Fresh details have been released on plans for hundreds of new homes next to an ancient beauty spot near Watford.

A public consultation has been launched online over a proposed 600-home development on 101 acres of agricultural land next to Whippendell Wood and the West Herts Golf Club, after preliminary plans were revealed in early August.

As well as featuring CGIs of how the estate could look, the interactive website by development firm Richborough also revealed that a corridor of green space would run through the middle of the new estate to retain the view of the 19th century grade-II listed Durrants House in Croxley Green.

An overview of the proposed mixed-use development. An overview of the proposed mixed-use development. (Image: RPS Consulting Services) The green space would lead towards a proposed country park at the northern end which would keep existing public footpaths and include new play areas, walking routes and wetlands, with the possibility of new sports pitches and a small car parking area.

As the proposed scheme would border Whippendell Wood, which is thought to be over 400 years old, a 30-metre barrier would be implemented next to the woodland with controls on artificial light around the edge of the development.  

The new properties would be a mix of sizes with 50 per cent offered at affordable rates, with the majority between two to three storeys.

Some buildings of four floors would also be built to create “landmarks, focal buildings and address internal views”.

The proposed estate would mainly be two to three storeys-tall, with some landmark four-floor buildings.The proposed estate would mainly be two to three storeys-tall, with some landmark four-floor buildings. (Image: Richborough) The new homes’ design would “capture the essence of historic parts of Croxley Green” by taking inspiration from Victorian and Georgian architecture.

To accommodate for the increased population, there are plans for a one-form entry primary school with additional land earmarked to expand it to two-form entry if necessary.

The proposed local centre would include a convenience store, medical centre and pharmacy.The proposed local centre would include a convenience store, medical centre and pharmacy. (Image: Richborough)

A proposed “local centre” would also feature a medical centre and pharmacy, convenience store and a “healthy eating” café.

The corridor of green space.The corridor of green space. (Image: Richborough)

Residents would access the new estate through two new entrances at the junctions of Little Green Lane with Durrants Drive and Canterbury Way, and a circular bus will run around the estate.

The new estate would be next to Whippendell Wood, which is thought be over 400 years old.The new estate would be next to Whippendell Wood, which is thought be over 400 years old. (Image: Watford Borough Council) The site, which is located in “moderate to high-risk” green belt land, was previously recommended but not included in Three Rivers District Council's draft local plan.

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

All responses to the public consultation are requested before Sunday, October 6.