Permission granted for Elstree development on appeal

An appeal against our decision to reject plans for up to 74 new homes to be built in Elstree has been upheld.

The appeal decision by the Government’s Planning Inspectorate means that outline planning permission for the development on Green Belt land directly to the north of the A411 Barnet Lane and east of Hartfield Avenue has been granted.

The appeal, made by Hawridge Strategic Land Ltd, was subject of an inquiry held last month.

Cllr Nik Oakley, Portfolio Holder for Planning, Infrastructure and Transport, said: “We note the decision of the Planning Inspectorate which concluded that the loss of Green Belt land, in this case, was clearly outweighed by the prospect of new homes, of which 45 per cent will be affordable housing on this site.

“Our recently-published Draft Local Plan includes this site and, as such, we believe that it can contribute to meeting housing need in Hertsmere. However, we are disappointed that the planning inspector removed the need for developer contributions towards additional NHS provision.

“We will work hard to ensure that the development is of the highest quality while, of course, continuing to closely engage with local residents through every step of the process.”