Plans for 135 homes at Rectory Farm in Kings Langley submitted

The proposals for Rectory Farm include 135 homes, community facilities, and new open public space.

It would be in addition to 55 homes already under construction just to the south of the site by a separate housebuilder, Miller Homes.

Cala Homes and Angle Property says its proposed development would deliver a “range of wide reaching economic, social and environmental benefits”.

A total of 135 homes are proposed, of which 91 are to be three or four bedrooms.

There are 54 homes which are set to be designated as “affordable” which is 40 per cent of the scheme, exceeding Dacorum Borough Council’s policy requirements.

The planning statement says 75 per cent of those 54 homes will be for social rent with a quarter for shared ownership.

Aerial view of the proposed development within the red lines. Credit: Google Maps/Cala Homes/Angle Property

Alongside homes, community facilities are proposed. This includes a café and farm shop, a cycle hub, repair shed, and meeting and office space.

Outside, there are plans for play spaces, open space near the Grand Union Canal, and pedestrian and cycle routes, with 369 parking spaces across the whole of the development.

The proposed access to the development is from Hempstead Road. Miller Homes’ scheme is accessed from Gade Valley Close.

Land at Rectory Farm under threat from development. Credit: Green Belt Matters

The development site is situated within the green belt which means the applicant will likely need to demonstrate very special circumstances to gain permission.

The planning documents state housing need, the amount of affordable housing being proposed, and the environmental plans justify approval.

However, land has been identified as suitable to build 200 homes on as part of the council’s now delayed local plan process, which aims to set out how and where Government housing targets will be met.

The application, which has just gone out to public consultation, will be considered by the council’s planning committee at a later date.

People living in Kings Langley have previously raised concerns about development at Rectory Farm, including Kings Langley and District Residents’ Association chairman Gary Ansell, who fears the village “feel” could be lost.

The plans can be viewed on Dacorum Borough Council’s portal via reference 22/01836/MFA.