192 homes and open space at Land At Woodside Road, Woodside Road, Abbots Langley

What was proposed

The application proposed 192 homes, public open space, landscaping, new vehicle and pedestrian accesses, and associated infrastructure.

“25/0896/FUL – Construction of 192 no of dwellings (Use Class C3), public open space, landscaping, new vehicular access and pedestrian accesses and associated infrastructure at LAND AT WOODSIDE ROAD, WOODSIDE ROAD, ABBOTS LANGLEY, HERTS.”

Officer report

Earlier proposals and changes

A previous screening request found the development was not EIA development, while September committee concerns led to a site visit and revised technical, housing and design proposals.

“A preliminary report was brought to Planning Committee in September 2025, setting out the key material planning considerations that would need to be considered. A resolution was made that given the scale of the application, that members would undertake a site visit prior to the application being brought back to committee with a recommendation.”

“Affordable Housing and housing mix: • The development does not accord with the Council’s policy in relation to affordable housing. • The development does not provide any social rented housing units. • Concerns raised in relation to number of single units.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the site Grey Belt and sustainable, with significant housing need, 50% affordable housing, public open space, infrastructure improvements and biodiversity gain outweighing identified harm.

“Officers therefore consider that the site makes a weak contribution in relation to purpose (b). 7.1.17 d) To preserve the setting and special character of historic towns: The PPG sets out that areas that make no or only a weak contribution are likely to include those that ‘have no visual, physical or experiential connection to the historical aspects of the town’.”

“The Council cannot demonstrate a five- year housing land supply as required by the NPPF, with the current housing land supply being at 1.7 years. Consequently, there is a significant need for housing within the district which must be afforded significant weight in the decision- making process. In this case, the scheme would deliver 192 residential dwellings of a range of unit sizes, providing an opportunity to meet different needs.”

Officer report

What residents said

Thirty-four objections and four general comments raised concerns about traffic, parking, Green Belt loss, ecology, drainage, privacy, construction, housing mix and infrastructure.

“Public/Neighbour Consultation 4.2.1 Number consulted: 151 4.2.2 No of responses received: 34 objections (including from the Countryside Charity (CPRE), it is also noted that some properties have commented more than once). 4 general comments received including from the North Herts Swift Group in relation to ecology.”

“Traffic Survey was undertaken during 24 th -30 th October. These dates coincide with Half Term for both Parmiters and St Michaels School which generate the most peak traffic. The traffic data is therefore not representative of typical traffic in the area.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A parish councillor, a county and district councillor, a local resident and the applicant spoke to the committee.

The vote

The motion to delegate approval was carried with 8 members in favour, 2 against and 1 abstention.

“Councillor Whately-Smith moved, and Councillor King seconded, that authority be delegated to the Head of Regulatory Services and following completion of a S106 Agreement (securing the Heads of Terms set out at 7.20 including affordable housing provision, contributions to highways improvements and monitoring of the travel plan, contributions to infrastructure including education and waste infrastructure and a monitoring fee in relation to Biodiversity Net Gain) to grant…”

“On being put to the vote this was carried, the voting being 8 in favour, 2 against and 1 abstention.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

Authority was delegated to grant permission after a S106 agreement, subject to conditions and added safeguards for construction, rights of way, privacy, play equipment and the retained pillbox.

“RESOLVED: that authority be delegated to the Head of Regulatory Services and following completion of a S106 Agreement (securing the Heads of Terms set out at 7.20 including affordable housing provision, contributions to highways improvements and monitoring of the travel plan, contributions to infrastructure including education and waste infrastructure and a monitoring fee in relation to Biodiversity Net Gain) to grant planning permission subject to conditions and with the…”

“Amendment to Condition 33 to require details of the future management and maintenance of the ‘play on the way’ equipment to be provided to the Local Planning Authority.”

Minutes