Concerns have been raised over how the recently elected Labour government’s new planning proposals may affect Radlett and Hertsmere as a whole.
In an interview with LBC on Tuesday, July 30, the Minister of State for Housing Matthew Pennycook MP was asked about Hertsmere. He stated that the area needs to increase the total number of new houses built from 731 to 959 per year.
Conservative councillor for Shenley Natalie Susman said: “Yes we need more homes, yes we need a good contribution of affordable housing, yes we will build homes, but we do not need it on all our green belt!
“These figures are shocking, way overambitious, and we do not have the infrastructure in place to make this sustainable. Let’s be able to choose carefully where we can site our new homes, near infrastructure and on appropriate sites.”
However, Labour-run Hertsmere Borough Council (HBC) has stated that the Draft Local Plan which was put out for consultation in April of this year already features many of the new requirements.
They added that HBC’s planning policy team has been reviewing the draft to assess the effect of the proposed changes. They are now looking to identify ‘grey belt’ development opportunities.
Leader of HBC councillor Jeremy Newmark commented: “I’ve already had positive conversations with our new government to ensure they fully understand our particular local circumstances here in Hertsmere.”
Latimer by Clarion Housing Group said: “Compass Park is a unique opportunity within Hertsmere to create a landscape-led sustainable new neighbourhood that can deliver much-needed affordable, open market and senior living housing for local people, alongside new amenities which will benefit existing and new residents.
“This includes space for a new primary school, retail and flexible office space, a community hub and the creation of Bushey’s largest community park through the opening of historic parkland for the first time.
“We are still at a very early stage in our design process but have begun to reach out to local stakeholders and our closest neighbours to introduce ourselves as the team responsible for this project. Engagement with stakeholders and especially the local community is at the forefront of our minds and we will be carrying out a consultation with a first series of events after the summer holidays. There will be plenty of opportunities for local people to meet with us and discuss the designs as they develop.”
Photo Credit: JThomas
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