Welcome to our consultation website for the proposals for Haresfoot Farm, Berkhamsted.
Planning Update – March 2026
In March 2026, the Dacorum Development Management Committee resolved to grant planning permission for a 130-home scheme at Haresfoot Farm, including associated parking, public open space and a community building.
The approved proposals will deliver a significant number of both private and affordable homes, alongside extensive green infrastructure and community benefits for the area. The scheme has been carefully designed to respond to the site’s landscape setting whilst providing high-quality new homes and substantial publicly accessible open space.
The resolution follows the changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) published in December 2024, which introduced the concept of ‘Grey Belt’ land. Based on the officers’ report and the Inspector’s appeal decision, the site was considered to clearly constitute Grey Belt land. With Dacorum Borough Council currently having approximately a one-year housing land supply and a significant unmet need for housing, the scheme represents an important opportunity to deliver sustainable new homes for the area.
Haresfoot Farm Limited has worked closely with Dacorum Borough Council throughout the process to ensure the proposals deliver the best possible outcome for the local community, creating a high-quality, landscape-led development with a range of long-term benefits.
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
