Up to 40 new homes are set to be constructed on Green Belt land after an application was accepted by St Albans City & District Council's planning committee.

A decision on the development on land north of Boissy Close was made last night (Monday, August 14).

A separate application, for up to 95 properties near Watling Street, was deferred.

The now-successful Boissy Close application will include three self-build homes, along with car and cycle parking, landscaping and associated works for the remaining 38.

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A minimum of 35 per cent of the development will also be "affordable homes".

A covering letter submitted with the application states: "The scheme will provide market and affordable dwellings which will assist St Albans District Council with the much needed delivery of affordable housing across the district.

Herts Advertiser: A proposed street view of the scene.A proposed street view of the scene. (Image: Anderson / TateHindle / St Albans City & District Council)

"It will include 3 x self build plots; provision of informal and formal open space including children’s play space; formalisation of two pedestrian/cycle connections to the Alban Way; provision of visitor car parking to support existing residents at Boissy Close; and enhanced landscaping which builds on existing key features.

"The scheme is compliant with national and local planning requirements.

                                                                                            

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"Dwelling sizes meet the Nationally Described Space Standards and are at least dual aspect to allow for good daylight and natural ventilation."

Not all St Albans residents are pleased with the plans, and a number of objections were made.

Mark Taylor, of the Boissy Park Action Group, told The Herts Advertiser: "Despite Herts Highways contravening guidance that a shared surface is only suitable for up to 25 dwellings, to safeguard pedestrians, the development of 40 dwellings will be allowed.

"Given that Boissy Close is the cut through for so many school children and cyclists it’s a poor result that isn’t centred on safety and good practice.

Herts Advertiser: A proposed street view of the scene.A proposed street view of the scene. (Image: Anderson / TateHindle / St Albans City & District Council)

"Green Belt classification was merely a procedural inconvenience (or not in this instance).

"With acute school access in our locality (being well outside of the last five-year admission catchments for both nearest primary and secondary schools), and being a 15 minute walk to a nearest bus stop, I can’t see how infrastructure has been of material consideration.

"The committee have sanctioned a huge amount of incremental traffic volume down Colney Heath Lane, which is not an appropriate highway (poor visibility, too narrow and often traffic travelling too fast).

"We need more houses in St Albans, but they need to be in the right locations with the supporting access and infrastructure."

The application can be viewed online via the St Albans City & District Council planning portal, quoting reference 5/2022/2557.