Hundreds of homes could be built on former green belt land after an updated version of a local plan was agreed.

Last night (October 15), Dacorum Borough Council approved the latest version of its draft local plan by 25 votes to 13, with more sites added in response to government targets.

One of the new sites is Shendish Manor, to the east of the Shendish Manor Hotel and Golf Course.

Under the new plan, the site would be partly released from the green belt, with 500 homes potentially built from 2027.

As well as the homes, the council is eyeing the land for a community building, a 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. 

(Image: Google Street View) Dacorum is one of a number of councils accelerating its local plan timetable in response to July's general election.

The Government has announced a revised National Planning Policy Framework which the council fears would significantly increase Dacorum’s housing requirement.

The local plan will now move to a six-week public consultation, after which it could be submitted to Westminster for approval.