Heartwood Forest car park finished (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Woodland Trust landscapes with hedges and trees

12:50pm Wednesday 15th February 2012 in News By Zoe Forsey

Construction work on a controversial new car park at Heartwood Forest in Sandridge has been completed.

The Woodland Trust has opened the new 55 space car park to cut down any congestion currently caused by visitors parking in the village.

The original plans for the car park were met with 37 letters of objection and a 73-signature petition.

Objectors believed that a new car park would disturb villagers with noise and traffic, potentially putting walkers and horse riders in danger, as well as concerns about vandalism and fly tipping.

A 1.5 metre hedge and 1,500 trees have been planted in an attempt to create a minimum visual impact.

Louise Neicho, the site manager, said: "We hope that now the car park has been constructed people will appreciate its value.

"We have taken everyone’s thoughts and concerns to create something that fulfils out need to provide extra capacity, whilst also being sensitive to its impact on the surrounding residential areas."

The car park will be open daily between 8am and 5pm and will be locked overnight.