A property developer wants permission to build up to 76 homes near land set aside for wildlife.

Property firm Inland Strategic Revenue Limited has asked Hertsmere Borough Council to agree in principle to its proposals for houses on green belt land.

The new builds would comprise a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom homes directly to the north of the A411 Barnet Lane in Elstree, with access to the development from Hartfield Avenue.

The developer claims there are “very special circumstances” for building on the green belt, because the council can only demonstrate a 2.25-year supply of land for new housing.

Without a Hertsmere blueprint setting out how the authority can meet its five-year target, national rules mean decision-makers could grant planning permission.

“Hertsmere is undoubtedly required to release green belt land in order to address its housing needs,” a developer statement reads.

Watford Observer: Proposals have been launched for 76 new homes in Elstree. Proposals have been launched for 76 new homes in Elstree. (Image: Thrive/ Hertsmere Borough Council)

“The application proposals will result in adverse impact upon the openness of the green belt, although such impacts are limited to a site level and tempered by the lack of visual permeability of the site.”

The developer claims its scheme would be “landscape-led” with areas of new planting, street trees and a “wet area” or pond, as well as proposals for a play area.

Under current plans, 45 per cent of the homes are intended to be “affordable”.
Part of the development area is a “Local Wildlife Site”, according to the Hertsmere 2012-2027 housing blueprint.

Inland Strategic Revenue’s planning statement reads: “The proposals enable the local wildlife site in the north-east corner to be protected from trampling, allowing for maximum biodiversity benefits to be achieved.”

It adds: “The architectural details and materials palette will take inspiration from the site’s local context.”

Hertsmere Borough Council received the planning application on Wednesday, January 11.
A decision is expected by April 12, 2023.