Housing Development In Hertford

The number of households in Hertford increased by over 9% in the ten years up to 2011, according to census data .

New homes in Buckwells Field, Sacombe Road, Bengeo

The 2001 census recorded a population of 24,838 occupying 10823 homes. By 2011 this had incresaed to 26,765 people in 11,658 households. Most of the new homes we built in Castle Ward, where 683 homes were constructed. Some of the larger developments included Newland Gardens in Ware Road, built by Barratt Homes, The Waterfront in Mill Road, built by Higgins, and Elder Court in Mead Lane, built by Weston.

However, the number of new starts has slowed significantly over recent years due to the economic climate. A planned development of 180 homes in Marshgate Drive has not materialised, despite planning permission being granted on appeal in January 2008.

Future Development

Work has recently started on a new development of 126 flats and houses on the site of the former police station in Ware Road. The plans also include a hotel, although it is believed that Barratt will submit a revised planning application for the site.

Plans for land north of the East station and in Sacombe Road in Bengeo could also see almost 200 new homes built if permission is granted.

Development Policy

East Herts Council is currently working on a Local Development Framework (LDF) that will guide strategy up to 2013.

A number of options for future housing in the town have been identified and studied in detail:

• The town centre
• Existing urban areas
• To the west
• To the north
• To the south

The provision of new houses outside of existing urban areas will require the release of greenfield land and could have a negative impact on road traffic as an increasing number of people use their cars for travel. This may also have a knock on effect with air quality falling and an increase in the emission of greenhouse gases.

Studies have also highlighted the shortage of family homes in the town, with most new properties being flatted.

Have your say and tell us what you think about housing in Hertford.

From The Archive: Housing Development in Hertford
6th October 2010
6th February 2008
20th May 2006
4th January 2005
15th February 2004
30th September 2002
20th July 2002
1st October 2001