Council acquires land from Homes England for affordable housing in Hemel Hempstead

Dacorum Borough Council is proud to unveil a new flagship housing development, to be built close to the centre of Hemel Hempstead.

The council has acquired a large piece of land at Paradise Fields, St Albans Road, Hemel Hempstead from Homes England to accommodate three new low-rise apartment blocks, as part of its commitment to improving its offer of affordable rented housing in the area.

The council aims to deliver affordable accommodation for families who are most in need of housing.

The Paradise Fields development will accommodate up to 58 new apartments in three separate blocks, comprising a mix of one and two-bed accommodation, communal parking and landscaped garden facilities.

The apartments will be modern, energy efficient and based on a ‘Fabric First’ approach, to ensure that families remain comfortable throughout the year.

The design of the development also respects the existing external environment and includes carefully designed landscaping that will encourage existing wild habitats to continue to thrive and flourish in their natural environment.

Dacorum Borough Council has acquired land shown within the red boundary of the map (pictured), except the car park, which may be part of a later purchase. The development of the affordable housing is proposed on the land identified as ‘Housing Site’.

There are no current proposals to develop the land identified as ‘Northern Site’. The ‘Wildlife Site’ will remain - as it now - as an open space very popular with walkers.

Councillor Margaret Griffiths, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “Over the past five years, Dacorum Borough Council has delivered hundreds of new homes to meet housing need across the borough.

"Paradise Fields is a prime town centre site that will enable more local families to enjoy a home they can be proud of.

"We are delighted that this purchase will also secure the future of a much-valued green open space for all to enjoy.”

The development proposals will be submitted as a planning application in 2020 and (subject to approval), is scheduled to be completed during 2023.