Developers eye 600-homes plan near Whippendell Wood

A new one-form primary school, community centre with GP surgery, and country park would also be built as part of the scheme next to Whippendell Wood and the West Herts Golf Club.

The outline plans were detailed in preliminary documents submitted to Three Rivers District Council last week on behalf of the landowners.

Built across 100 acres of green belt fields, the developers said the scheme would “deliver a carefully-designed, responsive and sustainable community that will seamlessly integrate with Croxley Green, providing a range of homes to meet all needs”.

An overview of the proposed mixed-use development. (Image: RPS Consulting Services)

They added: “The site would deliver substantial public benefits locally, including a high-quality housing development for which there is a clear need, in a sustainable location."

The neighbouring Whippendell Wood is believed to be 400 years old, according to the Woodland Trust charity, and is designated a “site of special scientific interest” due to its various habitats.

While the applicant acknowledged the woodland’s historic status, they said mitigation measures such as planting barrier hedges would be used to avoid any “significant impacts”.

Whippendell Wood is designated a site of special scientific interest. (Image: Watford Borough Council) It is one of several potential large developments in Three Rivers, including a full planning application for 675 homes east of Green Street, Chorleywood, and a screening request for 400 homes between Catlips Farm and the M25.

The proposed scheme would have buildings ranging from two to four storeys, with the tallest ones concentrated in the centre of the site. 

It would retain some green areas through a new country park to the north of the plot, children’s play spaces, sports pitches, and community growing areas such as allotments and orchards.

The community hub would also feature a convenience shop, community room and workspace, as well as the potential for a medical centre and pharmacy.

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Residents would access the new estate through two new entrances at the junctions of Little Green Lane with Durrants Drive and Canterbury Way.

The site, which is located in “moderate to high” risk green belt land, was recommended but not included in TRDC’s draft local plan.

Planning officers deemed it “suitable” and “developable” for a residential estate, although they warned small areas were at risk of surface water flooding.