A frustrated neighbour has described a parish council as “incompetent” after a new road “breached” planning permission, which has led his garden to continually flood.

Roger Hulbert, of Elm Walk in Radlett, says the road which leads to an allotment is 10-12 inches higher than what was stated in the planning application and therefore when it rains heavily, excess water travels into his garden.

Aldenham Parish Council was granted permission to resurface Gills Hollow, which runs alongside Phillimore Recreation Ground, and Mr Hulbert’s garden, in September 2016 and the works have cost more than £100,000.

Hillingdon Times:

But the council could be forced to rip up the new path and go again which would cost tens of thousands more pounds.

Mr Hulbert says he has had enough.

He said: “The road needs lowering, it is simple as that. Contractors have not done what permission was there for. I know some people won’t have sympathy but I believe the council has a responsibility to get it right.

“It is just incompetent really and a poor show. They have wasted thousands of pounds because what they have done needs replacing. As taxpayers, my family shouldn’t be in a position where our property is being damaged. Our privacy is also being hindered because of the raised path.

“They have offered us a higher fence but I’d need planning permission for that.”

Hillingdon Times:

This picture shows the difference between the height of the road and the ground level of Mr Hulbert's garden. The road should be a lot lower

Mr Hulbert says the new road has been created using the wrong type of material. It was supposed to be made from eco Truckpave which would ensure it is in keeping with the area. But more concerning to Mr Hulbert and his neighbours is the new surface allows drivers to speed down in an area close to where children play.

He said: “To be honest, none of this was necessary. There was nothing wrong with the road and now we’ve got people racing down and congregating by the allotments. What happens if a kid comes chasing after a ball and there’s a car coming down?

“The road is dangerous and signage may have been put up to slow cars down but it will not stop an accident. I know I’m not the only one upset by this and Cllr Michelle Vince has told me this is a disgrace”.

The Elm Walk residents also says that a new polytunnel in the allotments is higher than what was agreed and now acts as an “eyesore” from the windows of his home.

At the time, the parish council’s application caused no controversy but Mr Hulbert says had he known what was really planned, he would have opposed.

He has also mentioned his disgust at 180m of “perfectly good” hedgerow which was cut as well as the dumping of waste of building materials for the road in nearby woodland, which was “eventually removed”.

Hillingdon Times:

Permission for the new road was granted by a Hertsmere Borough Council planning officer through delegated authority.

Aldenham Parish Council manager Peter Evans has admitted the road has been built too high but says he is working to find a solution.

He said: “We have been in discussions with Roger and we want to address the issue in the best way we can. The height of the road is being addressed.

“We are waiting for a drainage impact assessment report to come back which will tell us the impact the works have had on the surrounding area.

“This money had to be spent in this particular area. It was section 106 money and the road was old and had problems. It wasn’t necessarily fit for purpose.”

Hertsmere Borough Council has met with the parish council to discuss “apparent breaches of its original planning application”.

The parish council has been advised by the borough council to submit a retrospective planning application so it can be determined what changes need to be made.

The original planning application can be found here