Beautiful New 2026 Calendar:
The Perfect Christmas Present -
We like to be forward thinking at FoSL so our minds have turned to 2026, or more specifically the 2026 FoSL calendar. This will be the fourth year for our successful calendar and we are hoping it will be our best ever. early August with production late August. (Thanks in advance to David Evans who has done all our calendar layouts) Printing should be early September.
You will be able to pre-order this Beautiful New 2026 Calendar:
The Perfect Christmas Present soon.
Latest News - 21 August 2025
Affinity Water were made aware of a fire at Stockers this morning following a call from Tony to Simon. This was immediately reported to the estates team who undertook the necessary actions.
The Herts Fire and Rescue Department were made aware and I believe attended site also.
There were 3 trees in total that were scorched and 2 of these needed to be taken down as they were unstable and could fall at any point. The main tree being about 20 metres tall. Some smaller trees around were cut down to allow a clear path for the large tree to be felled safely. A lot of the branches from the bigger tree have also already fallen in to the lake.
The trees have been checked for wildlife and there was no wildlife in them or around the area. We have also checked the bat box that's in one of the unharmed trees near where the fire was and the bat box is fine.
Springwell Lane scrap metal site
Background
The area at the Springwell Lane entrance to Stockers Lake has been utilized as a scrap yard without planning approval for some time. Representations have been made to Hillingdon Council to use their enforcement powers to address this activity, but so far, no action has been taken successfully. The owners have now applied for retrospective planning permission. There are inaccuracies in the application form.
It was noted that the applicants had been refused retrospective planning permission for their scrap metal operations. It appears they are expanding their activities and may have appealed against the decision, allowing them to continue their operations which impact the environment.
On Thu, 17 Apr 2025
An Enforcement Notice was served on 6th September 2024 against the unauthorized use of the land as a scrap metal site following the refusal of retrospective planning permission. The operators submitted an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.
The Planning Inspector issued the appeal decision on 28 March 2025. The appeal was dismissed and the enforcement notice upheld with minor amendments. The compliance period is one calendar month, meaning the operators have until 28 April 2025 to comply.
The requirements of the notice are to:
· Cease the use of the land as a scrap metal yard.
· Demolish and remove all associated metal sheet fence panels and wooden posts.
· Remove all skips, scrap metal, gas canisters, tyres, and waste materials.
· Remove all vehicles and machinery associated with the scrap metal yard.
· Clear all debris, items, and building materials resulting from compliance with the above points.
A site inspection will be conducted on or shortly after 28 April 2025. If the notice has not been complied with, prosecution proceedings may be instigated. Failure to comply with an enforcement notice is a criminal offence and can result in an unlimited fine.
Regarding environmental concerns, the Environment Agency conducted a joint inspection of the site with Council Officers in February 2024. They have powers to require actions where necessary. Since the inspection, no environmental concerns have been communicated by the Environment Agency. The Council has taken action within its authority to address the breach of planning control.
Planning Enforcement Team Leader (North)
Planning and Sustainable Growth
Place Directorate
Hillingdon Council
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