Plans are in the pipeline for new "passive houses" on vacant land near Oxhey, as a public meeting shed more light on the possible development.

A community workshop was held yesterday evening (September 26) by developer GS8 at the Watford Rural Parish Council offices over the approximately 7.6-acre plot of grassland east of Oxhey Lane.

The developer said it plans to “submit a strategy to bring forward an innovative, planet positive development on the site, shaped by the Oxhey community”.

An overview of the proposed development.An overview of the proposed development. (Image: GS8) GS8 felt residents had been “receptive” to development at the site following a previous consultation in July, and said they appreciated the “early and open approach to communications”.

A spokesperson for the developer said the number of homes planned would depend on feedback from the community and what can be accommodated at the site.

They added: "We will now be working with our team to progress the ideas to the point of having initial numbers prior to the end of the year, which we’ll share when we hold our next event." 

Three Rivers had suggested a capacity of 149 homes when it was initially considered for the local plan, although it was not included in the end as it fell into an “area of very high green belt harm”.

The developer has however proposed to allocate at least 20 per cent of the homes as two-bedrooms for young families and downsizers.

Following residents’ comments, a children’s play space, picnic area, nature trails and communal spaces are being considered for the development.

A stock visualisation of GS8 developments.A stock visualisation of GS8 developments. (Image: GS8)

A possible pedestrian footpath to the fields to the north east and Horsehaven Mews in Oxhey Village has also been proposed.

As eco-concerns were also reportedly important to locals, GS8 said the homes will be built to more than “passive house” standards, meaning they generate more energy than they consume by solar panels and heat pumps, while keeping heat in through airtightness.

The developer has also proposed new hedgerows as green buffers around the edges of the site, with footpaths to existing green spaces.

Concerns were raised over the estate’s impact on local traffic, and GS8 said it would be accessed by a priority junction onto Oxhey Lane with a ghost island right-turn lane to allow northbound cars to turn into the site.

Residents-only electric vehicle and bicycle clubs in partnership with Nissan and Volt respectively are also in consideration to encourage fewer car journeys. 

A public exhibition on the finalised plans is expected towards the end of the year.