Policy information sourced from the East Herts District Plan

WARE2 Land North and East of Ware

Land to the North and East of Ware is allocated as a mixed-use development site, to accommodate at least 1,000 new homes by 2033.

In the event that suitable mitigation measures to identified constraints on both the local and wider strategic road networks can be identified and agreed by Hertfordshire County Council as Transport Authority, a further 500 dwellings will also be delivered in this location.

A 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, Hertfordshire County Council, town and parish councils and key stakeholders. This document will further be informed by public participation in the process.

The site will incorporate Garden City principles and be planned comprehensively to create a new sustainable community which connects well with and complements the existing town and its existing historic centre.

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);
  • Self-Build and Custom Build Housing in accordance with Policy HOU8 (Self-Build and Custom Build Housing);
  • a care home/flexi-care or sheltered properties in accordance with the provisions of Policy HOU6 (Specialist Housing for Older and Vulnerable People);
  • provision of a site for Travelling Showpeople, in accordance with Policy HOU9 (Gypsies and Travellers and Travelling Showpeople) which should deliver 4 serviced plots within the plan period (each of sufficient size to allow for the provision of accommodation and equipment plus storage/maintenance), to be provided within a larger area that should be safeguarded to allow for future expansion to a total of 8 plots, as evidence of need dictates;
  • 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;
  • quality local green infrastructure throughout the site including opportunities for preserving and enhancing on-site assets, maximising opportunities to link into existing assets and enhancing biodiversity (including, inter alia, the protection of wildlife sites 46/004 and 60/001 and the Historic Parks and Gardens at Fanhams Hall and Poles Park, Hanbury Manor);
  • necessary new utilities, including, inter alia: integrated communications infrastructure to facilitate home working, and a new foul sewer to link the development from the north of Ware to existing infrastructure to the east of the town and any necessary pumping station/s;
  • satisfactory water supply, including acceptable water pressure for occupants;
  • sustainable drainage and provision for flood mitigation;
  • access arrangements and local highways and wider strategic mitigation measures which, inter alia, should include a link road between the Widbury Hill area and the A10/A1170 to both serve the development and mitigate congestion elsewhere in the town, and further should contribute to addressing impacts in the town centre and on the A10 between Ware and Hertford and the A414 in Hertford;
  • 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 (which should also include a direct public footpath and cycleway from the High Oak Road area to enable direct pedestrian and cycle access to Wodson Park and the A1170), together with enhanced passenger transport services (particularly in respect of bus provision and access to the town centre and railway station);
  • land for up to three forms of entry primary school/s provision (including early years provision). The schools should provide for the dual use of facilities for community purposes;
  • land for up to eight forms of entry secondary school provision. The school should provide for the dual use of facilities for community purposes;
  • a neighbourhood centre in an accessible location, providing local retail and community uses, including healthcare facilities to meet the day-to-day retail and health needs of new residents;
  • employment area/s (of around 3ha), within visible and accessible location/s close to the neighbourhood centre, which provides appropriate opportunities to promote self-containment and sustainability;
  • indoor and outdoor sports facilities (which may be shared use) to include, inter alia, junior football and mini soccer pitches;
  • a variety of public open spaces across the site, including the provision of play areas, allotments, and opportunities for outdoor health and fitness activities, as well as space for wildlife;
  • consideration of need for cemetery provision;
  • landscaping and planting, both within the site and peripheral, which responds to the existing landscape and complements development, as appropriate, and a defined and recognisable boundary to the Green Belt;
  • the delivery of all other necessary on-site and appropriate off-site infrastructure in accordance with Policy DEL1 (Infrastructure and Service Delivery);
  • 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