A campaigner ordered 5,000 of his own leaflets to try and raise awareness of major development after accusing the council of failing to deliver its own.

Miles Ponder, who lives in Bushey, is objecting to a potential development of around 850 homes in Bushey which has been put forward as an option in Hertsmere’s local plan.

Hertsmere Borough Council is in the midst of a series of exhibitions across the borough which is encouraging people living in the area to get involved in the consultation.

Watford Observer:

At an exhibition at St Margaret’s sports centre in Bushey, which around 200 people attended, Mr Ponder explained why he created his own leaflets.

He said: “Homes near Farm Way received nothing and we have demanded the council redistribute the leaflets. I’ve ordered 5,000 and by the end of the weekend, we will have delivered around 2,500.

“We were all devastated to hear about the proposals. No one had heard about them. We found out on Facebook.”

Watford Observer:

Mr Ponder's leaflet

The council’s official leaflet advertises exactly when exhibitions across the borough are taking place as well as a map of many of the major sites that have been put forward by landowners. But it appears many households have not received it.

Elstree & Borehamwood Residents’ Association has complained two housing estates in Borehamwood, including the Farriers, have not received leaflets either.

Watford Observer:

The official council leaflet

A spokesman for Hertsmere Borough Council said: “A communication method we have arranged is the delivery of our latest local plan newsletter, ‘Planning for Growth’, which we were aiming, as far as possible, to reach every household in the borough, as well as being available to view on our website.

“We have received some reports of non-delivery of the newsletter. We have raised the reports of non-delivery through our agent, but it takes some time for these reports to be fully investigated by Royal Mail.

“Copies of the newsletter will be available at these exhibitions for the public to take away if they need.

“The leaflet regarding land north of Farm Way that the council ‘proposes to allow 850 homes to be built on the Green Belt’ is misleading.

“The sites listed within the council’s engagement document are all potential housing or employment allocations that have been promoted by developers and landowners and no decisions have yet been made on where the new homes will be built.”

An exhibition will be held in Potters Bar at the Wyllyotts Centre on Tuesday from 4pm-8pm before people in Borehamwood have an opportunity to learn more about the local plan at St Teresa’s Parish Hall on Wednesday between 4pm and 8pm.

Visit www.hertsmere.gov.uk/newlocalplan for more information.