Councillors call for calm ahead of Maple Cross warehouse decision

A joint statement issued by the four political group leaders at Three Rivers District Council says there is no "justifiable excuse" for an "increasing level of threat" faced by local councillors and officers.

Council officers have recommended members of the district council’s planning committee approve revised plans, which would see the buildings constructed near Maple Lodge Nature Reserve.

Marked within the red lines is the proposed site for the warehouses. Credit: Google Maps

But it's a contentious application, drawing 286 objections, with political leaders indicating council representatives have faced "daily" abuse in the lead-up to tonight's meeting.

The joint statement published today (October 21), and signed by Liberal Democrat council leader Sarah Nelmes, Conservative group leader Alex Hayward, Labour group leader Stephen Cox, and joint leader of the Independent group Joanna Clemens, says: "As local leaders of different parties we welcome debate and peaceful protest from those who disagree with us. We welcome robust scrutiny, informed debate and ultimately the chance for voters to hold us accountable at the ballot box.

"The strength of public feeling on the Maple Cross planning application is loud and clear and to be welcomed. But there is a right and healthy way to debate and express strongly held views and a wrong way.

"As much as our viewpoints may differ on this or any other issue, we are nevertheless united by a vested interest and the aim of serving our local community, a community where we have made our homes and in many cases raised families.

"The increasing level of threats, aggression and intimidation faced on a daily basis, both by local councillors and officers of this council - online, by telephone, and face to face - is unacceptable and there can be no justifiable excuse for it whatsoever.

"That is why we have jointly come together ahead of tonight’s meeting, putting aside any political differences, to highlight our concerns publicly, to urge restraint and say enough is enough. Please treat others as you would yourself wish to be treated—with respect and tolerance."

clockwise: Cllr Sarah Nelmes, Cllr Alex Hayward, Cllr Joanna Clemens, and Cllr Steve Cox. Credit: Three Rivers District Council

During the public consultation period, campaigners have raised concerns about this development causing traffic and air pollution.

Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust has also objected to the plans, and said that it could lead to the extinction of the Forester Moth, which had long been thought to be extinct in the county but had been photographed on the site.

A flyer that was created opposing the plans

It is the second time this proposal has come to the committee after a previous application was turned down by the council in 2019. An appeal was also lost by the applicant.

The report that will be presented to the committee at tonight's meeting says the latest plans are "considered to have overcome" previous concerns raised by councillors.

Related: Objections fly in after proposal to build warehouses returns

The land is currently an undeveloped open grass area, with commercial premises to the north east and west, and planning permission has been granted for a hotel to the north.

The majority of the site is outside of the green belt, but it does overlap on the eastern boundary and partly to the south.

The council meeting will begin at 7.30pm.