July 1996 - Bhumi Puja – Begin Construction

A Vedic ceremony was conducted to invoke auspiciousness for the construction of an access drive to Bhaktivedanta Manor, bypassing the village of Letchmore Heath.

The 15-year-long conflict with Hertsmere Borough Council and certain local villagers finally concluded on May 19, 1996. The Department of Environment (DoE) announced that Bhaktivedanta Manor could continue as a place of public worship, contingent on the construction of an access drive. This 900-meter-long drive would connect the Manor grounds to the A41 trunk road, effectively bypassing the village.

The access road was named Dharam Marg in memory of the late Dharam Hinduja, the son of Srichand Hinduja.