2 days Ago
There has been outcry in Radlett this week after Conservative councillor Caroline Clapper shared that documents for the “disposal of site at Newberries Car Park” had been added to the Hertsmere Borough Council website. Labour council leader Jeremy Newark confirmed today (April 16) that council bosses are seeking bids for the site, between a parade of shops in Watling Street and the railway, and will bring a report to the relevant meetings for discussion once it receives them. Cllr Clapper said: “It is completely unacceptable that a key community asset like Newberries Car Park is being quietly lined up for disposal without proper public consultation or scrutiny.
“Contrary to the council’s claim, no local stakeholders, community groups, or ward members have been consulted on this matter. “Had this proposal not been spotted buried deep in a set of council papers last Friday, residents and elected representatives alike would still be completely unaware of what is being planned.” The Watling and Aldenham West councillor launched to “stop the sell-off” yesterday, which has already garnered more than 750 supporters at time of writing.
Public comments from shocked signatories highlight the importance of the car park to high street businesses and the lack of spaces elsewhere. Others described the possibility of losing a car park - which is apparently full “day-and-night” - as “madness” and queried what could be built there after a sale. Cllr Newmark said Hertsmere keeps key assets under regular review to make sure it achieves optimum value and benefit for the area.
“We have been assessing the future potential for Newberries Car Park for some time and exploring various options for the site,” he added. “This has included significant and extensive consultation with local stakeholders, including community groups. “Pivotal to the work we have undertaken has been assessing flood risk on site, a complex issue that would require further detailed work to help determine if there is a viable solution.
“For that reason, we have decided to test the market to understand if there is private sector interest in pursuing future options for the site. “We expect to receive submissions from any interested parties over the next two months. “Once we have that information, we will report to the relevant decision-making meetings to enable the matter to be debated and progressed.
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