8m flagpole at Aberford Park, Aberford Road, Borehamwood

What was proposed

The application sought advertisement consent for an 8m flagpole with a green flag showing white Green Flag Award images.

“DEVELOPMENT Erection of 8m flagpole. (Application for advertisement consent)”

“The proposal seeks permission for the erection of an 8m flagpole. The flag would comprise a green background with white images to indicate the Green Flag Award.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is in Aberford Park, an open park with a lake, play area, skate park and community centre, near homes and a locally listed church.

“The application site comprises of Aberford Park, a park to the north western side of Aberford Road and southern side of Brook Road. The park currently comprises of a large open space, with a small lake which extends from Aberford Road and ends just before Gateshead Road. The area also features a childrens play area, Skate Park and Aberford Community Centre.”

“The surrounding area predominantly comprises of residential uses, with Elstree & Borehamwood Synagogue to the west. There is also a locally listed building adjacent to the site ‘St. Michael & All Angels’ church.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended consent subject to conditions because the proposal would not harm character, heritage, residential amenity, highway safety or trees.

“The proposed 8m flagpole would not cause harm to the character and appearance of the area or heritage asset and would not result in adverse impact on residential amenity, highway safety or trees.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways raised no objection subject to a condition and the conservation adviser raised no objection; the proposal was considered safe for the surrounding highway network.

“Consultee Date Consulted Elstree & Borehamwood Town Council 10 June 2025 Elstree & Borehamwood Residents Association 10 June 2025 Highways 10 June 2025 Place Services - Essex County Council - Conservation Advice 4 July 2025”

“HCC as Highway Authority has considered the proposal and subject to the recommended condition, it is considered that the proposed signs would not give rise to an unreasonable impact on the safety and operation of the surrounding highway network.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A councillor spoke against the application as Community Advocate, and clarification was given that consent covered the flagpole rather than the flag.

Committee discussion and vote

A motion to agree the report’s recommendation was proposed and seconded, then received eleven votes in favour, with no votes against or abstentions.

“It was proposed by Councillor P Morris and seconded by Councillor L Smith that the recommendations as set out in the report be agreed.”

“For: (11 total) – Councillors M Allen, M Amron, D Lambert, C Gray, S Shah, N Susman, H Green, P Morris, B Rosehill, A Kaza, L Smith. Against: (0 total) – None. Abstain: (0 total) – None. Total votes cast: 11”

Minutes

The decision

Permission was granted subject to conditions.

“RESOLVED that permission be GRANTED subject to conditions. 200.2”

Minutes