An Open Letter: 'The Cry of Grove Fields, Tring'

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Versions of this letter have already been sent to our MP, Lead and Local Councillors, Feb 2021.

We have spent the last few months studying Dacorum's housing plans for Berkhamsted and Tring; we are shocked and saddened to see the overwhelming extent of the plans, a 55% increase of housing in one single step for Tring, carving up vital Green Belt, beautiful biodiverse countryside and precious farmland.  As well as the increased pollution and traffic, we are extremely worried about the environmental impact, including the tragic loss of habitat and the continued irreversible damage to our precious rare chalk streams, severely endangered by this unprecedented housing plan.

Tring is the friendliest of towns we've ever known, welcoming all who travel through, or choose to settle here to make it their forever home.  Within commuting distance of London Euston, it has grown organically and comfortably, expanding gradually to accommodate those, like us, seeking open skies, bucolic charm and outstanding natural beauty: the chosen idyll for our children, learning to appreciate and trust in Nature, secure and safe in a small market town.

Looking at Tring specifically, the proposed plans would dramatically increase the size of our town, putting a dangerous strain on local services and commuter transport.  We've always been of the mindset that all are welcome and would want other families to enjoy the treasured beauty of Tring's countryside, but the areas charted for development are precious swathes of countryside and farmland: sandwiched between the canal and final rows of residential dwellings.  Between the harvesting and sowing, deer can be spotted, red kites soar and the owl's gentle call heard on a still night.  During lockdown, Marshcroft Lane and the paths beyond have been a vital route for the daily exercise of Tring residents, fresh air and space in easy reach.

We understand the need for more affordable housing.  We understand the need for more public services and stronger infrastructure.  We understand that land is precious.  But to destroy the lungs of a town to extend its arms does not make sense at all.  To welcome new families to a town robbed of its natural beauty, is not how a healthy town grows. 

Instead, we plead with you to use your voice to represent the heart and soul of your community, to challenge these unsustainable housing plans. Invest in our local services and find alternative ways to build affordable housing, without stripping the land of its highly valued Green Belt and rich biodiversity.  

Today, our young children can toddle freely along Marshcroft Lane, spotting wildlife across Grove Fields.  We hope that you can help us to ensure that the children of the future can continue to enjoy the beauty of this treasured land.

Yours sincerely,

Rebecca

Sunset over Grove Fields

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