The situation at Friendless Lane

/in /by

Dear Residents,

We are writing to provide a clear and factual update regarding the situation at Friendless Lane, including a timeline of events and the actions taken by Flamstead Parish Council and relevant authorities.

We are aware that this communication may be seen by a wide audience, and we have therefore set out the information carefully to ensure it is accurate, proportionate, and focused on keeping residents informed.

Timeline of Events

Week Prior to Easter (Pre-Easter Monitoring)

  • The Parish Council became aware of emerging concerns relating to land in Flamstead.
  • On the Monday prior to the Easter weekend, the Parish Council proactively contacted Dacorum Borough Council to:
    • Make enquiries regarding the planning status
    • Raise concerns about potential activity
  • The situation was actively monitored in the lead-up to the Easter period.
  • On Thursday evening, following reports of activity at Friendless Lane, the Parish Council informed both the Police and Dacorum Borough Council by phone and email.

Good Friday

  • A significant escalation in activity was reported.
  • Groundworks and deliveries were observed on site.
  • Planning Enforcement at Dacorum Borough Council was formally engaged.
  • Evidence from residents and the Parish Council was gathered and submitted.

Easter Weekend

  • Large-scale activity took place over a short period.
  • Extensive groundworks and changes to the land were carried out.

Actions taken included:

  • Continuous liaison with:
    • Dacorum Borough Council
    • Dacorum Police
    • Victoria Collins MP
  • Submission of evidence in real time
  • Ongoing updates provided to residents

Saturday

  • A Temporary Stop Notice was issued by Dacorum Borough Council, requiring certain activities on site to cease.
  • Parish Councillors attended a residents’ meeting at the church to provide an update and answer questions.

Sunday

  • The Parish Council met to discuss next steps.
  • Dacorum Borough Council secured a High Court injunction, representing a significant legal measure to prevent further unauthorised activity.

Early This Week

  • Continued monitoring of the site.
  • Ongoing communication between the Council, Police, and Parish Council.

Police Response

  • Increased police presence across Flamstead and Markyate.
  • Regular patrols and monitoring are in place.
  • Ongoing engagement with residents and handling of reported incidents.

Today

  • A further High Court hearing is taking place at the Royal Courts of Justice as part of the ongoing legal process.

Current Position

The situation is now being actively managed through:

  • Legal proceedings
  • Planning enforcement
  • Ongoing monitoring

Flamstead Parish Council continues to:

  • Work closely with all relevant authorities
  • Provide evidence where available
  • Represent the concerns of residents

How Residents Can Help

We encourage residents to continue reporting information as follows:

  • Emergencies: 999
  • Non-emergency concerns: 101
  • Anonymous reporting: Crimestoppers

Relevant information or evidence can also be shared with the Parish Council via the dedicated email address.

We understand this situation has caused concern within the community. Please be assured that the Parish Council acted at an early stage, raised concerns ahead of the Easter weekend, and continues to work closely with all relevant authorities to support a lawful and appropriate resolution.

We will continue to provide updates as the situation progresses.

Kind regards,
Flamstead Parish Council