Statement by Cllr Rose Grewal, Executive Member for Planning, on decision to reopen the Ellenbrook Fields Inquiry

I note the decision of the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to reopen the inquiry into Brett Aggregates’ plans for a sand and gravel quarry on part of Ellenbrook Fields and Country Park in Hatfield.

The letter that we received from the Government on 11 November explained that the Planning Inspector, who makes a recommendation to the Secretary of State, had concerns about a number of issues relating to Ellenbrook, including how the Country Park would co-exist with any future quarrying and how any restored land would be integrated into the rest of the Country Park in the future. As a result, the Inspector has recommended – should planning permission be granted – an additional condition along with amendments to some existing proposed conditions to reflect and try to address these concerns. The Secretary of State has therefore decided that the inquiry needs to be reopened to properly consider these issues.

I along with Cabinet Members and Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council (WHBC) officers, will be carefully assessing the contents of the Secretary of State’s letter and the implications of this decision. I am glad that the Inspector has highlighted the importance of securing the long term future of Ellenbrook Country Park, which is something WHBC pressed for at the inquiry, including a clear road map for the establishment of Ellenbrook Country Park Trust. Once we have fully understood the implications of this latest development, we will consider what further steps are necessary in relation to the reopened inquiry.

Ellenbrook is a cherished green space for Hatfield residents – supporting health, wellbeing and access to nature – and is a strategically significant site for nature conservation. WHBC, working in partnership with St Albans District Council and alongside local community groups, has consistently opposed Brett Aggregates’ proposal. We have raised serious concerns about the loss of public amenity, environmental degradation, inappropriate development within the greenbelt, and increased traffic impacts.

While we don’t yet know the time, place or format for any future inquiry sessions, I want to reconfirm the Joint Administration’s opposition to Brett Aggregates’ proposal and reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding Ellenbrook Country Park and upholding the values of our community.