11 Apr 2023
A leading Harpenden councillor has spoken out to condemn plans to build 550 new homes on Green Belt land to the north-west of the town.
The scheme – proposed by Legal & General (Strategic Land Harpenden Ltd) – involves up to 168 affordable homes, and 130 for integrated retirement living on land at Cooters End Lane and Ambrose Lane to the north-west of the town, on arable fields close to King’s School, Spire Hospital and The Oval.
The company describes the development as “a beautiful new neighbourhood which responds to the needs and requirements of both the existing and future population of Harpenden, with multiple community benefits…
“The landscape-led masterplan will deliver over 11 hectares (27 acres of new public open space including play areas to meet local need, and sport pitches.”
But Cllr John Galvin is less than convinced,
He explained: “Over recent months, I have become concerned that L&G are rushing this proposal through in the absence of a Local Plan. I have been working very closely with a large group of local supporters to ensure it is properly scrutinised by the residents who will have to live with its consequences.
“Together with our professional advisors, we have now reviewed L&G’s planning application. Residents should be aware of the impact the development will have on the whole of Harpenden if it gets the approval of St Albans district council.
“The destruction of a very large area of farmed Green Belt will change the character of the town forever and could result in the approval of many more speculative and profit-driven developments on the Green Belt that surrounds Harpenden.”
He says the huge development will cause immense harm to local residents, as it will:
- result in significant levels of increased traffic on already over-congested major roads;
- lead to major traffic surges on ill-equipped residential roads with consequential risks to pedestrian safety;
- affect the quality of education provision at local primary and secondary schools;
- overwhelm inadequate local sewerage infrastructure;
- cause permanent and significant adverse effects to local listed buildings;
- put more pressure on local health services; and
- cause major levels of construction-related disruption for six years at a minimum.
“While the harmful effects of this development are clear and real, the benefits to local residents are not. L&G claims that without it, Harpenden is at risk of ‘stagnation’ and will not remain viable, but they do not provide any meaningful evidence to substantiate this claim.
“We are asking St Albans district council to reject this proposal and we hope local residents will do the same by the deadline of April 22nd ”
Local residents can find out more at www.stoplandg.com where they can also learn how to submit their views to SADC.
