Almost 100 homes planned for Wheathampstead Green Belt

Taylor Wimpey has submitted a full planning application to build 97 houses on Green Belt land south of Hill Dyke Road.

Early imagery of the development. (Image: Taylor Wimpey)

Affordable housing, new public open space, and landscaped areas, are also included in the application.

The site has been earmarked for housing in St Albans City and District Council’s emerging Local Plan, where it is listed as "site M2 – Hill Dyke Road, Wheathampstead".

It is bordered by existing homes to the north and west, woodland to the east, and open fields to the south.

The proposed location for 97 homes. (Image: osp architecture)

Taylor Wimpey said the scheme would provide “much-needed new homes” and represents “an exemplar place to live".

A public consultation event was held on February 5 at Hill Dyke Community Centre, where residents and stakeholders could view plans and speak to the project team.

Feedback themes included concerns about traffic and parking, potential strain on local amenities, and the loss of undeveloped land.

Some residents expressed support for the principle of new housing, pointing to the need for more homes to allow people to stay within the community.

Other qualms raised by residents include traffic, road safety, increased pressure on infrastructure and services, parking, and the scale and density of the scheme.

There were also complaints about building on Green Belt land, with some arguing the area should remain undeveloped.

(Image: Taylor Wimpey)

Feedback forms were handed out to people who attended the meeting. Of those who answered question six of the feedback form, 14 respondents are ‘not supportive’ of the plans in its current stage, 12 respondents are ‘supportive’, and seven respondents are both ‘neutral’ and ‘unsure’ respectively.

The developer has sought to address early concerns by increasing landscaping, retaining most trees, and ensuring play areas and green spaces meet policy requirements.

In addition, they highlighted the inclusion of affordable homes, a pedestrian-focused design, and landscaped buffers as persuading factors.

(Image: Taylor Wimpey)

Plans include a mix of housing types and tenures, along with policy-compliant open space and play areas. Car parking and sustainable drainage have also been factored into the design.

Most existing trees would be retained, with additional planting planned throughout the development.

Frontage along Hill Dyke Road would be improved too, and there would be "enhanced connectivity" to pedestrian and cycling networks.

The scheme proposes "a well-planned scheme that puts the pedestrian first," and aims to create "a sense of place rooted in its location," a statement by Taylor Wimpey added.

To view the full plans search 5/2026/0751 on St Albans City and District Council's planning portal.