Therfield, Hertfordshire

Following previous refusals and a dismissed appeal on this site of a former storage and transport depot, Warner Planning were appointed to submit a revised application which addressed the primary reason for refusal on the most recent application, that being the size and massing of plot 3.

Plans were submitted for three high quality design houses on this Grey Belt site which were all well designed to fit in with the rural landscape, two of which have the external appearance of barns and one that of a farmhouse.

A significant net gain of 117% in habitats and 167% in hedgerows on site ensures that the development meets the requirements for Biodiversity Net Gain.

No objections were received from the statutory consultees and in the absence of a demonstratable 5-year land supply, the Case Officer deemed that the benefits of the proposed development are not significantly and demonstrably outweighed by any adverse impacts, and the land in its current previously developed state does not contribute to the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside. The previous appeal decision had also agreed that this site was eminently suitable for a residential development of three houses.

The application was presented at Planning Committee by Warner Planning where it was supported by councillors and approved subject to a S106 agreement and conditions.

Image Credit: Scene Architects