Policy information sourced from the East Herts District Plan

EOS1 Land East of Stevenage

Land at Gresley Park is allocated for development to accommodate around 600 new homes by 2023.

A landscape-led Masterplan setting out the quantum and distribution of land uses; access; sustainable high quality design and layout principles; necessary infrastructure; the relationship between the site and other nearby settlements; landscape and heritage assets; and other relevant matters, will be collaboratively prepared, involving site promoters, landowners, East Herts Council, Stevenage Borough Council, parish councils and key stakeholders. This document will further be informed by public participation in the process.

The development is expected to address the following provisions and issues:

  • a range of dwelling type and mix, in accordance with the provisions of Policy HOU1 (Type and Mix of Housing);
  • Affordable Housing in accordance with Policy HOU3 (Affordable Housing);
  • a care home/ flexi-care or sheltered properties in accordance with the provisions of Policy HOU6 (Specialist Housing for Older and Vulnerable People);
  • Self-Build and Custom Build Housing in accordance with Policy HOU8 (Self-Build and Custom Build Housing);
  • provision of a serviced site for Travelling Showpeople which should deliver five plots (each of sufficient size to allow for the provision of accommodation and equipment plus storage/maintenance) in accordance with Policy HOU9 (Gypsies and Travellers and Travelling Showpeople);
  • education facilities, including land for a two-form entry primary school with an Early Years facility and financial contribution towards secondary education within the Stevenage Education Planning Area;
  • a neighbourhood centre in an accessible location, providing local retail and community uses including a healthcare facility;
  • access arrangements and highways and wider strategic mitigation measures, including improvements to the A602/Gresley Way junction and other local roads as necessary, taking account of the Stevenage Mobility Strategy;
  • sustainable transport measures which encourage walking and cycling through the site, including:
    • the provision of cycleways and footways that provide links into Stevenage including existing cycle networks and the provision of a high quality cycle route along Gresley Way between Six Hills Way and Fairlands Way, with links to Six Hills Way;
    • enhancement of existing bridleways and footpaths connecting the site to the Beane Valley to the east of the site;
    • enhanced passenger transport services including the creation of a sustainable transport route through the site;
  • responds to the existing landform to define individual character areas, incorporating existing landscaping within the new streets, paths and spaces, enhances the outer boundary of the site; retains and enhances, where required, the existing hedgerows within and around the site, punctuating where access into the site is required; and creates a net gain to biodiversity through additional planting;
  • incorporates sustainable drainage and provision for flood mitigation;
  • a variety of public open spaces across the site, including the provision of play areas and opportunities for outdoor health and fitness activities, as well as space for wildlife;
  • necessary utilities, including integrated communications infrastructure to facilitate home-working, and upgrades to the localised sewerage network;
  • the delivery of all other necessary on-site and appropriate off-site infrastructure;
  • other policy provisions of the District Plan and relevant matters, as appropriate.

In order to ensure that the site is planned and delivered comprehensively, any application for development on part of the site will be assessed against its contribution to the masterplan, and will ensure that such development would not prejudice the implementation of the site allocation as a whole.

For more information please see the District Plan