Four green belt sites in Bushey have been removed from the draft Local Plan following objections from residents.
More than 18,000 residents had previously voiced their objections to Hertsmere Borough Council’s Local Plan in 2021.
The new plan, which will require approval before it can go ahead, outlines development policy across the borough from 2025 to 2041.
In the 2021 draft, 1,750 new homes were proposed for Bushey, which has now been cut down to 375. No major Bushey green field sites will be put forward by the council for development. Four key green belt sites have been removed from the draft: Farm Way, Harts Farm, Bushey Mill Lane, and Heathbourne Green.
It is likely, however, that some new homes will be built within the Bushey Country Club complex. These will be largely focused on the previously developed land and a country park will be retained.
The draft plan must be approved by councillors following a consultation process.
Earmarking a site in a Local Plan does not grant planning permission, but it does increase the likelihood of a future application being approved.
Developers are still at liberty to submit planning applications for sites excluded from the Local Plan, but it is much more difficult to obtain planning permission for a greenfield site which hasn’t been earmarked by the draft plan.
It is not a guarantee that there will be no development at Bushey’s major green belt sites. Development can be imposed externally on Hertsmere Borough Council by the courts and national planning inspectors. The latter must sign off the final Local Plan and could demand changes.
Although Heathbourne Green has been removed from the plan, councillors expect developers will soon submit their own application for the site.
A consultation on the new draft plan will commence on April 3 and run until May 29. Find out more at www.hertsmere.gov.uk/newlocalplan
Hertsmere Borough Council has been contacted for comment.
Younger people need homes. 375 homes over 15 years for bushey is negelact towards familys who want to live in this area close to parents and grandparents. Older couples are blocking the housing market by occupaing family homes. People want to live in bushey bevause we work here and have our life here. We should not be forced to move away because of low supply and older people not moving. House prices in the area are high and will only improve if there is more supply. The people who made this decision in the council are out of touch with the reality of people in Bushey other then the few friends they “consult” with. Please don’t make Bushey a place that people have to leave because of a council who are move development away from where it is needed.