5 Hertfordshire planning applications you should know about

We've compiled a list of just some of the applications that are currently pending or have been approved in our areas.

Here are some that might have gone under the radar.

1 - 500-home Stevenage development approved

Permission has been granted for 500 homes to be built on Stevenage's eastern outskirts.

Stevenage Borough Council's planning committee approved plans to build the properties on council-owned land between the A602 and the railway line near Bragbury End.

An aerial view showing how the 500 homes near Bragbury End could look.

The site was allocated for 400 homes in the council's Local Plan, which acts as the blueprint for development in the area.

Most buildings on the site will be two storeys, though there will be some three-storey blocks of flats. The homes will range in size from two to five bedrooms.

Access to the site will be from a new junction with traffic lights on the A602, to which Hertfordshire Highways did not object.

2 - Plans for 21-storey flats on former BHS store site

A planning application has been submitted to build a 21-storey block of flats on the site of Stevenage's former British Home Stores site.

The plans would see 322 flats built in a towering block at 7 The Forum, with the BHS building demolished to make way for it.

The 21-storey block would provide 322 new homes. (Image: CODA Studios/Stevenage Borough Council)

The site has stood disused for almost 10 years following the closure of BHS in August 2016 and despite previous efforts to develop the site - including expired plans for 249 apartments in two 11-storey blocks put forward by CODA Studios who are also working on the new application.

One, two and three-bedroom homes would be provided in the block, with shared and private amenity space provided as well as 171 cycle parking spaces.

The tower block also includes ground floor retail space and would stand next to another 21-storey block at 9-11 The Forum, which will provide 225 new homes on the New Look site having been approved last year.

3 - Plans for 600 homes near village

Fresh plans have unveiled a development of up to 600-homes in a "New Garden Suburb" south of Radlett.

Applicant Mac Mic Strategic Land, is inviting residents to view proposals for a mega-development in Hertsmere.

The Radlett New Garden Suburb "vision". (Image: Planning Potential)

The proposal includes up to 600 homes, half of them "affordable", alongside a countryside park, village green and other community facilities.

Plans also include self-build and custom-build plots, allowing residents to "design their own" homes within an agreed design code.

Meanwhile, a specialist care home, primary school and nursery on site, would foster inclusive living and enable people at every stage of life to remain within the community.

4 - Hotel could make way for new homes

A disused hotel in Hitchin could be demolished to make way for new homes after a planning application was submitted.

The plans, submitted by Capital Developments Group, would see Firs Hotel in Bedford Road knocked down to make way for nine three-bedroom properties.

The hotel opened back in 1979 but is no longer housing guests, with a message on its website reading: "We are currently not taking bookings at the Firs Hotel. We wish to thank all our guests for their support throughout the years."

Firs Hotel in Bedford Road would be knocked down to make way for the homes. (Image: Google Maps)

Following the demolition of the hotel, the new homes would be built in a terraced format with two rows of buildings constructed parallel to Bedford Road.

"The proposed development comprises nine three-bedroom new family residences in a terrace format, each with private off-street car parking for two cars and private rear gardens, all within an attractive landscaped courtyard setting with mature planting, EV charging points and varied shared surfaces," the plans read.

"The proposed two rows of dwellings run parallel to Bedford Road. The first row faces Bedford Road and comprises four dwellings. A further five dwellings are set back from the highway and sit seamlessly adjacent to the terrace houses at the rear of Firs Close."

5 - Decision on 60-home Welham Green development delayed

A decision on whether to grant planning permission for 60 new homes in Welham Green has been delayed by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council’s planning committee.

Landform Welham Green wants to build on land next to Bulls Lane on the south-western edge of Welham Green.

How 60 proposed homes off Bulls Lane in Welham Green could be laid out.

Planning officers judged that the site should be classed as grey belt and that permission should be granted.

But at a meeting, councillors said they did not believe it should be classed as such and voted against consent.

Before a final decision is made, council officers will consider whether there are very special circumstances to justify building on the land if it is classed as green belt.