Example Letter to Stop the Asphalt Plant, Cole Green Lane, Welwyn Garden City. @SpeakUpWGC

Example Letter - 1

Important: Avoid copying messages word-for-word. Identical submissions will only be counted once.

For example, if 20 people send the same text, it will still be treated as a single response.

To make sure your perspective is recognised, take a moment to personalise your message. Explain how this issue has affected you or your household, describe its impact on your daily routine, and share your thoughts on the risks of Asphalt production so close to homes, schools, and sensitive wildlife habitats.

Your individual story carries weight, so ensure it comes through clearly in your response.

Example Email/Letter to - Hertfordshire County Council Spatial Planning department spatialplanning@hertfordshire.gov.uk

Dear Planning Officer,

I am writing to object to the inclusion of the mobile asphalt plant within planning application(PL/0112/19) . The impacts already experienced by residents show that this operation is not suitable for this location.

Major Concerns About Air Quality and Fumes
• Strong, unpleasant fumes travel far beyond the site boundary.
• Odours are regularly detected on:
○ Cole Green Way
○ Rolls Wood
○ Moneyhole Playing Fields
○ Local footpaths and residential streets
• Residents must keep windows closed to avoid fumes entering their homes.
• Outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, and children’s play are affected.

Noise Disturbance and Loss of Peace
• From Monday to Saturday, early‑morning noise frequently disturbs residents before 7:30am.
• Noise affects sleep, concentration, and the ability to work from home.
• The level and frequency of disturbance are not compatible with a residential area.

Unsuitable Location for Asphalt Production

• The plant is too close to:
○ Homes
○ Primary schools
○ Play areas
○ Well‑used public open spaces
• Asphalt production is a heavy industrial activity that does not belong in a community setting.
• Sensitive groups, including children and older residents, are particularly affected.

Material Change That Requires Full Consultation
• Asphalt production is fundamentally different from inert waste recycling.
• Residents were never consulted on this new use.
• The impacts; noise, emissions, odour, HGV movements - are far greater than the original 2019 proposal.
• This should trigger a full, transparent planning process.

Conflicts With Planning Policy
• The National Planning Policy Framework requires development to:
○ Protect health and living conditions
○ Prevent pollution
○ Safeguard the natural environment
○ Maintain high standards of amenity
• Local and Waste Plan policies require:
○ No unacceptable noise, odour, or dust
○ Protection of public rights of way and green spaces
○ Avoidance of harm to human health
• The asphalt plant conflicts with all of these requirements.

History of Non‑Compliance
• The operator has repeatedly breached permitted operating hours.
• Complaints increased as asphalt production intensified.
• Persistent breaches are a material consideration and should weigh against approval.

Widespread Community Impact
• Hundreds of residents have raised concerns or signed petitions.
• Many report:
○ Loss of enjoyment of local countryside
○ Reduced ability to exercise outdoors
○ Worsening air quality
○ Disturbance to daily life
• These are consistent, credible, and well‑documented impacts.

Overall Conclusion
• The asphalt plant has already caused significant harm.
• Its location is incompatible with nearby homes, schools, and public open spaces.
• Moving it slightly on the site will not resolve the issues.
• The proposal conflicts with planning policy and should be refused.

Yours faithfully,

A concerned local resident