Harpenden Society Criticizes Approval for 550 Home Development

The St Albans council approved a housing project on Monday, but the decision has drawn criticism. The Harpenden Society called the decision “woeful,” expressing support for local plans and more housing, while also voicing concerns about the area’s infrastructure and its capacity to support the development.

The society emphasizes the need to address infrastructure during the planning phase, citing existing strain on roads and parking. They are calling for improvements from authorities such as the NHS to be a condition of approval.

The project includes sports pitches, and councillors voted 5 to 4 in favor, despite concerns about the Green Belt and traffic. The site is located on Green Belt land near Cooters End Lane, and the plan incorporates 420 homes and 130 retirement homes.

Furthermore, the plan outlines a nursery for 110 children, along with sports pitches and communal areas. Legal & General initially proposed the project in 2023, and the revised plan includes social rented housing, with half of the 420 homes designated as affordable.

The breakdown of affordable housing consists of forty-six percent for affordable home ownership, thirty-nine percent for affordable rent, and fifteen percent for social rent. Council officers advocated for the project’s approval to assess its compliance with “grey belt” land rules, which are considered less restrictive than green belt regulations.

The Harpenden Society believes that policy influenced the decision, suggesting it appeared to be a strategic maneuver. They argue that officials seemed swayed by the “grey belt” concept, and they feel councillors should have prioritized defending local plans.

Councillor Lorraine Kirby supported the plan, asserting the need to consider future needs. She highlighted the government’s challenges to their housing goals, emphasizing the council’s responsibility to act and that she cannot identify a reason to decline the project.

Speaking on behalf of Legal & General, Tom Davies stated that Harpenden is in dire need of additional housing. He asserted the plan would facilitate the area’s “growth well” by addressing high rents and house prices. He also noted homes would be accessible from multiple roads.

Despite the development, no new schools are included in the plan, as Hertfordshire County Council claims they are not required. The developer will, however, contribute £9.5 million towards local education. SADC declined to provide a statement regarding this housing plan.