Housing Development In Hertford

Dolphin Yard

The number of households in Hertford in 2002 was 10960, an increase of 1533 or 15% since the 1991 census (source: EHDC). Only one in five of new homes is currently built on greenfield sites, although this may change as the price of land in urban areas rises. Government policy is highly controversial as it advocates a significant increase in housebuilding in the district.

Future Development

At the time of writing, East Herts Council is currently undertaking a consultation on where to put new homes in Hertford over the next 20 years. The consultation document looks at a number of options and the potential issues raised by development, both positive and negative.

Five options 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.

The consultation document also recognises the shortage of family homes in the town, with most new properies being flatted.

Recent Developments

The largest recent development in the town is Elder Court in Mead Lane, a Weston Homes development of 131 flats. Nearby in Mill Road, The Waterfront is a development of 112 new flats, built by Higgins homes around the middle of the last decade. A consultation prior to these new developments raised a number of issues, not least that of access, with Mill Road being the only road serving the sites. The matter has yet to be resolved, despite the developments going ahead and plans for a further 100+ new homes nearby.

In the town centre, Dolphin Yard in nearing completion, despite being a year behind schedule. The riverside development also includes a new library for the town, following an agreement with the County Council.

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

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