Welcome to our consultation website for the proposals for Haresfoot Farm, Berkhamsted.
Planning update – November 2025
Haresfoot Farm Limited is consulting on new proposals that seek to deliver 130 new homes, with associated parking, public open space and a community building – enhancing the permissions that have already been established for the site.
This follows the changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) published in December 2024, which introduced the concept of ‘Greybelt’ land. Based on the officers’ report and the Inspector’s appeal decision, the site clearly constitutes Greybelt. Given that Dacorum currently has approximately a one-year housing land supply and there is a demonstrable unmet need for housing, this provides an exciting opportunity to deliver this enhanced scheme that will provide a greater number of private and affordable houses for the area.
We will work closely, and will continue to work closely, with Dacorum Borough Council throughout to ensure this scheme is designed to be the best possible development for the local community and offer a range of substantial benefits. Haresfoot Limited is currently consulting with key local stakeholders, groups and the wider public about the future of this important site and looks forward to bringing these exciting, high-quality proposals to fruition.
Site history
Existing planning consents
The site benefits from existing planning consents, including approval in December 2024 for 61 new homes as well as an alternative scheme for 86 new homes and a community hub which was granted at appeal. The principle of redevelopment is well established with approvals granted by both Dacorum Borough Council, and the Government’s Planning Inspectorate.
You can view the associated documents for the two planning applications with the following planning reference numbers: 24/01496/MFA and 24/00330/MFA
To view the planning portal please visit the Dacorum Borough Council’s website.
Site location
Local connections and convenient access
Located south of Berkhamsted, the site benefits from local connections and provides convenient access from the southern side of the A41.
The site provides the opportunity to deliver a high-quality housing development which is sympathetic to its surroundings by improving both the site’s overall quality and the openness of its setting.
Grey Belt vs Green Belt
Determining Grey Belt and Green Belt
The site provides the opportunity to deliver much needed new homes which is inclusive of 50% affordable housing. Following changes to national planning policy and the introduction of Grey Belt, this proposes that not all Green Belt is equal.
What is Grey Belt?
Grey Belt is the potential reclassification for any Green Belt site (including previously developed or brownfield land) that, according to the Government’s definition, can be shown to ‘not strongly contribute’ to three of the five purposes of the Green Belt:
- To check the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas.
- To prevent neighbouring towns merging into one another.
- To preserve the setting and special character of historic towns.
The National Planning Policy Framework (‘NPPF’) sets out that where Green Belt land is released for development through plan making or review, certain “Golden Rules” apply. In particular, the Golden Rules apply where major development involving housing is proposed on such sites:
- Affordable Housing – For Dacorum, at least 50% of all housing must be provided as affordable housing.
- Infrastructure – New development must contribute to necessary local and national infrastructure such as education or healthcare facilities.
- Green spaces – Development must include improvements to existing green spaces or provide new green spaces which are accessible by the public (i.e within walking distance from new homes). They should contribute positively to the landscape setting of the development and must either meet local standard for green space (if applicable) or relevant national standards.
When determining planning applications, local planning authorities will now need to give significant weight in favour of permission where development complies with the Golden Rules.
The development benefits that are proposed means that the site meets the Golden Rules for Grey Belt release.
Creating a vibrant and sustainable community
Our proposals will create and inspire a vibrant community, through a sensitively designed scheme that includes new and affordable homes for local residents, barn-inspired structures and open green spaces.
Previous developments by Griggs Homes
