A highly controversial development is back on track, much to the dismay of Tring residents.
In March this year, the Secretary of State dismissed a planning application, submitted by developers Redrow and Harrow Estates in April 2022, to build 1,400 new homes and associated infrastructure on land east of Marshcroft Farm in Tring.
Despite this dismissal and residents’ upset, a Dacorum Borough Council (DBC) meeting in October heard that planning officers are encouraging councillors to agree to build more homes on the proposed site as part of the DBC’s Draft Local Plan. The number of homes is now estimated to be around 2,050.
As with the previous application, residents headed to social media to share their fears, concerns and confusion as to why the green belt land is once again at risk of being built on.
Daily Mirror columnist Mike Walters shared his frustration on X saying: “Appalling treachery. Dacorum Borough Council – if you concrete over the green belt bordering Tring, don’t you f****** dare patronise or lecture us about ‘green’ energy, sustainability or the environment.
“You’re the worst environmental vandals in the town’s 800-year history: The Violators.”
DBC has launched a consultation from Monday, November 4, until Tuesday, December 17, for residents to share their views on the Local Plan.
Councillor Adrian England, Leader of DBC, said: “The new Labour government’s decision to increase our current target of 1,016 homes per year, in line with changes to the National Planning Policy Framework , to 1,313 is hard to argue against in light of the national housing crisis.
“This Local Plan is the right plan to protect our communities from uncontrolled development, but it is also essential for shaping our borough for the years to come. To ensure your voice is heard during the forthcoming consultation, please register with us on Let’s Talk Dacorum.”
To read the full statement, and to comment on the plan, head to www.shorturl.at/ZVQmr
Photo credit: Rob Farrow
This is another disgraceful act by this new Labour Govt.
I am absolutely appalled by this Council’s decision.
The small Town of Tring cannot sustain this vast housing project – 250 Houses are acceptable and that was what was agreed. DO NOT GO BACK ON THIS DECISION !!!!!!