Sites for future housing

Over 1000 new homes are expected to be built in Hertford over the next 15 years, with many developments being on sites allocated in the recently adopted East Herts District Plan.

The District Plan allocates sites for around 950 homes in the town, with other developments taking place on so-called windfall sites. Windfall Sites are those which have not been specifically identified as available in the District Plan process. They normally comprise previously-developed sites that have become available, such as Bircherley Green, Tamworth Road and Ware Road.

Development over the period could take the town's population beyond 30,000.

Each of the allocated sites is subject to a "Masterplan" - an exercise that involves councils, local interest groups, the site promoters and other land owners, providing an overall conceptual plan for any future development. Once the Masterplan has been created, developers can then use this document in drawing up a detailed planning application for the site. Planning applications are then subject to scrutiny and consultation before a recommendation is issued by planning officers, ahead of a final decision by the District Council's Development Control Committee. 

There are five sites for potential housing development detailed in the District Plan, numbered HERT2 to HERT5, with HERTS 3 actually being two nearby sites.

HERT2 - the former gas works in Marshgate Drive

This site is allocated for around 200 homes, although developer St.William submitted a planning application for 375 homes in November 2018. This application was unanimously refused by the council's Development Control Committee.

Former gas works in Marshgate Drive

The developer has now lodged an appeal with The Planning Inspectorate to overturn the council's refusal.

HERT3 - west of Hertford

Two sites to the north and south of the Welwyn road are allocated for around 550 homes. 

The Archer's Spring site to the north of Welwyn Road and to the west of the Sele Farm estate is earmarked for 300 homes.

Land west of Thieves Lane could accommodate 200 new homes

A field to the south of Welwyn Road and to the west of Thieves Lane has been identified as suitable for 200 homes.

HERT4 - North of Bengeo

Land to the north of Bengeo, including the former Nursery could provide land for 150 new homes

The former Bengeo Nursery in Sacombe Road

A planning application for 44 houses and 8 flats has recently been submitted for the site.

HERT5 - Mangrove Road

A small site in Mangrove Road, owned by Christ's Hospital school, has been identified as being suitable for 50 new homes, providing a mix of dwelling types.

Land im Mangrove Road

New homes on this site are expected to be delivered by 2022.

Bircherley Green

The former shopping centre at Bircherley Green is allocated for "mixed use", which means that whilst some housing would be allowed on site, typical town centre uses such as retail must be included in any planning proposals for the site. 

Following the failure of the regeneration scheme proposed by owners Diageo Pension Trust, the land has now been sold to Chase New Homes, a housing developer based in Welwyn Garden City.

A more recent article like this can be found here.