First of all I would like to wish everyone in Therfield and Kelshall a very happy and healthy new year. Despite a lot of flu-like viruses going around the village in December, I believe most managed to have a family festive period. 2023 is now under way and we look forward to a harmonious year for both villages
2023 also starts another year where we will be endeavouring to enhance our relationship with the Conservators of Therfield Heath (who own all of our greens) to once again successfully manage Hay Green and have positive input into the management of the other smaller village greens
Since my last report in November, the Council has now written to Sir Oliver Heald MP, North Herts District Council, Councillor Gerald Morris and Thames Water in regard to the large amount of raw sewage which has been discharged into our local water courses. This has basically occurred because the Thames Water treatment plant for Therfield and Kelshall does not have sufficient capacity to handle the waste from the existing housing in both villages. This is a significant problem. We have asked for support from our local MP as well as having requested a moratorium on all new house building until Thames Water have upgraded the existing treatment plant to handle the current amount of waste. The Council will keep both villages up-to-date on how this issue develops.
The new “Local Plan” for our area has now been approved so the Council will now have a stronger case to argue against any house building which is outside of the new plan. As it stands however, Grange Meadow is still in the plan and we will therefore have to present a solid case (as we did 4 years ago) if we are to fight development plans which may be put forward later in the year?.
Andy Osbourne
Chair
