Council secures protection of Penfold Golf Course trees

Trees at the Penfold Park Golf Club on St Albans Road in Leavesden, which closed in 2016, were protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) following concerns raised by ward councillors and local residents about the potential loss of trees on the site, which is identified for development in the emerging Local Plan.

The TPO, which was served in May 2026, means it would be an offence to fell, lop, top or uproot any tree on the site without prior consent from the local authority. Doing so without approval would be a criminal offence under Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

Despite an objection that the trees lacked sufficient amenity value, members of the council's planning committee voted unanimously to confirm the order at a meeting on Thursday 22 October. The Bucknalls Lane Residents' Association also supported confirmation of the TPO.

Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst OBE, Leader of Three Rivers District Council, said: "Residents were concerned that important trees could be lost before any future planning application was considered. I am delighted the planning committee has confirmed the Tree Preservation Order to deter pre-development clearance of the site.”