17 Feb 2025
Hundreds of new homes could be built on fields neighbouring Batford as part of a major development for north-east Harpenden.
The project, by Crest Nicholson, would see a mixed-use development of approximately 750 homes, a new two-form entry primary school, a community facility including medical centre and shops and on-site sports provision.
The development also promises improvements to the local transport infrastructure, including links to nearby Katherine Warington School, a 60-80 bed care home, and the retention of existing tree belts and hedgerows with additional trees, hedges and grasslands planted to ensure at least 50 per cent of the site is open space.
It will be a joint initiative between Crest Nicholson and other landowners Miller Homes, ME Simons Trust & Wimms, and Sauncey View Lodge to develop the site.
In a statement, the developer promises to work collaboratively with all neighbouring landowners and promoters to achieve SADC’s aspirations for north east Harpenden.
A public exhibition on the proposals was held in the autumn, with 134 members of the public attending, including various local councillors.
The meeting highlighted several issues: lack of confirmation on infrastructure in outline plan for development, i.e. medical centre, primary school, presence of local centre; concerns about impact of flooding outside of the development site; potential traffic congestion off Lower Luton Road and surrounding roads and country lanes; confirmation on whether barns/stables were being dismantled or destroyed to make way for the development; concern over useage of Green Belt land within allocation of development.
Harpenden councillor Matt Cowley responded to the plans: “For too long, we’ve suffered from poor development that puts building houses ahead of building communities.
“I understand the need to deliver good new homes for local people, but we need to make sure that when we allow major development it comes with the right infrastructure and amenities for it.
“As plans for this site evolve – and as we tackle the even greater housing targets that the Labour Government are asking us to deliver, the Conservatives will be focused on ensuring that any development Harpenden is asked to take leaves our town better off, with better access to public services, new amenities and the right infrastructure.”
The Harpenden Society also commented on the scheme: “One of the major proposals being put forward for housing development on Green Belt agricultural land, with a planning application either submitted or expected is from Crest Nicholson at Batford.
“Apart from the Government’s declared – albeit controversial – numerical house-building targets, the Harpenden Society acknowledge the pent-up demand for more new homes locally as well as nationally.
“However, there needs to be a substantial commitment to provide homes that are genuinely affordable to buy as well as much needed social housing to ensure a vibrant community – a commitment which is commendably addressed in SADC’s detailed Local Plan preparation document.
“Whatever housing projects get approved, the community has to be sure that it is capable of coping with the population impact.
“It is therefore essential that Harpenden Town Council, Herts county council (especially Highways and education), local NHS providers, Thames Water, OFWT etc, are fully engaged with SADC to ensure that major developments do not get progressed without a guarantee of adequate infrastructure resources ahead of formal planning approval.”
A planning application is expected to be submitted in the spring.
