Optimism at Aldenham Reservoir after council talks with owners

Depending on the outcome of the survey, it raises the prospect of water levels being upped at Aldenham Reservoir.

Caroline Clapper, a councillor for the area, says the pending inspection is “one of a number of positive outcomes” to report at the reservoir.

It comes after Hertsmere Borough Council members united in their efforts to “save” the reservoir.

At a meeting in January, councillors passed a motion agreeing to “explore all possible actions” to find a solution to the "continuous, systemic neglect" of the lake.

Read more: Council members unite in pledge to 'save' Aldenham Reservoir

The dam wall at Aldenham Reservoir

Since January 2020, the owners – the Gosrani brothers – have been draining the reservoir after claiming the pressure on the dam wall needed reducing, following an inspection by its dam supervisor.

However, a Freedom of Information request submitted by Borehamwood Labour councillor and ‘Save Aldenham Reservoir’ campaigner, Dan Ozarow, found the inspection did not conclude immediate action was required.

The draining has caused Aldenham Sailing Club to pack up after 80 years and prompted concerns about the welfare of animals.

Read more: Aldenham Sailing Club officially depart Aldenham Reservoir

The water level dropped too low for Aldenham Sailing Club to keep using

However, there is now cause for optimism after Conservative member Caroline Clapper said “much has been achieved” in the last 12 weeks.

She says a number of “productive” meetings have been held, including with the owners.

Cllr Clapper said: “The owners have agreed to instruct an engineer, recommended by their planning agent, to carry out an independent survey on the structure of the dam to ascertain the extent of any potentially necessary work and ongoing maintenance.

”This could well lead to the opportunity of altering the water levels of the reservoir which could, in turn, see the return of the sailing club. The angling club have also just renewed their lease.”

Cllr Caroline Clapper by a gate that had blocked public access at Aldenham Reservoir but will now stay open (Image: Caroline Clapper)

Councillor Caroline Clapper

The prospect of the council completing a compulsory purchase order of the reservoir, which the Gosrani’s reportedly paid £50,000 for and say they don't want to sell, looks to have been ruled out.

Instead, Cllr Clapper says the council is looking into the possibility of setting up a community interest company, which is a special type of limited company which exists to benefit the community rather than private shareholders. How that could affect who is responsible for the long-term maintenance of the reservoir is unclear at this time.

Aldenham Reservoir pictured after a sluice was opened. Credit: Clive Butchins

The council is also in talks with the Gosranis about a possible commercial development scheme on green belt land backing onto Centennial Park in Elstree.

Previous attempts by the Gosranis to build homes on green belt land in Elstree or build pods around the reservoir have been knocked back by the council. The Gosranis have previously estimated dam wall repairs at £5 million and those developments would have helped provide funds.

During the early stages of draining, the reservoir looked like this

Cllr Clapper, who added the footpath around the reservoir will stay open, has thanked Labour group leader Cllr Jeremy Newmark, Lib Dem councillor Jerry Evans, Cllr Ozarow, and the council’s head of legal Harvey Patterson for their help shaping the “new and positive relationship” with the reservoir owners.

She added: “Since this motion was brought forward, much has been achieved already. And this is only just the start. I see great and exciting opportunities ahead and I am very optimistic that we will see more positive outcomes for the future of the reservoir.”

The Gosranis were approached for comment.