Residents unite against new M25 compound plans

Construction giants Skanska Balfour Beatty (SBB) have presented another proposal to site a compound for the planned M25 widening on the land between Long Lane and the J17 link road in front of the homes of the residents there. In addition Skanska Balfour Beatty want to tip on the open land in Mill End – below the motorway. Residents and councillors, have the right to object between now and 10th February.

Previously the company had proposed to use the agricultural land at Heronsgate for a M25 plant, but this was withdrawn after objections were raised by local residents. However residents have been disapointed to learn that the company has submitted plans to use the ground adjacent to Long Lane by the roundabout on the A412 Denham Way for the same purposes.

Residents have expressed concern that the site will be of significant size and could result in mass dumping/landfill. They also worry that once the site is removed the developers will use the government initatives behind regeneration of what will then be industrial land to push through plans for further a substantial housing estate on what has historically been agricultural land. Ultimately the most pressing concern is for the effect the site will have on local residents. Many envisage a significant increase in heavy goods vehicles and the effect it will have on the environment.

Residents of Rickmansworth, Chorley Wood, Mill End and Maple Cross are likely to be directly effected by the increase in traffic flow particular through heavy good vehicles using already congested roads.

Skanska Balfour Beatty consider that the works do not require planning permission as they are permitted development allowed by the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order. Through this order the local councillors are excluded from any decision making on this. However, residents and councillors, have the right to object between now and 10th February.

Objections can be sent by letter or email to Peter Kerr at TRDC, Northway, Rickmansworth, WD3 1RL, or peter.kerr@threerivers.gov.uk. Peter Kerr will collect all the objections and make a record before they are sent on to Skanska Balfour Beatty.

More information on the plans can be found on the Three Rivers website: www.threerivers.gov.uk:80/Default.aspx/Web/M25Widening