News & Updates

30/12/2025

308 Signatures Challenge BP Mitchell’s Attempt to Bypass Full Planning

As we continue to enjoy cleaner air, birdsong, and a more peaceful local environment during the Asphalt Plant’s inactivity, we wanted to share an important update.

 

We have now submitted 308 petition responses to the Planning Officer at Hertfordshire County Council. These 308 signatures on the first petition call for a full planning application, including proper air and noise assessments and full neighbour consultation.

Despite this, the planning agent representing BP Mitchell is attempting to avoid a full application by simply amending the existing one. We hope that the strength of our 308 voices makes it clear that a full planning process is essential.

 

We also continue to encourage everyone to sign the second petition, which directly objects to the Asphalt Plant itself.

 

Thank you again for your kind support.
Click here - Sign The New Petition

23/12/2025

New Online Petition Launched to Oppose the Amended Asphalt Plant Application

Today we have launched a new online petition to enable local residents to object to the amended planning application for the Asphalt Plant.

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We encourage you to review and sign the petition to help protect our community, our environment, and public health.

Click here - Sign The New Petition

22/12/2025

Article Reveals Missing Planning Consent - and Missing Photos of the Asphalt Plant

We note with interest an article published today on the Welwyn Hatfield Times website.

 

It is a clear admissision that planning consent had not been applied for to install and operate the Asphalt Plant.

 

Interestingly the article inclues a photograph of the BP Mitchell site (provided by Marengo Communications) but does not show the actual Asphalt Plant machinery!

You can draw your own conclusions.....

Click here for the article - WHTimes

19/12/2025

Fuelling Resident Backlash and Boosting Petition Support

BP Mitchell have recently been operating the site before 07:30 am, which is a clear breach of their planning conditions. The asphalt machinery is also running despite there being no planning permission in place for its operation.

While this is understandably distressing for residents; including, for example, key workers coming off night shifts who are unable to sleep; the early‑morning activity is drawing even more attention to the issue with the noise and emissions.

 

As a result, more residents are noticing the impact and signing the petition. In that sense, the unauthorised and unpermitted operations are significantly strengthening our campaign.

18/12/2025

Toxic Emissions from a Plant Without Permission

The pollution and air quality today are particularly bad by the ongoing operations of the asphalt production plant.

 

The heavy emissions from this site are contributing to the haze and poor air quality across the area, leaving residents exposed to potential and unnecessary health risks (we urge you to discuss any concerns with your G.P).

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It is unacceptable that a facility operating outside the proper planning process is allowed to degrade local air quality in this way, underscoring the urgent need for enforcement action and protection of community wellbeing.

12/12/2025

Air Quality and Health: What Residents Should Know

Local residents often ask us on the doorstep about the potential health impacts of fumes and particles from the Asphalt Plant.

 

While we cannot provide clinical or medical advice, we strongly recommend that you raise any concerns with your GP or healthcare practitioner, who can offer appropriate guidance.

 

It is also worth noting that when cloud levels are low, they can act like a “blanket,” preventing fumes and particles from dispersing higher into the atmosphere. This is why the smell and fumes can feel particularly strong under these weather conditions.

08/12/2025

Residents Speak Out: 88 Petition Responses Issued to County Council

We have today submitted 88 petition responses to Hertfordshire County Council’s Spatial Planning Department.

 

The petition will remain open, and further responses will continue to be collected and forwarded to the Council.

 

We await their reply with interest.

05/12/2025

Responses to the Online Petiton - Currently at 85

We’ve already received 85 responses to our online petition, which calls for a full and transparent planning application.

We also know that many of you may not have signed this first petition, but are ready to add your names to the second petition once it is launched; this one will directly oppose the Asphalt Plant proposal.

 

Thank you to each and every one of you. You are the ambassadors of this campaign, and we would not have come this far without your energy, determination, and commitment to protecting our neighbourhood, our community, and our environment.

04/12/2025

Rolls Wood Spoiled by Asphalt

"This morning’s walk in Rolls Wood was ruined by the smell of hot asphalt and the noise from the plant nearby.

What used to be a peaceful place to enjoy nature and fresh air has become polluted and unpleasant. Instead of relaxation, the woodland now feels like somewhere to avoid."

02/12/2025

More Frequent Asphalt Production

The Asphalt production machinery has been running more frequently in recent days. 

The noise from the plant has increased and detected before 07:30 am.

01/12/2025
The Online Petition

We want to thank our Campaign Ambassadors (that is all of you) for signing the first Petition that calls for the Asphalt Plant to be subject to the full Planning Application.
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The response has been extremely positive and we will be soon to submit the Petition responses to Hertfordshire County Council, Welwyn Hatfield and East Herts, to demonstrate the strong local opposition to the Asphalt Plant at the B.P Mitchell site on Birchall Lane, Cole Green.
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In the meantime we still await for the new Planning Application to be published and will update here when it is available.

26/11/2025
Asphalt Plant Activity

Residents have observed the Asphalt Plant running on scattered days and at irregular times.​
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We are keeping a log of dates and times.

20/11/2025
Marengo Communications:

We have been contacted by a Communications Company "Marengo Communications" working on behalf of B.P Mitchell, with an offer for a meeting "...........to discuss a combination of our proposals and your objection and campaign www.speakupwgc.com"
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Our Response:
We provided the following in response:

"At this time, we respectfully decline the offer of a meeting. We do not believe it would be appropriate to engage in private discussions with representatives of the applicant.
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Our focus remains on ensuring that the community’s concerns are heard through the formal planning process, where all stakeholders have equal access and where decisions are made in the public interest."
 

18/11/2025
The Planning Application

Hertfordshire County Council (Spatial Planning Department) have confirmed that the planning agent, working on behalf of B.P. Mitchell, has agreed to amend the application to include all current site operations, including the asphalt plant.
 
Residents will have an opportunity to comment on the revised proposals once submitted.
 
All updates will be published on the council’s website, and those who have previously submitted representations will be notified directly.
 
Further information will be made available online as it becomes available.
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Our Comment:
Positives
 

• Acknowledgement of Full Site Operations.

The planning agent’s agreement to amend the application to include all current operations - specifically the asphalt plant - is a significant step toward transparency and procedural compliance. This ensures that the full scope of activities is subject to formal scrutiny.

 

• Opportunity for Public Input.

Residents will have a renewed chance to comment on the revised proposals, allowing community voices to be heard and considered in the decision-making process. This is a critical safeguard in democratic planning.

 

• Commitment to Communication.

The council’s pledge to publish updates online and notify previous respondents directly demonstrates a baseline commitment to procedural fairness and information access.

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Negatives

 

• ​Unclear Timeline and Scope.

While updates will be published “as they become available,” there is no clear timeframe for submission or review of the revised application. This ambiguity may delay community engagement and prolong uncertainty.

 

• Limited Notification Reach.

Only those who previously submitted representations will be notified directly. This risks excluding newer residents or those unaware of the original application, potentially undermining inclusive consultation.