Developers could build 500 homes after a new patch of land was added to the latest draft of a local plan.

The updated version of the New Dacorum Local Plan, presented at a borough council meeting on Wednesday evening, includes more sites allocated for potential housebuilding amid fears previous versions would be knocked back for not meeting yearly targets.

One site that has been added is Shendish Manor, to the east of the Shendish Manor Hotel and Golf Course, which would be partly released from the green belt and built on from 2027 or 2028.

It has been suggested that around 500 properties, including homes for older people and supported housing, could be built on it. Dacorum council is also looking for a community building, a two-from-entry primary school, natural green space, and new and enhanced golf facilities.

Access would be via Shearwater Road to the north and Rucklers Lane to the south. There is a proposed requirement for Apsley Station to get a boost along with any development.

The site from above, the area nearest the hotel would be retained as green belt land while the east (near the railway track) would be removed.The site from above, the area nearest the hotel would be retained as green belt land while the east (near the railway track) would be removed. (Image: Google Maps) Council officers are aiming to submit the plan before central government introduces changes to the National Planning Policy Framework that would significantly increase Dacorum’s housing requirement - meaning more delay as it would have to be reworked.

The full document will also be on the agenda for a cabinet meeting on Monday, October 14 and a full council meeting the next day for approval.