Formal notice has been served after a “paved surface” was allegedly created on a habitat by the River Colne.

Watford Borough Council has issued a notice for a patch of land north of Busheymill Bridge and south of the River Colne, which will take effect on September 2 unless an appeal is made against it.

It requires all foreign material including “hard-core, scalpings, construction/demolition waste and associated material” be removed within one month from taking effect.

Councillor Glen Saffery, who is responsible for planning, said: “The council has issued a formal notice for a breach of planning control.

“The unauthorised development involved creating a hardstanding area, a paved surface for vehicles or storage using imported materials.”

(Image: Hertsmere Lib Dems)

Officers are treating it as a breach of planning control and the notice says that planning permission to make the changes would not be given if it were applied for.

The laying of hardstanding has apparently resulted in the loss of “not only a habitat for wildlife but also a green open space including trees and vegetation”.

(Image: Hertsmere Lib Dems)

“This is inappropriate in the green belt,” the Liberal Democrat councillor added. “The action also conflicts with the National Planning Policy Framework and Watford Local Plan Policies.

“The council requires the removal of all imported materials from the site.”

(Image: Wayne Larman)