The scheme has been adjusted to address the issues raised in the original application.
You can find information on the updated proposals here.
Our vision
A vibrant and sustainable community
Our aspiration is to create a vibrant and sustainable community that encourages economic growth, social interaction and the highest quality design which will not only benefit the local community but will also feel a natural evolution of the current site.
The existing site comprises unattractive buildings, and the proposals will enable the re-development for a high quality and sensitivity designed farmstead scheme to come forward and deliver benefits for the community.
Assessments of the design principles of historic farmstead have been undertaken to understand the characteristics of the layout, building sizes and distinctive features in order to incorporate them into the proposals. This includes architectural elements such as barn-inspired structures, open spaces, and natural materials.
Following consultation, we have ensured that the vision builds upon feedback from the local community and stakeholders.
Achieving our vision through:
Investing in this development to generate local economic benefits through new construction jobs and wage spending in the local economy.
Supporting the well-being of the existing local community by providing new green spaces for local residents to visit and enjoy.
Designing a scheme which is both sustainable and high quality, reflecting the latest planning and building practices supported by local and national policy.
Submitted masterplan
High quality homes set in acres of open space
A mix of 86 high quality new homes will be delivered on site which includes 2, 3, 4/5-bedroom houses and 2 bed apartments. A proportion of these will be designated as affordable (40%) which is above the current policy and will enable more residents to get onto the housing ladder including first time buyers, families looking to upsize or residents looking to downsize.
The proposals seek to reflect the historic character of the local area and of Berkhamsted.
Allocated parking
Unallocated parking
Visitors parking
Electric bike hiring point
Shed for bike storage
Cycle storage for apartment
Cycling route
Previous developments by Griggs Homes
Benefits
Key features for both character and community
Our vision for the site is to create an exceptionally attractive place that embraces the characteristics of a farmstead. These proposals will be a true reflection of the existing site and its local character. The development will provide the following benefits:
- Construction of 86 high quality new homes
- 40% provision of much needed affordable homes in excess of existing policy
- Provision of self-build plots due to significant need for such plots
- High quality design
- Reuse of previously developed site incorporating a reduction in built footprint (by 10%), volume (by 12%) and hardstanding (by 34%)
- Removal of non-conforming use in Green Belt
- Significant reduction of vehicle movements from the site
- Increase of green space on site by 35%
- 65% of the site to be provided as public open space
- New landscaping
- Significant biodiversity net gain, significantly exceeding the Environment Act
- Provision of a community hub for residents living on the new development
- 280 new trees
- Substantial Highways, footpath and bus stop improvements
- Improved drainage, and natural drainage
- Removal of contaminated land
- Provision and integration with SANG. Development is at heart of the SANG to facilitate its success
- Economic benefits during the construction phase and post-construction phase
Highways
Building a safer place for pedestrians and cyclists
The main vehicular access to the development will be from White Hill, leading into the proposed development. The existing access will be re-modelled to allow safer access and egress onto White Hill. As part of the proposals, significant off-site highways works will be undertaken which will help mitigate traffic congestion in Berkhamsted as follows:
- White Hill will be improved by installing alternate priority passing spaces between the site and the A416 (Chesham Road). This will also allow for a footway to be installed all the way along White Hill from the site to the existing footway on the Chesham Road. The alternate priorities on White Hill will naturally slow and clarify vehicle traffic movements, making the route more amenable and attractive to cyclists.
- The footway on Chesham Road is proposed to be widened with a pedestrian crossing point (pelican style) also installed.
- The speed limit on this section of Chesham road will be reduced to 40mph. This will make for a wider and safer walking route all the way from the site to Ashlyns School and also further into Berkhamsted.
- New bus stops are planned to be implemented on Chesham Road near to the junction with White Hill. These will have shelters and seating and allow access to bus routes running between Berkhamsted and Chesham so that further transport links can be accessed (Rail and Underground).
The proposals
How the site has changed throughout engagement:
