Proposals submitted for 200-home development in Berkhamsted as hundreds object

Land by Shootersway has been earmarked for a new neighbourhood in the town. A planning application for the project has been validated by Dacorum Borough Council and a consultation period has opened.

At the time of writing, 347 residents have submitted objections to the proposals, which can be viewed online here.

A planning statement provided by Carter Jonas, on behalf of Croudace Homes Ltd, reveals that public open space areas, biodiversity enhancements, landscaping and drainage systems are also included in the plans.

Developers would also build a new roundabout at the junction connecting Shootersway and Durrants Lane. A new path for walking and cycling would also be built by the homes.

Plans sent to the borough council show that 50% of the homes built as part of the scheme would meet the Government’s ‘affordable’ criteria. Findings released by the planning company show that the earmarked land has Green Belt status. Approximately 60% of the site has Area of Archaeological Significance categorisation. The site is also 20m from the Chilterns National Landscape northwestern boundary and within the Chilterns Beechwoods Special Area of Conservation zone. Construction would take place 100m from a Grade II listed cottage.

Proposals for a further 80 homes are also under consideration nearby on land off Shootersway.

It is argued in the planning statement that construction can go ahead on the protected site under the Government’s ‘grey belt’ criteria. This was established by the current Government to create more areas where homes could be built on land which was miscategorised as protected.

Among the reasons why the project has proved unpopular with residents are fears the project will worsen already overloaded roads in the area.

One commenter said: “Anybody who cares or knows about Shootersway in Berkhamsted will know about the very long queues of traffic there from 7:45am, and 4:30pm.” The resident noted how the road is used as a through route to nearby schools and links to the busy A41.

"The only roads into the town centre are residential and traffic levels are already unsustainable,” another resident argued.

Although two residents did offer support for the scheme, further commenters worried about the existing animals that occupy the site. Concerns were raised with how animals are being “pushed further and further to the edge of their habitat”.

Beyond specific arguments relating to traffic chaos on Shootersway, others said Berkhamsted had already been pushed to a breaking point due to recent overdevelopment.

However, it is argued in the planning application, that more projects like this one are needed to meet the Government’s ambitious housing plan. Since being elected, the Labour Party pledged to construct 1.5 million more homes over its five-year term in charge.

Others argued that building on Green Belt land will lead to Berkhamsted no longer reflecting its ‘country town’ status. Other issues raised included sewage concerns regarding the amount of waste being discharged into the Grand Union Canal and River Bulbourne. One commenter argued that further households would see waste rise to even more ‘unacceptable’ levels across the town.