The plans for nearly 400 homes in Chiswell Green were rejected on Monday night with St Albans District Council’s planning committeeThe council’s planning officer George Burgess concluded there were “very special circumstances” to justify the scheme, such as affordable homes and a school – and development manager Sarah Ashton said she was “concerned” this site would be “difficult” to argue at an appeal.
Planning agent Justin Kenworthy said his clients would deliver “much needed housing”, 40% affordable housing, 10% biodiversity net gain and a £12 million investment into the local economy. He also referenced the council currently having the second oldest local plan in the country.on a nearby green belt site in October, Keep Chiswell Green’s Jed Griffiths returned to outline his group’s objections.
He said 98% of residents opposed the scheme and the harm to “prime” green belt is “indisputable”. He also claimed there is no need for another school, and spoke about the loss of a riding school and livery and the impact on traffic.During the debate, councillors appeared to understand the need for new housing in the district but feared the ongoing local plan process would be “undermined” if this application was approved.
It was described as inappropriate development in the green belt, affecting its openness and causing “urban sprawl” and that the “benefits do not outweigh the harm”.The application was refused by the majority of the plannin committee prompting applause and cheers from members of the public in the chamber.
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