Church hopeful of possible development

A Radlett church will hold an open meeting to discuss its development plans.

A planning application has been submitted for St John’s church site, with the aim of providing a new church and hall and six units of affordable housing.

A meeting will be held at the church, located on Watling Street, at which members of the public will be able to view the plans and ask questions of Hertsmere and the church.

Planning documents are currently available on the Hertsmere website, with the consultation period of the plans lasting three months.

The church provided some background information about the church and how it reached the decision to make the plans. 

It said: 

• Both the church and the hall have exceeded their life expectancy, thanks to the dedication of members of the church in looking after them carefully. However, when the parish celebrated its 150th anniversary and was challenged to think forward a further 50 years, it was recognised that St John’s church and hall would not last that long.

• The church does not have sufficient funds to replace the buildings. However, there is a need for affordable housing in Radlett, and so the idea arose for a redevelopment of the site which would provide new buildings for the church and community and affordable housing.

• The Phillimore Trust was consulted as it has a Deed of Covenant on the site, and agreed that the idea was of potential benefit to the community. The trust will approve any final plans before submission for planning approval.

• Hertsmere Council was interested in the idea, and prepared an outline drawing, primarily to establish whether a scheme whereby the Council built both the new premises for the church and affordable units might be financially viable. This drawing led the Council to commit £25k to more detailed work, taking account of comments by the church on the initial drawings.

• The church is now awaiting such plans in order to consult with users of the current church and hall, with neighbours and with any other interested party including Radlett Society and Green Belt Association, before any planning application is made.

• One requirement which the church has stated to the council is the need to continue functions, including for instance, church services and the existing nursery, throughout any development.

 What are your thoughts on the plans? We’d love to hear from you. Email newsroom@mynewsmag.co.uk to let us know.