Building new 70-home estate on field blocked despite fears of 'slam dunk' appeal case

• Plans for 70 homes in Oxhey have been refused by a one-vote margin despite fears of a “slam dunk” case for appeal.

Today in Hertfordshire

Conditions in your area this morning.

The local news that matters this morning

Here's the local news from the past 24 hours, made easy to digest.

Herts Advertiser · Safety · yesterday 'Suspicious envelopes' that led to council offices evacuation were 'non-hazardous' • Police have confirmed that "suspicious envelopes" which led to the evacuation of Hertsmere Borough Council offices were "non-hazardous", with an investigation into threats made against the council leader ongoing.

Watford Observer - News (Newsquest) · Travel · yesterday 'Exceptional' two-bed bungalow with south-facing garden put on sale for £1.65m • A two-bedroom detached bungalow in Homefield Road, Radlett, has been listed for sale at an asking price of £1.65m.

The Comet - News (Newsquest) · Safety · yesterday Two men arrested after burglaries as police helicopter deployed in Stevenage • Two men were arrested after a helicopter was deployed above Stevenage. • Police reveal why police helicopter was circling above Stevenage

St Albans Times · Events · yesterday Sun-powered charging helping drive a greener future at The Maltings • Hidden high above the shops at The Maltings is something many visitors never realise exists – 265 solar panels, peppered across the roof, quietly generating renewable energy every single day. • Installed two years ago, the panels produce clean electricity that powers The Maltings’ entire car park, including its 10 electric.

St Albans Times · Events · yesterday 1111Fest Takes Over The Pioneer Club • The brainchild of local DJ, songwriter and music producer Lauren Cumberpatch, The 1111Fest at The Pioneer Club was the latest and biggest of her St Albans pop-up DJ sessions to date with more than 250 people coming through the doors on Saturday. • Pioneers commercial director Jon Prayer said: “Lauren and.

The Comet - News (Newsquest) · Local news · yesterday Fundraiser honours Stevenage woman 'who changed the lives of thousands of children' • A GoFundMe has been launched in memory of a Stevenage's Sarah Weaver, who "changed the lives of thousands of children" through her tutoring.

Hemel Today · Safety · 2 days ago Hertfordshire police boss slams 'butt face' toy as ‘paedophile’s dream’ • Hertfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner is calling for a new toy to be pulled from all shelves in the area.

Hemel Today · Safety · 2 days ago Suspected drink drivers and stolen vehicle identified in Hemel Hempstead • Hertfordshire Constabulary confirmed its officers spotted two suspected drink drivers in Hemel Hempstead.

North Herts Council - site RSS · Planning · yesterday Inspector backs council action over illegal use of former Baldock hotel • Inspector backs council action over illegal use of former Baldock hotel cameron.rutherford Date 21 August 2026 Date 21 August 2026 Category Press Release The George, Baldock North Herts Council has welcomed a Planning Inspector's decision to dismiss an appeal against enforcement action over the unauthorised use of The George in Baldock as residential accommodation. • One of the main reasons for taking action was because occupiers of the flats were living in sub-standard accommodation.

North Herts Council - site RSS · Travel · yesterday Letchworth Lido to host North Herts’ first Doggy Splash • Letchworth Lido to host North Herts’ first Doggy Splash simeon.spicer-lalite Date 21 August 2026 Date 21 August 2026 Dogs in Letchworth Lido Letchworth Lido is set to welcome four-legged swimmers for the first time this September, with North Herts’ first-ever Doggy Splash event giving local dogs the chance to enjoy the outdoor pool alongside their owners.

Herts Advertiser · Local news · yesterday Harpenden land up for sale by county council deemed 'surplus to requirements' • Land in Ayres End Lane, Harpenden, is being offered for sale by Hertfordshire County Council.

What's on: next 14 days

A quick-view of 53 priority public listings from 53 tracked events over the next 14 days. Tap any item for the source and full details.

30 Aug · Mudlarks Garden CafeAbsolutely not the musical mystery tour 2026

22 Aug · All Saints Church HertfordA Lumos Candlelight Experience In HertfordSaturday 22nd August

22 Aug · All Saints Church HertfordA Night of Jazz by Candlelight In Hertford - Saturday 22nd August

22 Aug · All Saints Church HertfordAn Amy Winehouse Candlelight Jazz Experience In Hertford - Saturday 22nd August

30 Aug · CinnabarARRIBA @ Cinnabar Hertford

22 Aug · Brickendon Lane, SG13 8NY Hertford, United KingdomBrickendon Disc Golf

29 Aug · Cinnabar HertfordDivide After party

26 Aug · British Red Cross CentreEmergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) Course - Hertford

29–30 Aug · Sele Community HubFabric Sale Pop-Up & Stash Swap - 29th - 30th August

