Nearly 400 homes on Chiswell Green green belt could be approved

The housing development, which could also feature a primary school, has been earmarked on land off Chiswell Green Lane in Chiswell Green Lane.

More than 800 objections have been received by St Albans District Council to Cala Homes’ plans but the council’s planning committee are being recommended to pass the outline application when it meets on November 28.

Read more: Major affordable housing development in Chiswell Green rejected

Among the concerns highlighted by locals are loss of protected green belt land and green space, impact on wildlife, traffic congestion, and impact on schools and health services which are already described by people living in the area as “oversubscribed”.

Organisations including Chiswell Green Residents’ Association, Keep Chiswell Green, St Albans Civic Society, and the Campaign to Protect Rural England have submitted its opposition to the scheme, along with local Liberal Democrat councillors Vladimir Jirasek and Giles Fry.

In all, Cala wants to build up to 391 homes and provide space for a primary school to be built on what is currently a livery yard and riding school.

The development would provide affordable housing at a level of 40% (156) of the total homes built but the exact type of tenure is still to be confirmed.

Read more: CCTV footage shows BMW doing doughnuts around Chiswell Green petrol pumps

A council planning officer has concluded the “potential harm” to the green belt is “clearly outweighed” by other considerations, such as the number of affordable homes, potential for a school biodiversity net-gain and economic benefits.

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