Residents have hit out at plans for a 1,300-home “intergenerational” estate on a Green Belt site.

Care home operator Trulocom has applied for permission to redevelop a 93-acre plot of land to the south of Bushey between Heathbourne Road and the M1.

According to the plans, which have received 16 objections and 22 comments in support so far, around 70 per cent of the homes would be designed for elderly people or those needing care services.

Care home operator Trulocom has submitted plans for a major housing development south of Bushey. Care home operator Trulocom has submitted plans for a major housing development south of Bushey. (Image: Trulocom) Online teacher Linda Rauch, who has lived in the town for 17 years, said: “I feel shocked and appalled that anybody would want to create such an overdevelopment.”

“Bushey is slowly being destroyed,” the 61-year-old mum of one added. “We're becoming part of the urban sprawl of Stanmore and London and we're losing our character, which is very upsetting.”

Linda Rauch said Bushey was slowly being destroyed by development.Linda Rauch said Bushey was slowly being destroyed by development. (Image: Linda Rauch)

She raised concerns that the new homes would put additional pressure on the surrounding roads, high street parking, and on local amenities like GP surgeries.

The site is designated as Green Belt, but the developer said it would provide a “natural extension” to the town as well as meet the area’s housing needs and reduce demand on local healthcare services by providing a health and wellness hub.

A master plan for the proposed 1,300-home scheme.A master plan for the proposed 1,300-home scheme. (Image: Trulocom) Anika Patel, interim leader of the Bushey Heath Residents Association, said: “The reaction that I had to the plans was ‘this is insane’. This cannot happen.”

She has lived with her family opposite the land all her life and called the site “completely inappropriate” for development, warning that the roads could not accommodate the increased traffic.

“I've been door-to-door and I don't think I know anyone that has thought it's a good idea,” Anika added.

The development would feature both apartment blocks and single-family homes up to 25 metres tall.The development would feature both apartment blocks and single-family homes up to 25 metres tall. (Image: Trulocom)

While the plot was initially earmarked for 800 homes in the Hertsmere draft local plan in 2021, it was removed along with the Compass Park and Harts Farm sites when the draft was revised in 2024.

A spokesperson for developer Trulocom said the plans would increase road capacity, reduce delays and alleviate traffic problems by allocating more land towards highways and increasing the frequency of the 306 bus service between Elstree and Bushey. 

The design of the new estate would reflect Bushey Heath’s character in order to blend the development into the area, despite its “limited visibility” from the road.

The developer added: “The public benefits are multiple and attract very substantial weight. The benefits are overwhelming and very special circumstances clearly exist.”