April 2024: Letter from Oliver Dowden MP
April 2024: Details of plans
23/0937/OUT | Outline planning application for the erection of up to 220 dwellings, including 50% affordable housing, self-build/custom-build plots, green infrastructure (including public open space, play area, landscape planting and sustainable drainage systems), ecological enhancements to Woodcock Hill Village Green, new multi-modal vehicular access from Furzehill Road, emergency, pedestrian and cycle access from Carrington Avenue, and associated works and development. (Outline Application to include Access, with all other matters reserved). | Land Off Barnet Lane And Furzehill Road Borehamwood Hertfordshire.
Click here to view the details on the HBC Planning site.
See below an extract from the HBC site showing the site plan.
Click here to view the details on the HBC Planning site.
See below an extract from the HBC site showing the site plan.
March 2024: Planning Meeting 11th March 2024 - Permission REFUSED
We would like to thank Pat Strack and Cllr. Morris Bright for speaking on behalf of the Green Belt. Cllr. Bright read from a letter from Oliver Dowden MP, who also strongly supported the protection of this land from development.
Pat Strack has summarised the result in a letter below:
A Victory for the Green Belt
Discussed at last night's planning meeting I am delighted to say there was a majority to reject the application as no very special circumstances had been demonstrated
Total against building on the green belt 6 for 4 abstention 1
4 conservatives against the planning application Cllrs Paul Hodgson-Jones, Sarah Hodgson-Jones, David Lambert, Paul Morris
1 Lib Dem against the planning application Cllr Marc Amron
1 Labour against the planning application Cllr Aaditya Kaza
Total 6
1 abstention Lib Dem Cllr Miles Ponder
3 Labour for the application to build on the green belt Cllrs Chris Gary, Rani Parveen, Linda Smith
1 Lib dem for the application Cllr Alan Matthews
Total 4
A victory, too, for trying to dump so much building in out Town and Green Belt without any real benefit for the town housing needs.
100 market place homes prices in the region of £1million. Does not address the Town housing need
104 includes affordable. Well only for very few people in our town Does not address the Town housing need
Social to be taken from the whole of Hertsmere Does not address the Town housing need
First Homes available to any one who works, has family or a child in school in Hertsmere Does not address the Town housing need. Available to anyone outside Hertsmere in those categories
Could be significant in the fight to stop building in the Green Belt on land north of Barnet Lane at Hartfield Avenue!
Thanks for those who came along to support The meeting started late because not enough spaces were set up for the public.
Regards Pat Strack
Acting Chair EBGBS
Pat Strack has summarised the result in a letter below:
A Victory for the Green Belt
Discussed at last night's planning meeting I am delighted to say there was a majority to reject the application as no very special circumstances had been demonstrated
Total against building on the green belt 6 for 4 abstention 1
4 conservatives against the planning application Cllrs Paul Hodgson-Jones, Sarah Hodgson-Jones, David Lambert, Paul Morris
1 Lib Dem against the planning application Cllr Marc Amron
1 Labour against the planning application Cllr Aaditya Kaza
Total 6
1 abstention Lib Dem Cllr Miles Ponder
3 Labour for the application to build on the green belt Cllrs Chris Gary, Rani Parveen, Linda Smith
1 Lib dem for the application Cllr Alan Matthews
Total 4
A victory, too, for trying to dump so much building in out Town and Green Belt without any real benefit for the town housing needs.
100 market place homes prices in the region of £1million. Does not address the Town housing need
104 includes affordable. Well only for very few people in our town Does not address the Town housing need
Social to be taken from the whole of Hertsmere Does not address the Town housing need
First Homes available to any one who works, has family or a child in school in Hertsmere Does not address the Town housing need. Available to anyone outside Hertsmere in those categories
Could be significant in the fight to stop building in the Green Belt on land north of Barnet Lane at Hartfield Avenue!
Thanks for those who came along to support The meeting started late because not enough spaces were set up for the public.
Regards Pat Strack
Acting Chair EBGBS
January 2024: Planning Meeting 18th January 2024
The HBC Planning Meeting on 18/1/24 discussed this application amongst others. EBGBS were represented by Pat Strack who spoke against the application, as did Cllr. Morris Bright. Cllr. Paul Morris stated there were no Very Special Circumstances and was supported by Cllr. Christian Grey.
