A planning document outlining what should be built on three school sites in Borehamwood was expected to be rubber-stamped by councillors last night.

The brief, drawn up by borough council planning officers, sets out how the sites of Furzehill, Hillside and Lyndhurst schools should be re-developed.

Three months ago Borehamwood residents were invited to express their views on a draft version of the brief, during six weeks of public consultation.

The opinions of more than 170 residents, businesses and organisations were taken into account in the completion of the final policy document.

Senior planning officer Chris Mason said: "The brief is designed to give developers a flavour of what the council is expecting to be built on the land."

The document suggests that around 200 new homes should be built at the three school sites, which should all be vacant by February next year.

However, in a change to the draft, the updated brief states that new homes should not be built on the playing field at Furzehill School, in Furzehill Road.

The council had allocated the playing field for development, but it altered its position in response to complaints about the loss of green open space.

Mr Mason said that, in line with Government policy, the council had agreed that the sports pitches at the three sites should be preserved for future use.

The most popular opinion to emerge from the public consultation was that the county-council owned sites should not be used for housing development.

But the borough council argued that using previously-developed land to satisfy house-building targets was preferable to using Green Belt countryside.

Through the consultation, public support was shown for a new library and health centre at Furzehill, and facilities for cubs and scouts at Lyndhurst.

Although the brief does allocate land at Furzehill for community use, the county council has said it may not be a suitable location for a new library. The brief clearly states that Hillside's sports hall should be refurbished and kept open, and that a new youth centre should be built at Lyndhurst.

Borough councillors will use the brief to reach decisions on planning applications for the sites, which are likely to be submitted soon.

October 25, 2001 10:38

MARK FOY