The scheme has been adjusted to address the issues raised in the previous application.
You can find information on the original 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
Revised submitted masterplan
The scheme has been adjusted to address the issues raised in the previous application. The development has been reduced in the southern part of the site and now sits within the areas that the planning officers have confirmed to be previously developed land.
The proposals include a reduction in the quantum of development on the site by approximately 31% with the total number of properties provided being reduced from 86 to 59.
The revised proposals will still include a mix of 2, 3, 4/5-bedroom houses and 2 bed apartments. A proportion of these will still be designated as affordable (40%, which is above the current policy requirement). 50% of the affordable homes will be set at Dacorum Affordable Rents – genuinely affordable homes for the area.
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:
- 59 high-quality new homes
- 40% provision of much needed affordable housing in excess of the existing policy
- Significant off-site highway and sustainable transport improvements
- Community hub for residents, including places to work, meet and access everyday groceries at the community pantry
- New landscaping, including significant tree planting
- 292 new trees planted
- 41% increase in existing green open space
- 69% of the site as open space – 20 times the councils policy requirement
- In excess of 20% biodiversity net gain
- Air source heat pumps and other sustainable construction methods – meaning no gas boilers
- Electric vehicle charging points on every home
- Provision of Electric Bikes and dedicated storage
- CIL and S106 contributions
- Homes will exceed Part L of building regulations by 62%
- Electric car club for residents
- Introduction of the Herts Lynx Bus service into the site including a dual purpose Virtual Bus Stop. S106 requirement to provide welcome packs and vouchers to encourage use of the new service
- Reuse of a previously developed site incorporating a substantial reduction in built footprint, volume and hardstanding
- Significant improvement to the visual appearance of the site
- Reduction of vehicle movements from the baseline of existing consented uses
Highways
Building a safer place for pedestrians and cyclists
The proposals for the access remain unchanged from the previous application. Despite the reduction in quantum of development and unit numbers, the highways and sustainability improvements have been further enhanced and further details can be found below.
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).
- An on site bus stop integrated into the HertsLynx on-demand bus service.
- Provision of an on-site Electric Car Club scheme.
The proposals
How the site has changed throughout engagement:
You can find information on the original proposals here.