The decision was delayed to give time for further information to be provided by 31/1/24. We are unsure when the decision will be made and announced.
The decision was delayed to give time for further information to be provided by 31/1/24. We are unsure when the decision will be made and announced.
10th August 2023 - Letter of Objection from Chair on behalf of EBGBS
27th June 2023: Plans submitted for 220 homes
Applic ID: 23/0937/OUT Category: Committee Decision Ward: Borehamwood Hillside
Location: Land Off Barnet Lane And, Furzehill Road, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire,
Proposal: Outline planning application for the erection of up to 220 dwellings, including 50% affordable housing, self-build/custom-build plots, green infrastructure (including public open space, play area, landscape planting and sustainable drainage systems), ecological enhancements to Woodcock Hill Village Green, new multi-modal vehicular access from Furzehill Road, emergency, pedestrian and cycle access from Carrington Avenue, and associated works and development. (Outline Application to include Access, with all other matters reserved).
We were told at the meeting with the agent that were they to get permission development may be spread over 5 years.
Please send your objection letter (see below for content) to:
[email protected], quoting the application reference number
cc:
Mr. Ross Whear (Head of Planning HBC) [email protected]
Cllr. Christian Gray (Chair HBC Planning Committee) [email protected]
Cllr. Jeremy Newmark (Leader HBC) [email protected]
Oliver Dowden [email protected]
[email protected]
Pat Strack [email protected]
Important dates:
Planning application submitted: 27th June 2023
Objections must be received by: 10th August 2023
Determination deadline: 26th September 2023
Location: Land Off Barnet Lane And, Furzehill Road, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire,
Proposal: Outline planning application for the erection of up to 220 dwellings, including 50% affordable housing, self-build/custom-build plots, green infrastructure (including public open space, play area, landscape planting and sustainable drainage systems), ecological enhancements to Woodcock Hill Village Green, new multi-modal vehicular access from Furzehill Road, emergency, pedestrian and cycle access from Carrington Avenue, and associated works and development. (Outline Application to include Access, with all other matters reserved).
We were told at the meeting with the agent that were they to get permission development may be spread over 5 years.
Please send your objection letter (see below for content) to:
[email protected], quoting the application reference number
cc:
Mr. Ross Whear (Head of Planning HBC) [email protected]
Cllr. Christian Gray (Chair HBC Planning Committee) [email protected]
Cllr. Jeremy Newmark (Leader HBC) [email protected]
Oliver Dowden [email protected]
[email protected]
Pat Strack [email protected]
Important dates:
Planning application submitted: 27th June 2023
Objections must be received by: 10th August 2023
Determination deadline: 26th September 2023
10th March 2023: Objection letter - We need your help
Dear Supporter of the Environment
Below is a template to email to Barratt homes objecting to their building proposals 220 dwellings including flats for the Horses Field site BE6.
WHVG committee and our volunteers encourage you to object
email details at the bottom For ease the template is attached
There are 2000 leaflets to deliver Can you deliver 100? Please contact me [email protected]
Regards
Pat Strack
Committee Member of EBGBS and Chair of WHVG
Dear Sir/Madam,
I/we am/are writing to express my/our objections to the proposed construction of 220 dwellings by Barratt Homes in the current Horse' Field BE6. This development will adversely affect the entire Borehamwood and Elstree area.
This site is in the green belt and a local wild life site. Barratts do not demonstrate very special circumstances for taking the site out of the green belt.
Only 1371 households have been notified of this proposal, despite its significant impact on the entire area, especially given that the development is located at a crucial intersection for accessing and leaving the area. This was a tick box exercise a poor attempt at consultation.
There is only one entrance to the development via Furzehill Road, which is already congested and busy. The emergency entrance by the entrance to the Village Green on Carrington Ave is also narrow and congested, with parked vehicles and beside a steep hill. The development will exacerbate traffic congestion in the area, which will have a widespread impact on the Town.
There will be an impact on local biodiversity and habitats. The development will result in a significant loss of green space, which is crucial for local wildlife and green corridors. The additional traffic and residents will also lead to an increase in pollution and carbon footprint.
The proposed development will put additional strain on essential local services such as doctors' surgeries, which are already overstretched. Shops, leisure and entertainment are far distant from the site ensuring an increase in car travel: an estimate of another 500 vehicles. The distance to these services from the proposed development is too far. Apart from an oversubscribed secondary faith school, the secondary school is a car or bus journey away.
