26th April 2024: New Plans Published
Allum Lane Fields is Green Belt land. It must be preserved!
We do not want or need a high end Care Community in Elstree .
It is not a valid use of Green Belt land.
Join the fight to save our local green spaces:
1. Find out more about the plans and reasons to object on this website
2. Put in your own personal comments / objections, including as many reasons as possible (as each reason has to be considered individually)
3. Ensure everyone over 18 in your household responds separately
4. Do it within the deadline of 18th May 2024
5. Spread the word
How to comment / object:
1. Logging onto the website using this link
2. Emailing [email protected]
quoting the application no. 24/0442/FUL
3. Posting your comments to
The Planning and Economic Development Department,
Hertsmere Borough Council,
Civic Offices,
Elstree Way,
Borehamwood,
Herts WD6 1WA
quoting the application no. 24/0442/FUL
Responding to this planning application
Reasons to object
1. Green Belt land is protected for good reason. It captures carbon to slow down climate change, ensures clean air, absorbs significant amounts of rainfall to prevent local flooding, avoids coalescence of settlements, retains an environment for wildlife and provides green spaces for our mental and physical health.
2. Green Belt land is further protected by the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) guidelines published in December 2023. This Care Community is an inappropriate development on Green Belt and there are no Very Special Circumstances for building non affordable homes, particularly the building housing a swimming pool, studio, gym, 3 treatment rooms, dining room, activity room, salon etc.
3. This development is sited adjacent to two other Green Belt sites (field to be for expansion of cemetery and Elle Dani Farm to be used for 8 luxury homes). This would cause a coalescence of settlements between Elstree and Elstree Village.“The Government attaches great importance to Green Belts. The fundamental aim of Green Belt policy is to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open; the essential characteristics of Green Belts are their openness and their permanence.” NPPF
4. There is much wildlife throughout the year on the fields. Muntjac deer are often seen and roam into adjacent gardens. The Site Assessment document states “Based on the habitat types present, it is considered that the site has potential to support breeding birds, badgers and bats.” Not only is there an abundance of wildlife but there is potential for more – but not if the land is heavily developed, regardless of the dubious biodiversity percentages.
5. This development could set a precedent for further developments on these fields.
6. There are existing issues with flooding with houses in Lodge Avenue, Bishops Avenue and The Rise all having experienced flooding due to underground streams and the high-water table. If you have experienced flooding, please include it in your response. The fields themselves may not suffer from flooding but building on the land. Concreting over this piece of Green Belt land would compromise the ‘natural soak away sponge’ effect, which could be detrimental to surrounding roads when heavy rain is experienced. Given climate change, rainfall in the UK is likely to increase.
The last paragraph of the Flood Report document states “The EA confirm the site is located in an area at High risk of surface water flooding.“
7. On the site are public Rights of Way enjoyed by walkers throughout the year. The view of the countryside from Allum Lane and surrounding roads will change the character of the entrance to Borehamwood.
8. Landscape and visual impact. The loss of this important Green Belt will have a negative impact on the general landscape
9. The proposed site for the relocation of Schopwick Surgery is not in Elstree village. Moving the surgery away from the village will make it difficult for many to access their doctors without the use of a vehicle. Allum Lane is a very steep hill and not easy to walk or cycle. Schopwick has a partner surgery in Bushey, so a location on the Bushey side of Elstree Village is advised to avoid additional traffic. Site HEL1011 Edgwarebury House would be a more suitable location for these reasons.
10. The developers own consultation showed that 40% of people did not support this location for a new care community whereas only 36% did support it.
11. No more elderly residential facilities are needed in Elstree. Elstree has two care homes, Hill House Care Home on Elstree Hill South and Elstree View Care Home, Edgwarebury Lane, off Barnet Lane. The BUPA care home on Barnet Lane has closed in recent years due to lack of occupancy. The Cecil’s Horse Sanctuary site in Elstree Village is in the Hertsmere Local Plan as a site for 141 Elderly Residence flats.
12. Increased traffic density in Allum Lane. Traffic is already gridlocked at peak times on Allum Lane. More traffic visiting a Doctors Surgery and staff, service providers, residents, and visitors to the Care Community, will bring more traffic to this narrow, overburdened road. This could add a significant amount of time to commuters on their daily work or school run. Cycling is not a safe option as the roads are very narrow and in poor order. Buses are infrequent.
13. Access to the planned development will require a proposed moving of the traffic island slightly westwards. There is no mention of the need to lower the pavement/road at the crossing as both sides are on a steep ridge. Even to cross in two halves south to north you would need to check for traffic appearing over the top of Allum Lane hill and also back behind you to the west, which is not safe especially for the elderly / infirm.
14. Access via The Rise will potentially lead to this road being used for a few years by construction traffic and, on a permanent basis for emergency vehicles. If such vehicles require access, the road will be accessible to other traffic causing it to become a major cut through, affecting traffic on The Rise and surrounding roads.
15. The proposal is to site the development next to the Recycling Centre. This is an important and well used resource> it is not good practice to have a housing development and surgery next to a Recycling Centre due to noise, smells etc. A housing development could result in the closing of the Recycling Centre.
Don’t forget the deadline for responding is 18th May 2024
If we all respond we can stop this development!
For more details see the Allum Lane Fields Association (ALFA) website
www.alfaelstree.weebly.com
Allum Lane Fields is Green Belt land. It must be preserved!
We do not want or need a high end Care Community in Elstree .
It is not a valid use of Green Belt land.
Join the fight to save our local green spaces:
1. Find out more about the plans and reasons to object on this website
2. Put in your own personal comments / objections, including as many reasons as possible (as each reason has to be considered individually)
3. Ensure everyone over 18 in your household responds separately
4. Do it within the deadline of 18th May 2024
5. Spread the word
How to comment / object:
1. Logging onto the website using this link
2. Emailing [email protected]
quoting the application no. 24/0442/FUL
3. Posting your comments to
The Planning and Economic Development Department,
Hertsmere Borough Council,
Civic Offices,
Elstree Way,
Borehamwood,
Herts WD6 1WA
quoting the application no. 24/0442/FUL
Responding to this planning application
- ensure you respond, in your own words, adding your own personal experience and thoughts
- include as many different reasons as you can
- use the list below, and on the ALFA website, for guidance
Reasons to object
1. Green Belt land is protected for good reason. It captures carbon to slow down climate change, ensures clean air, absorbs significant amounts of rainfall to prevent local flooding, avoids coalescence of settlements, retains an environment for wildlife and provides green spaces for our mental and physical health.
2. Green Belt land is further protected by the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) guidelines published in December 2023. This Care Community is an inappropriate development on Green Belt and there are no Very Special Circumstances for building non affordable homes, particularly the building housing a swimming pool, studio, gym, 3 treatment rooms, dining room, activity room, salon etc.
3. This development is sited adjacent to two other Green Belt sites (field to be for expansion of cemetery and Elle Dani Farm to be used for 8 luxury homes). This would cause a coalescence of settlements between Elstree and Elstree Village.“The Government attaches great importance to Green Belts. The fundamental aim of Green Belt policy is to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open; the essential characteristics of Green Belts are their openness and their permanence.” NPPF
4. There is much wildlife throughout the year on the fields. Muntjac deer are often seen and roam into adjacent gardens. The Site Assessment document states “Based on the habitat types present, it is considered that the site has potential to support breeding birds, badgers and bats.” Not only is there an abundance of wildlife but there is potential for more – but not if the land is heavily developed, regardless of the dubious biodiversity percentages.
5. This development could set a precedent for further developments on these fields.
6. There are existing issues with flooding with houses in Lodge Avenue, Bishops Avenue and The Rise all having experienced flooding due to underground streams and the high-water table. If you have experienced flooding, please include it in your response. The fields themselves may not suffer from flooding but building on the land. Concreting over this piece of Green Belt land would compromise the ‘natural soak away sponge’ effect, which could be detrimental to surrounding roads when heavy rain is experienced. Given climate change, rainfall in the UK is likely to increase.
The last paragraph of the Flood Report document states “The EA confirm the site is located in an area at High risk of surface water flooding.“
7. On the site are public Rights of Way enjoyed by walkers throughout the year. The view of the countryside from Allum Lane and surrounding roads will change the character of the entrance to Borehamwood.
8. Landscape and visual impact. The loss of this important Green Belt will have a negative impact on the general landscape
9. The proposed site for the relocation of Schopwick Surgery is not in Elstree village. Moving the surgery away from the village will make it difficult for many to access their doctors without the use of a vehicle. Allum Lane is a very steep hill and not easy to walk or cycle. Schopwick has a partner surgery in Bushey, so a location on the Bushey side of Elstree Village is advised to avoid additional traffic. Site HEL1011 Edgwarebury House would be a more suitable location for these reasons.
10. The developers own consultation showed that 40% of people did not support this location for a new care community whereas only 36% did support it.
11. No more elderly residential facilities are needed in Elstree. Elstree has two care homes, Hill House Care Home on Elstree Hill South and Elstree View Care Home, Edgwarebury Lane, off Barnet Lane. The BUPA care home on Barnet Lane has closed in recent years due to lack of occupancy. The Cecil’s Horse Sanctuary site in Elstree Village is in the Hertsmere Local Plan as a site for 141 Elderly Residence flats.
12. Increased traffic density in Allum Lane. Traffic is already gridlocked at peak times on Allum Lane. More traffic visiting a Doctors Surgery and staff, service providers, residents, and visitors to the Care Community, will bring more traffic to this narrow, overburdened road. This could add a significant amount of time to commuters on their daily work or school run. Cycling is not a safe option as the roads are very narrow and in poor order. Buses are infrequent.
13. Access to the planned development will require a proposed moving of the traffic island slightly westwards. There is no mention of the need to lower the pavement/road at the crossing as both sides are on a steep ridge. Even to cross in two halves south to north you would need to check for traffic appearing over the top of Allum Lane hill and also back behind you to the west, which is not safe especially for the elderly / infirm.
14. Access via The Rise will potentially lead to this road being used for a few years by construction traffic and, on a permanent basis for emergency vehicles. If such vehicles require access, the road will be accessible to other traffic causing it to become a major cut through, affecting traffic on The Rise and surrounding roads.
15. The proposal is to site the development next to the Recycling Centre. This is an important and well used resource> it is not good practice to have a housing development and surgery next to a Recycling Centre due to noise, smells etc. A housing development could result in the closing of the Recycling Centre.
Don’t forget the deadline for responding is 18th May 2024
If we all respond we can stop this development!
For more details see the Allum Lane Fields Association (ALFA) website
www.alfaelstree.weebly.com
March 2024: Local Plan
Within the Local Plan the Promoted Sites Map shows the development on Allum Lane (previously BE1).
There is also the comment within this plan:
"Primary healthcare – Based upon the potential distribution of development around the borough, the Herts Valleys CCG has indicated a need for a new/expanded healthcare facility within Borehamwood. The CCG has agreed the case to relocate the Schopwick surgery from Elstree Village to a site on the edge of Elstree and Borehamwood (subject to planning permission)."
For more details of the newly published Local Plan - click here.
There is also the comment within this plan:
"Primary healthcare – Based upon the potential distribution of development around the borough, the Herts Valleys CCG has indicated a need for a new/expanded healthcare facility within Borehamwood. The CCG has agreed the case to relocate the Schopwick surgery from Elstree Village to a site on the edge of Elstree and Borehamwood (subject to planning permission)."
For more details of the newly published Local Plan - click here.
July 2023
The consultation has taken place. Many local residents visited and asked detailed questions.
They have since released a website - click here to information.
If you didn't manage to attend but would like to feedback you will find the feedback form on their website. It must be returned by 9th August 2023.
REMEMBER - this is a consultation before they submit their plans. Any feedback can be used to amend these plans before they are submitted. The time to make your objections is when planning permission is applied for.
Their timescale is:
Summer 2023 - continued engagement with local stakeholders
Autumn 2023 - detailed planning application to be submitted
Late Autumn 2023 - Hertsmere Borough Council consult on the application
Spring Summer 2024 - possible decision on planning application
As soon as the plans are submitted we will advise members on how to object.
They have since released a website - click here to information.
If you didn't manage to attend but would like to feedback you will find the feedback form on their website. It must be returned by 9th August 2023.
REMEMBER - this is a consultation before they submit their plans. Any feedback can be used to amend these plans before they are submitted. The time to make your objections is when planning permission is applied for.
Their timescale is:
Summer 2023 - continued engagement with local stakeholders
Autumn 2023 - detailed planning application to be submitted
Late Autumn 2023 - Hertsmere Borough Council consult on the application
Spring Summer 2024 - possible decision on planning application
As soon as the plans are submitted we will advise members on how to object.
July 2023
Endurance Estates have resurrected their plans for Allum Lane Fields. They intend to build a doctors surgery and retirement care village on this area of Green Belt Land.
There is a consultation at Allum Hall on Wednesday 19th July 2023 at 3pm to 8pm. Please attend and find out as much as you can.
A flier has been sent to residents in the vicinity of the development - see below.
ALFA has also been resurrected, under EBGBS, to research and provide evidence to strongly object to this proposal.
There is a consultation at Allum Hall on Wednesday 19th July 2023 at 3pm to 8pm. Please attend and find out as much as you can.
A flier has been sent to residents in the vicinity of the development - see below.
ALFA has also been resurrected, under EBGBS, to research and provide evidence to strongly object to this proposal.
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September 2021
Although there are no plans for a housing estate or Care home on site BE1 there are plans for Schopwick Surgery to be relocated on this site as a large healthcare facility.
Click here for more details of Schopwick relocation.
Site HEL341 has been allocated for an extension to the cemetery.
Although there are no plans for a housing estate or Care home on site BE1 there are plans for Schopwick Surgery to be relocated on this site as a large healthcare facility.
Click here for more details of Schopwick relocation.
Site HEL341 has been allocated for an extension to the cemetery.
June 2021
An article in the Barnet Times, written by Nathan Louis, reported on the use of site HEL341 for an extension of the Allum Lane cemetery as capacity will be reached in 2023.
He stated, "The land in question is green belt and has been put forward in the local plan as a site for 69 homes and a cemetery. However, the council says housing on this site is "not acceptable" under current policies - but development of a cemetery would be, although it would still require planning permission."
Click here for Barnet Times article 11/6/21
An article in the Barnet Times, written by Nathan Louis, reported on the use of site HEL341 for an extension of the Allum Lane cemetery as capacity will be reached in 2023.
He stated, "The land in question is green belt and has been put forward in the local plan as a site for 69 homes and a cemetery. However, the council says housing on this site is "not acceptable" under current policies - but development of a cemetery would be, although it would still require planning permission."
Click here for Barnet Times article 11/6/21
May 2021
Schopwick Surgery have been offered the site next to the old Fisheries Pub, off Barnet Lane. Although this site is green belt land, the land is boggy with no footpaths, so is not used by local people for recreational purposes or for agriculture. EBGBS support the use of this land by Schopwick to relocate their Surgery.
Schopwick Surgery have been offered the site next to the old Fisheries Pub, off Barnet Lane. Although this site is green belt land, the land is boggy with no footpaths, so is not used by local people for recreational purposes or for agriculture. EBGBS support the use of this land by Schopwick to relocate their Surgery.
April 2021
Deadline for the new survey for all patients is 18th April 2021.
Please respond, objecting to the relocation on green belt land.
March 2021
A new survey has been sent to all patients. We request you respond and state your objection to a re-location site on green belt land.
February 2021 Schopwick Surgery Relocation
Patients unhappy about Schopwick Surgery Relocation plans
Click here for article in Town Crier
January 2021 Schopwick Surgery Relocation to green belt
Schopwick meeting Tuesday 26th January 202110 am via Teams with HVCCG and PPG members.
November 2020 Schopwick Surgery Relocation
Patients from Schopwick Surgery were informed of the proposed relocation of the Elstree surgery to site BE1 on 20th November 2020.
The relocation of Schopwick Surgery has been planned for an areas of green belt and includes an additional development of a large care home and c280 houses filling the BE1 site.
For further details see the Patient Liaison Booklet.
November 2018
Site BE1 covers 12.1 hectares of green belt land including footpaths, valuable open spaces and provides green belt land to avoid coalescence of settlements with Elstree village.
There is also concern that building on this site will cause already heavily congested roads to come to a standstill and cause increased flooding in surrounding areas.
ALFA (Allum Lane Fields Association) was set up by three local residents to work on behalf of those who object to the development.
See ALFA website for more information
Deadline for the new survey for all patients is 18th April 2021.
Please respond, objecting to the relocation on green belt land.
March 2021
A new survey has been sent to all patients. We request you respond and state your objection to a re-location site on green belt land.
February 2021 Schopwick Surgery Relocation
Patients unhappy about Schopwick Surgery Relocation plans
Click here for article in Town Crier
January 2021 Schopwick Surgery Relocation to green belt
Schopwick meeting Tuesday 26th January 202110 am via Teams with HVCCG and PPG members.
November 2020 Schopwick Surgery Relocation
Patients from Schopwick Surgery were informed of the proposed relocation of the Elstree surgery to site BE1 on 20th November 2020.
The relocation of Schopwick Surgery has been planned for an areas of green belt and includes an additional development of a large care home and c280 houses filling the BE1 site.
For further details see the Patient Liaison Booklet.
November 2018
Site BE1 covers 12.1 hectares of green belt land including footpaths, valuable open spaces and provides green belt land to avoid coalescence of settlements with Elstree village.
There is also concern that building on this site will cause already heavily congested roads to come to a standstill and cause increased flooding in surrounding areas.
ALFA (Allum Lane Fields Association) was set up by three local residents to work on behalf of those who object to the development.
See ALFA website for more information