19 Sep 2023
A developer is appealing against the refusal of plans to build nine houses on Green Belt land behind properties in Napsbury.
The scheme, by Montway Limited, is for six terraced houses, two semi-detached houses and one detached house to the rear of of 28 to 34 North Cottages, plus associated landscaping and parking, on a former allotment site.
SADC refused permission because it was an inappropriate development in the Green Belt, which would not be in-keeping with the existing character and appearance of the area and would result in a cramped form of development. There would also be a lack of daylight/sunlight for future occupiers, the homes would overlook neighbouring properties, and they would cause harm to a designated heritage asset.
Annie Hunnisett of North Cottages objected to the development: “This land is a much needed green space which is steeped in history being part of the original Napsbury Hospital. Building here would destroy the integrity of this land historically, and decimate the local wildlife. Perhaps it would be better to reinstate allotments here for the local community.”
Jacqui and Daren Simpson of North Cottages said: “The piece of land behind us has always been a lovely place for nature with many birds and animals using it as their habitat. It’s a lovely outlook for us that we have enjoyed over the years.
“The proposed entrance is directly next to our house. In our opinion it is far too narrow to allow access for vehicles. The sound and light will heavily impact on our day to day living.”
Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust said the site had been cleared prior to an ecological appraisal and post clearance baseline has been taken in conflict with schedule 7A of the Environment Act 2021. An ecological report has been submitted but it has been undertaken after the site has been cleared. This has significantly affected its ecological value.
Planning administrator Matt Dodds said: “This application should not be decided until a NE Biodiversity Metric, which records the pre-clearance baseline, has been submitted and approved. The metric must show a 10% increase in habitat units to demonstrate a biodiversity net gain and compliance with national planning policy. Without this information the application should be refused.”
Comment on the proposals by emailing planning@stalbans.gov.uk using the reference 5/2022/2163.