The development will do nothing to address housing need in the Town. 50% of homes will be on the open market. Barratts suggest that it could take 5 years to develop the site according to the market. That would cause disruption and pollution over a prolonged period.
The development is being proposed on green belt land. This land is of significant value and importance, building on it cannot be justified.
In conclusion, carefully consider my objections and those of the wider community. This development will have far-reaching consequences for the area, and is not in the best interests of the local community.
Please note my objections.
Yours faithfully,
Name
Address
Postcode
Please email to objections to: [email protected] by 13th March
Copy in Cllr. Harvey Cohen [email protected]
Cllr Morris Bright (Leader) [email protected]
Oliver Dowden [email protected]
Pat Strack [email protected]
Below is a template to email to Barratt homes objecting to their building proposals 220 dwellings including flats for the Horses Field site BE6.
WHVG committee and our volunteers encourage you to object
email details at the bottom For ease the template is attached
There are 2000 leaflets to deliver Can you deliver 100? Please contact me [email protected]
Regards
Pat Strack
Committee Member of EBGBS and Chair of WHVG
Dear Sir/Madam,
I/we am/are writing to express my/our objections to the proposed construction of 220 dwellings by Barratt Homes in the current Horse' Field BE6. This development will adversely affect the entire Borehamwood and Elstree area.
This site is in the green belt and a local wild life site. Barratts do not demonstrate very special circumstances for taking the site out of the green belt.
Only 1371 households have been notified of this proposal, despite its significant impact on the entire area, especially given that the development is located at a crucial intersection for accessing and leaving the area. This was a tick box exercise a poor attempt at consultation.
There is only one entrance to the development via Furzehill Road, which is already congested and busy. The emergency entrance by the entrance to the Village Green on Carrington Ave is also narrow and congested, with parked vehicles and beside a steep hill. The development will exacerbate traffic congestion in the area, which will have a widespread impact on the Town.
There will be an impact on local biodiversity and habitats. The development will result in a significant loss of green space, which is crucial for local wildlife and green corridors. The additional traffic and residents will also lead to an increase in pollution and carbon footprint.
The proposed development will put additional strain on essential local services such as doctors' surgeries, which are already overstretched. Shops, leisure and entertainment are far distant from the site ensuring an increase in car travel: an estimate of another 500 vehicles. The distance to these services from the proposed development is too far. Apart from an oversubscribed secondary faith school, the secondary school is a car or bus journey away.
The development will do nothing to address housing need in the Town. 50% of homes will be on the open market. Barratts suggest that it could take 5 years to develop the site according to the market. That would cause disruption and pollution over a prolonged period.
The development is being proposed on green belt land. This land is of significant value and importance, building on it cannot be justified.
In conclusion, carefully consider my objections and those of the wider community. This development will have far-reaching consequences for the area, and is not in the best interests of the local community.
Please note my objections.
Yours faithfully,
Name
Address
Postcode
Please email to objections to: [email protected] by 13th March
Copy in Cllr. Harvey Cohen [email protected]
Cllr Morris Bright (Leader) [email protected]
Oliver Dowden [email protected]
Pat Strack [email protected]
13th January 2023: Letter regarding development
Letter from Ann Goddard 13th January 2023
28 Deacons Hill Road
Elstree
Herts WD6 3LH
Elstree and Borehamwood Green Belt Society strongly object to the i position of 230-250 new houses as proposed by Barratt Homes on the Horses Field – site B6 on the grounds of irretrievable loss of Green Belt land without the very special circumstances allowing for building on Green Belt.
The housing targets are being revised downwards by Central Government following the review of population growth forecasts. Hertfordshire has lower targets under special Government housing restrictions to protect Green Belt according to the National Planning Policy Framework 2021.
The traffic load on the local road grid will be much increased with yet more noise and air pollution. Recent traffic surveys do not accurately reflect the congestion that we all experience.
The infrastructure,particularly in the Health services, would be severely overstretched.
There will be inevitable impact on wildlife habitat as reduction in the area of the Village Green and the nearby presence of houses will make it less attractive and suitable for flora and fauna. The Village Green has been carefully maintained as a habitat since 2008.
