Policy information sourced from the East Herts District Plan

HERT4 North of Hertford

Land to the north of Hertford is allocated as a residential development site to accommodate a minimum of 150 homes, with around 50 dwellings being provided to the north of Sacombe Road by 2022; and, subject to the satisfactory previous phased extraction of mineral deposits on the neighbouring site, around 100 homes to the west of B158 Wadesmill Road between 2022 and 2027.

A Masterplan will be collaboratively prepared, involving site promoters, landowners, East Herts Council, Hertfordshire County Council, Hertford Town Council, and other 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);
  • demonstration of the extent of the mineral that may be present and the likelihood of prior extraction in an environmentally acceptable way has been fully considered. As a minimum, an assessment of the depth and quality of mineral, together with an appraisal of the consequential viability for prior extraction without prejudicing the delivery of housing within the plan period should be provided;
  • necessary new utilities, including, inter alia: integrated communications infrastructure to facilitate home working;
  • necessary upgrades to the sewerage system;
  • sustainable drainage and provision for flood mitigation;
  • access arrangements and appropriate local (with contributions towards wider, strategic) highways mitigation measures;
  • encouragement of sustainable transport measures, both through improvements to the existing walking, cycling and bridleway networks in the locality and through new provision, which should also provide links with the adjoining area and the town centre and enhanced passenger transport services;
  • protection of all public rights of way (including, inter alia, the protection of the restricted byway) and other public access routes running through or on the boundaries of the site;
  • landscaping and planting, both within the site and peripheral, which responds to the existing landscape and complements development, as appropriate and provides a defined, recognisable boundary to the Green Belt;
  • 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;
  • quality local green infrastructure through the site including opportunities for preserving and enhancing on-site assets, maximising opportunities to link into existing assets and enhance biodiversity;
  • measures to ensure that any impact on wildlife within the site and at the nearby Waterford Heath nature reserve is successfully mitigated;
  • the delivery of all other necessary on-site and appropriate off-site infrastructure; and
  • other policy provisions of the District Plan and relevant matters, as appropriate.

For more information please see the District Plan