Hertsmere development sites revealed ahead of draft local plan

Hertsmere Borough Council has unveiled its list of development sites that form part of its Local Plan which has been years in the making.

The Government wants 300,000 homes a year to be built across the country and councils are under pressure to find suitable sites to deliver its share of those targets.

Council officers have been scrutinising dozens and dozens of sites put forward by developers and landowners.

A total of 52 new sites comprising of 14 strategic sites and 39 smaller housing sites (12,160 homes in total) have been identified in Hertsmere for residential development within this draft local plan, which runs up until 2037/38.

In Bushey and Bushey Heath, this includes 12 sites accommodating 2,340 new homes, including the creation of two neighbourhoods.

The first neighbourhood would be land next to Little Bushey Lane, Bournehall Avenue, and Farm Way, known as Compass Park.

This would include 750 homes, a primary school, public park, and a potential secondary school.

Another major site is in Bushey Heath - 800 homes on land south of Elstree Road, known as Heathbourne Green.

The third major site is 350 homes east of Little Bushey Lane, while around 200 homes are earmarked for Bushey Country Club and 80 at Bushey Hall Farm.

Council documents state the developments at the three major sites should be 40 per cent affordable housing.

left to right: Three major housing sites earmarked in in Bushey. Left is off Farm Way (750 homes), next is off Little Bushey Lane (350) and third off Elstree Road (800). Credit: Google Maps

There are seven small sites that have been identified to build developments of between five and 35 homes.

Hertfordshire County Council has identified a need for another secondary school in Bushey but a site has not yet been determined - options include land east of Little Bushey Lane and Compass Park. It will not be at Bushey Country Club.

Primary school provision will also need to be met to meet demand from Bushey as well as Watford and Radlett.

There are no plans for brand new surgeries, but Little Bushey Lane surgery could be relocated and expanded, while land will be reserved for a possible health facility at the Heathbourne Green development.

Elsewhere in Hertsmere, 2,155 homes have been earmarked in this local plan for Borehamwood, 760 in Radlett, 290 in Shenley, 190 in Elstree, 1,750 in Potters Bar, and 225 in South Mimms.

But the bulk of development would come in the shape of a huge new housing development on the edge of Hertsmere near St Albans.

The Bowmans Cross development is designed to incorporate 6,000 homes once complete, with 2,400 delivered during this local plan period.

The land, that borders Colney Heath, Welham Green, London Colney, and the M25, would also be used for a minimum of four primary schools, at least one secondary school, a healthcare facility, offices, leisure and cultural facilities, retail, and dining.

It is estimated once complete, 14,000 people will be living at Bowmans Cross, with 40 per cent of all of the homes being delivered designated as affordable.

Highlighted in light blue is proposed new developments under the upcoming local plan in Hertsmere. Dark blue is existing settlements. Credit: Hertsmere Borough Council (Image: Hertsmere Borough Council)

The council's Executive committee will meet on September 14 to decide on the next steps for the draft local plan process.

It is expected the committee will agree to publish the draft local plan for public consultation, with consultation likely to start in October lasting for six weeks.

Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council, Cllr Morris Bright, said: "Hertsmere is a fantastic place to live which we should rightly be proud of, but this popularity does cause pressures for homes and services.

"By planning for growth locally we can ensure that we deliver the homes we need alongside the jobs, infrastructure and services to support this growth.

"Without an up-to-date plan, development can be taken out of local hands and it could mean less money for delivering the facilities and services our residents want and need."

These development proposals in Hertsmere are in addition to local plans also being undertaken in Watford, Three Rivers, and other neighbouring local authorities.