The community worked to establish the Village Green and achieved this in July 2008 since when it has been used for recreation exercise and as a venue for celebrations such as the Platinum Jubilee and the forth coming Coronation. The proposed housing estate would impact on the historic site of the Beacon which in Tudor times was part of a chain of communication between the coast and London Whitehall. It was also the site of Lord George Murray’s Optical Telegraph which replaced the Beacon in the 18th century. The Beacon is still lighted for national occasions.
For all these reasons we oppose the plan by Barratt Homes for this development.
Ann Goddard Chair E&B GBS.
28 Deacons Hill Road
Elstree
Herts WD6 3LH
Elstree and Borehamwood Green Belt Society strongly object to the i position of 230-250 new houses as proposed by Barratt Homes on the Horses Field – site B6 on the grounds of irretrievable loss of Green Belt land without the very special circumstances allowing for building on Green Belt.
The housing targets are being revised downwards by Central Government following the review of population growth forecasts. Hertfordshire has lower targets under special Government housing restrictions to protect Green Belt according to the National Planning Policy Framework 2021.
The traffic load on the local road grid will be much increased with yet more noise and air pollution. Recent traffic surveys do not accurately reflect the congestion that we all experience.
The infrastructure,particularly in the Health services, would be severely overstretched.
There will be inevitable impact on wildlife habitat as reduction in the area of the Village Green and the nearby presence of houses will make it less attractive and suitable for flora and fauna. The Village Green has been carefully maintained as a habitat since 2008.
The community worked to establish the Village Green and achieved this in July 2008 since when it has been used for recreation exercise and as a venue for celebrations such as the Platinum Jubilee and the forth coming Coronation. The proposed housing estate would impact on the historic site of the Beacon which in Tudor times was part of a chain of communication between the coast and London Whitehall. It was also the site of Lord George Murray’s Optical Telegraph which replaced the Beacon in the 18th century. The Beacon is still lighted for national occasions.
For all these reasons we oppose the plan by Barratt Homes for this development.
Ann Goddard Chair E&B GBS.
January 11th 2023 : Zoom Meeting with Geoff Armstrong
A Zoom meeting was held with Geoff Armstrong, Developer working for Barrett Homes on January 11th 2023. The meeting was set up by Pat Strack and was attended by members of the EBGBS committee, WHVG committee and local residents.
Here are some of the points made by Mr Armstrong in his presentation and in answer to questions:
1. The site in question was BE6 from the original Local Plan 2022.
2. The Barratt homes application to be submitted to Planning HBC in Feb/Mar 2023.
3. The plans will be for 230 homes in total 50% open market and 50% affordable (inc. self-build (5%)). Flats included in the development will be 2 1/2 storeys (ie loft rooms).
4. The build will take approximately 5 years to complete.
5. The only access to the estate will be via Furzhill Road.
6. The traffic survey by HCC and the London Transport and Highways Authority traffic model surveys taken in 2020 and 2020/21 show there is capacity for 250 homes in the area, with no severe impact, although this doesn't take into account other developments taking place in the vicinity.
7. The development will have green spaces and pay for a hut and notice boards on the "new" village green.
8. Very Special Circumstances to build on green belt land will be sought as Hertsmere do not have a local plan and housing is needed.
9. Habitats will be removed as part of the development but will be replaced on the green areas. According to Mr. Armstrong the biodiversity matrix used will show the requirement to reinstate will be exceeded.
Here are some of the points made by Mr Armstrong in his presentation and in answer to questions:
1. The site in question was BE6 from the original Local Plan 2022.
2. The Barratt homes application to be submitted to Planning HBC in Feb/Mar 2023.
3. The plans will be for 230 homes in total 50% open market and 50% affordable (inc. self-build (5%)). Flats included in the development will be 2 1/2 storeys (ie loft rooms).
4. The build will take approximately 5 years to complete.
5. The only access to the estate will be via Furzhill Road.
6. The traffic survey by HCC and the London Transport and Highways Authority traffic model surveys taken in 2020 and 2020/21 show there is capacity for 250 homes in the area, with no severe impact, although this doesn't take into account other developments taking place in the vicinity.
7. The development will have green spaces and pay for a hut and notice boards on the "new" village green.
8. Very Special Circumstances to build on green belt land will be sought as Hertsmere do not have a local plan and housing is needed.
9. Habitats will be removed as part of the development but will be replaced on the green areas. According to Mr. Armstrong the biodiversity matrix used will show the requirement to reinstate will be exceeded.