Luton and that, in turn, improve the likelihood of the airport archiving growth ambitions.
On the upside, Harpenden lies beneath the main westerly departure route used by around 70% of Luton’s outbound flights due to prevailing winds so if airport capacity increases and flight paths remain unchanged, residents would see a corresponding rise in flights overhead.
Luton Airport’s owners have long examined the option of creating an additional west/north departure route — a concept previously ruled out because of airspace conflicts with RAF Northolt and Heathrow. A revised framework could, in theory, enable reconsideration of such a route, potentially reducing noise over Harpenden. Any benefits, however, would depend entirely on the eventual design and approval of specific proposals.
Concerns Over Public Engagement
A central concern for the Harpenden Society is the fear that residents may have less opportunity to influence future airspace decisions, including those affecting towns and villages around the airport.
LADACAN, which represents communities across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, has published its position and additional context on its website in response to the consultation.
The Society will be responding and we encourage members to review the proposals and submit feedback before the deadline.
To read LADACAN's detailed analysis of the consultation, and some thoughts from them on how to respond, visit CAA airspace change consultation 2025 – Say NO to Luton Airport Expansion
Consultation page: https://consultations.caa.co.uk/safety-and-airspace-regulation-group/airspace-change-process-2025/
Town council commissions independent research into parking charges in Harpenden
Harpenden Town Council has commissioned an independent research study to gather the views of residents and town centre businesses on access to, and use of, Harpenden’s town centre. The research will specifically explore opinions on the limited-waiting parking bay changes introduced in February. The fieldwork taking place during November and December 2025.
A residents’ survey will be delivered to every household in Harpenden to ensure the widest possible participation.
Town centre businesses will also be asked for their views through telephone or face-to-face interviews. The findings will help the Town Council better understand recent changes in the local area and any impacts on the town centre.
Martyn Reed, Trustee and Transport Representative of The Harpenden Society, said:
“From what we have heard so far, views appear somewhat polarised. Many residents oppose any form of parking charge, while others—particularly those who can walk easily into town or use it for convenience shopping—are more accepting.
This is why The Harpenden Society welcomes this research.
Its independent nature will help ensure that the results can be reviewed by the St Albans District Council, who set parking fees, impartially and as part of their review following the first year of implementation. We hope the findings will guide actions that reflect residents’ views.
We strongly encourage residents and local businesses to take part and make their voices heard.”
For more detail please visit www.harpenden.gov.uk/news-and-initiatives/press-releases
Image owned by the Lawes Agricultural Trust
Up to 5,000 homes proposed for outskirts of Redbourn
Residents of Harpenden may wish to learn more about two proposals that, in combination, could result in the building of 5,000 new homes that will directly affect our neighbours in Redbourn and Hemel Hempstead.
Firstly the Crown Estate is preparing a planning application for 4,000 homes on a 975-acre site, which lies between Redbourn Road and Hemel Hempstead Road to the east of Hemel Hempstead.
Secondly Lawes Agricultural Trust, the a charitable trust, owns the estates at Rothamsted, is proposing a development of a further 1,000 homes in adjacent to Harpenden Lane, Redbourn.
There are a number of engagement sessions planned for each development, the most local of which are in Redbourn Village Hall;
Jeff Phillips, Chairman of the Harpenden society commented.
“The Society appreciates that new homes are needed and have empathy with our neighbours who will be significantly affected by these proposals. Whilst the residents of Harpenden are geographically remote our concern is the additional pressure that such homes will put on local infrastructure, particularly roads and trains, compounding the problems that will be caused by the developments in Harpenden and the expansion of Luton Airport. The Society is urging the planning authorities to take a holistic approach to these developments to ensure that problems are averted before they occur”
Question Time with Our MP Victoria Collins
In front to a lively audience at the Katherine Warington School, Victoria outlined her activities over her first year in the House of Commons.
In summary, she stated she is one of the 20 most active members in the House, and in just over a year, she and her small team have been involved in over 10,000 personal and political issues with residents and others. She has attended over 600 debates, questions and speeches in the House, and asked 4 questions of the Prime Minister, and held over 300 advice surgeries, meetings and other local visits
One small anecdote from her early days in the House was that she walked into a cupboard thinking it was the door to the ladies toilet!
The key subjects she focussed on include social care (especially dementia and mental health), special education needs, the cost of living and holding the Environmental Protection Agency/Water Companies to account for the appalling levels of raw sewage discharge into our river systems and streams.
As leader for the LibDems on Science, Innovation and Technology, she is a highly vocal campaigner for online safety, and is promoting ethical AI innovation, not least pushing for a standard for age for data consent, which is supported by Bernardo’s and Mumsnet.
In answering questions for the audience, she was asked what influence, as the third party in the House, the LibDems had on the Government. No hesitation in her reply – plenty – soft influence through collaboration with all parties, and hard influence through membership of select committees, parliamentary questions and through national media.
She was then asked where the LibDems are re Europe, and her answer was an unequivocal yes to entering a customs union with the EU, given the economic disaster that Brexit had always been expected to deliver.
Moving on to the question of ID cards, she was generally supportive, but they should not be mandatory, and when asked about the move to unitary local authorities, she was concerned that the efficiencies might be difficult to achieve, and that we may lose the local connection between residents and the decision makers.
On more local issues, she was asked why the Local Plan for St Albans was taking so long? In reply, when the LibDems came into power in 2022, there was no plan, as the previous Conservative prepared Plan had been rejected by the Planning Inspectors, with no attempt to revisit it. The new LibDem group had to start from scratch, and given the complexity of the issues of the plan, it was always going to be a lengthy process.
The concern now is that the Plan has been prepared in accordance with the former Government’s targets, and there is now the likelihood that the Labour Government will specify a higher level of housebuilding.
In thanking Victoria for her address and her answers to questions, Jeff Phillips, the chair of the Society, quoted from a Hansard booklet of advice to new MPs – ‘you’ll never get any thanks…..’ – a quote that Victoria recalled reading!