02 Oct 2025
A development of 34 “low energy” homes – with 50 per cent reserved for the over-55s – has been approved for the site of Bricket Wood Sports and Social Club and a paintballing facility in Lye Lane.
The proposal, by JK Rudkin Builders Ltd, went to appeal after being rejected by St Albans district council last November, primarily because it was considered to be an inappropriate development within the Green Belt.
But the Government’s Planning Inspectorate has overturned the decision and nodded through the plans following the December 2024 review of the National Planning Policy Framework.
Planning inspector Dominic Young said: “It is common ground that the appeal scheme would involve the partial or complete redevelopment of previously developed land
which is either redundant or in continuing use. Where the parties depart is on the level of harm to openness…
“Overall, while there would be an increase in built development across the site as a whole, in my judgment the appeal scheme would cause moderate rather than substantial harm to the openness of the Green Belt.”
The inspector said the site is well located to encourage cycling as a viable alternative to car-based trips, and any future residents would have good access to public transport through walking to the nearest bus stop or cycling to the nearest train station.
Hertfordshire County Council is seeking various financial contributions to mitigate the impact of the development on social infrastructure, including a contribution to a new primary school at Chiswell Green and the expansion of The Marlborough Science Academy, while SADC’s requirements included the provision of a children’s play area.
A previous scheme for 115 dwellings on the site was dismissed in June 2025 following a seven day planning inquiry.
