700 homes approved on green belt land in Hemel Hempstead

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 14:38 · Archive

Planning permission has been granted for 700 homes on green belt land off Berkhamsted Road in Hemel Hempstead.

Planning permission has been granted for 700 homes to be built on green belt land off Berkhamsted Road on the northern edge of Hemel Hempstead. Dacorum Borough Council's planning committee voted to accept a recommendation from planning officers to approve the scheme at a meeting on 15 October. The development will also include a primary school, care home, children's home and neighbourhood centre.

Committee members raised concerns about the impact on traffic and the green belt. Two hundred and twenty-eight residents wrote to the council to object to the development. Cllr Claire Hobson said that Government changes to planning rules had reduced councillors' ability to act on residents' views, though she said she could not find 'any material planning reasons' for refusal. Cllr Alan Anderson said councillors were 'hand-tied' by planning rules.

Planning officers concluded that although the development would cause substantial harm to the green belt, this would be 'clearly outweighed' by the 'substantial' benefits, especially the building of housing and affordable homes. Permission was granted for the principle of development and for access plans, which include a single entry and exit point for vehicles from a new three-exit roundabout off Berkhamsted Road. Further details including precise layout and appearance will be determined through future applications.

How it is being reported

• 700 homes approved on green belt land in Hemel Hempstead despite traffic concernsPermission has been granted for 700 homes to be built on green belt land off Berkhamsted Road on the northern edge of Hemel Hempstead.Herts Advertiser · 19 Oct, 14:21
• Permission granted for 700 new homes on edge of Hemel HempsteadPermission has been granted for 700 homes to be built on green belt land off Berkhamsted Road on the northern edge of Hemel Hempstead.Hemel Gazette · 19 Oct, 12:45

In this story: Dacorum Borough Council · Hemel Hempstead · Berkhamsted Road

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