58 sheds and 60 greenhouses at Proposed Allotment Site North Of Gilden Park, Harlow

Summary of planning committee decision

Decided by Harlow Development Management Committee on 2 Jul 2025.

HW/FUL/25/00127Approved

What was proposed

The application sought 58 sheds and 60 greenhouses on an existing allotment site, with each shed and greenhouse limited to specified sizes.

“Planning permission is sought for the erection of 58 sheds and 60 greenhouses on the existing allotment site at this location.”

“The submitted drawings show that each presently allocated rectangular sized allotment plot at the site would be divided in half along its length whereby each plot as reduced in area and as subdivided would each have a shed and greenhouse allocated which would oppose each other on each sub-divided plot in sequential fashion forming two uniform building lines running east-west along the length of the site from the entrance to the site to the rear fence line (see Proposed Site…”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the proposal would preserve Green Belt openness and have acceptable design, appearance and residential amenity impacts.

“The proposal involves the erection of 58 sheds and 60 greenhouses on an existing allotment site. The proposal would not result in unacceptable harm to the openness and permanence of the Green Belt at this location and represents an appropriate form of outdoor facility in connection with the existing use of land within the Green Belt in compliance with the exception rule described within paragraph 154 b) of the NPPF.”

“The design of the proposed development is considered acceptable whereby the character and appearance of the site and immediate surroundings would not be unduly harmed, whilst the proposal would not have significant impacts upon residential amenity for the reasons given. The proposal would also represent a local community benefit and also achieve sustainability benefits which should also be taken into consideration in the overall planning balance.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The tree officer found no impact on trees, highways raised no objection, and police recommended attention to shed security and crime prevention.

“Following a site visit on 23/04/2025 to assess any potential arboricultural constraints, it is evident that the proposed development will not have any impact upon adjacent trees and other vegetation. The newly planted areas of trees do not appear to be affected, and the impact of existing sheds and greenhouses is limited. Therefore, the proposed development can be considered for permission without further arboricultural involvement.”

“Allotment sites can be difficult to secure and are often relatively permeable. Therefore, we would recommend consideration is given to the security of the sheds. Sheds can be an easy target if poor security measures are implemented. It is recommended there is liaison with the DOCO regarding security and mitigating measures which should be implemented to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour.”

Officer report

The committee’s decision

The committee granted planning permission subject to the conditions set out in the report.

“The Committee received a report and application HW/FUL/25/00127 for a proposed allotment site North of Gilden Park for the erection of 58 sheds and 60 greenhouses.”

“RESOLVED that planning permission be GRANTED subject to the conditions in the report.”

Minutes

Sources

  • Harlow Development Management Committee minutes, 2 July 2025
  • Agenda and papers (council website)

Source: Plota analysis of Harlow's committee minutes and officer report. Quotations are the council's own words; headings and summaries are Plota's.

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At the meeting

Council
Harlow
Date
Wednesday 2 July 2025
Recommendation
Officers recommended approval
Committee decided
Approved
Minutes
The council's minutes
Meeting
Agenda and papers (council website)
Application
The application (council website)