Objections fly in over plans to build houses at Harts Farm in Bushey

Developer Redrow Homes has eyed up Harts Farm in Little Bushey Lane, Bushey, for a residential development.

The proposal was submitted to Hertsmere Borough Council in late June and prompted a deluge of opposition in the planning portal.

Campaign group Little Bushey Community, which has been leading the fight and plans to deliver 5,000 flyers about the scheme, has highlighted several issues.

This group estimates the development will generate 1,200 more cars on the “already congested” Little Bushey Lane, especially if a primary school is built alongside the homes.

Read more: Plans for up to 310 homes and school on farmland submitted

Outlined in red is the application site. Credit: Google Maps

Little Bushey Community adds the Environment Agency has identified the site and surrounding area as a flood plain.

Campaigners have also pointed towards wildlife on the site, including muntjac deer, bats, and Canada geese, as well as two public footpaths.

The land is also home to horses. Credit: Little Bushey Community

Acknowledging the green belt status of the land, Little Bushey Community spokesperson Nik Oakley said: “There are no special circumstances why this area of green belt should be developed for housing.

“Government says that brownfield sites should be used before green belt and we entirely agree.”

An example of flooding in Little Bushey Lane. Credit: Little Bushey Community

A planning statement says the outline scheme would provide “much needed” housing adding 40 per cent of the homes would be designated as affordable, although it does not state what type of affordable housing.

Understanding the "sensitivity" around green belt applications and acknowleding the number of objections, Redrow Homes says it is proposing to engage with the community in the coming weeks to "directly address the key issues raised".

A spokesperson added this site had been put forward in the council's now "shelved" draft local plan which outlined land to meet Government housing targets.

Read more: Next steps agreed by council on Hertsmere local plan process

A banner that went up last year over concerns Harts Farm could be used for 350 homes and a school. Credit: Little Bushey Community

Hertsmere Borough Council has confirmed the public consultation has been extended by two weeks until July 25, after campaigners accused the council of notifying some residents about the plans too late.

A council spokesperson said: “We can confirm the public consultation is running until July 25 and we welcome all comments.

“You can find details about the application and submit comments by going to www.hertsmere.gov.uk/planningapplications and searching for application number 22/1071/OUT.”