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.