27 Aug · The Book and BottleFantasy Authors: A Celebration

22 Aug · The Golden Griffin - HertfordGRIFFFEST

28 Aug · Corn Exchange HertfordLast Resort - Nu Metal Tribute at Corn Exchange (Hertford)

30 Aug · The Secret Townhouse At DecoPlayhouse x The Secret Townhouse

4 Sep · Corn Exchange - HertfordSOLD OUT - Barrioke - An evening with Shaun Williamson | Corn Exchange, Hertford

22 Aug · 39 Fore Street, SG14 1AL Hertford, United KingdomSpecial Kinda Madness | Corn Exchange, Hertford

29 Aug · 39 Fore Street, SG14 1AL Hertford, United KingdomStanley Dee | Corn Exchange, Hertford

24 Aug · Goldings Estate Rare Breeds FarmSummer Nature Days

30 Aug · Hertford BellThe Rkids - Play the songs of OASIS - Live at The Hertford Bell

29 Aug · BEAMWhitney Queen of the Night

22 AugBillZFest - Saturday 22nd August

28 Aug at 14:30Hertford Roller Disco + Lesson!

22 Aug at 10:30Tai Chi Masterclass, Stretch, Meditation and Soundbath

28 Aug · WaterstonesACOTAR Celebrations: A Court of Frost and Starlight Night - St Albans

28 Aug · The Horn, Victoria Street, AL1 3TE Saint Albans, United KingdomAlternative 80s ft The Polaroidz | The Horn, St Albans

23 Aug · The Horn, Victoria Street, AL1 3TE Saint Albans, United KingdomBlue Angel Open Mic | The Horn, St Albans

4 Sep · 28 Victoria Street, St Albans, AL1 3HL, United KingdomGrand opening in The Maltings, St Albans

22 Aug · Greenwood Park Community CentreGreenwood Park Freestyle on Saturday 22 August

30 Aug · Verdis Italian KitchenJazz in Clarence Park - Free Event

29 Aug · The Pioneer ClubKing Hammond with support from BuBounce

29 Aug · The Horn, Victoria Street, AL1 3TE Saint Albans, United KingdomNirvanah | The Horn, St Albans

29 Aug · St Albans URC - HomewoodRelax and Restore Afternoon Retreat

27 Aug · The CrownSpeed Dating in St Albans | Ages 30-45

28 Aug · The HornThe Polaroidz playing at The Horn, St Albans

30 Aug at 11:00 · Lower Red LionThe St Albans Sixer 2026

28 Aug · St Albans CathedralTribute to Hans Zimmer & Film Favourites Illuminated: St Albans, Late

22 Aug at 10:00Saturday 22 August - All day games - 10am Start!

29 AugSt Albans Freestyle - Saturday 29th August 2026

28 Aug at 09:00wilko St Albans store refresh event!

22 Aug · The Zoo Watford90S Day Party: Watford

22 Aug · WD18 9QDActive2gether - Holywell Multisport Sessions

22 Aug · The ParadeBITS & BOBS 2

29 Aug · The OddfellowsCentreforce Away Fanzone - Watford VS Westham United

24 Aug · Leonardo Hotel (Jurys Inn) WatfordFirst Aid at Work (FAW) Course - Watford

22 Aug at 09:00 · Unit 7, Moor Park Industrial Centre, Tolpits Lane, WD18 9SP Watford, United KingdomITALIAN CAR MEET - CHARITY EVENT

22 Aug · The Pump House Theatre and Arts CentreMind Over Metal Festival

31 Aug · Watford Islamic Centre (WIC)Watford Islamic Centre Summer Qur’an Competition 2026

3 Sep · Watford Palace TheatreWatford Palace Theatre, Watford

24 Aug · Oxhey Park BridgeWild play- Watford

22 Aug at 13:00Absolute Beginner - Introduction to Swing Dance!

4 Sep at 12:00 · The Stable YardFood Truck Fridays

4 Sep at 18:30Live Music at The Coach House Kitchen

31 AugClassic Motor Show 30th & 31st August More Information >>

22 AugMotown by Moonlight 22nd August More Information >>

Resident pulse

One weekly reader question. Choose one option; responses guide what we follow up next.

Three Hertfordshire Amazon finds

Rotating area-related book, map, gift and local-interest searches.

Affiliate disclosure: these links open Amazon UK searches with our affiliate tag, and we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Did you know? · Hertfordshire

The Buncefield oil depot fire near Hemel Hempstead began on 11 December 2005 and was called the largest peacetime blast in Europe.

Source →