The public could help direct plans to build 6,000 homes near London Colney, amid council leaders warning that the area could “grind to a halt”.
Hertsmere Borough Council is currently consulting on its draft Local Plan, which outlines development in the borough between 2022 and 2038.
Hertsmere’s plan requires 12,160 new homes to be built between 2022 and 2038 to meet its housing target.
A new community is proposed at Bowmans Cross, on the Tyttenhanger Estate near the M25 and a public consultation is being held to ensure that the right plans are developed at the site.
Developers Urban&Clniic say they would bring 6,000 homes with up to 2,400 affordable homes – supported by a range of facilities and services including up to five primary schools, two secondary schools, a new health centre, community centres and sports facilities.
Alongside Hertsmere’s draft local plan consultation, the developers will be holding some drop-in sessions so that people can find out more about the plans for Bowmans Cross, help shape the vision, and also ensure they can use the discussions to inform their feedback on the Local Plan consultation.
It comes amid concerns expressed by St Albans MP Daisy, while St Albans council leader Cllr Chris White questioned how the road networks would be able to cope with an estimated 15,000 extra people.
Cllr White previously said: ”We have this finger of development, half of Hertsmere’s development, basically stuck between two St Albans villages who have been noting and indeed complaining for some time, with massive reason, that the roads and the entire network is already incredibly stressed."
Hertsmere MP Oliver Dowden also wrote to Housing Secretary Michael Gove recently to “ask him to look again at Hertsmere’s housing numbers and to consider whether they are up to date and appropriate”.
Rebecca Britton, communities and partnerships director at Urban&Civic said: “We are at an early stage in the process and want to introduce our team and our emerging vision for Bowmans Cross so that local communities can help shape the plans as they evolve, and to encourage people to input to the discussions around the Hertsmere Local Plan and plans for future growth across the area.
“We hope these next discussions can refine the plans further and help us to address some of the key transport and zero carbon challenges we are also committed to unlocking.
“All of these issues must come together to ensure a truly sustainable new community, that works with its existing neighbours effectively.”
Drop-in sessions will be held be held at the following locations:
19 November 2021
1.30– 6.30pm
South Mimms Village Hall, 3 Blanche Lane
South Mimms EN6 3PD
20 November 2021
11.30am–5.30pm
Caledon Community Centre, Caledon Road
London Colney AL2 1PU
22 November 2021
1.00–7.00pm
Colney Heath Village Hall, 83 High Street
Colney Heath AL4 0NS
24 November 2021
1.30–6.30pm
The Chapel, Porters Park Drive
Shenley WD7 9EZ
An online consultation will also run from November 19 and December 20 at www.bowmanscross.co.uk
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