Consultation opens on the largest proposed housing scheme in the district next week.

The Crown Estate is holding the first of three consultation events in Leverstock Green next Thursday, October 20, into land to the east of Hemel Hempstead where St Albans council wants to build 2,500 new homes.

The site, which is part of the parish of Redbourn and will bring new housing very close to the village, is incorporated in the council’s planning blueprint, the Strategic Local Plan (SLP).

The SLP, which also includes housing sites in St Albans and Harpenden, has yet to go to public inquiry.

The Crown Estate is holding consultation sessions to seek local residents’ views about the scheme which they call ‘East Hemel’ and say will include new jobs, investment in road infrastructure, green spaces, new schools, community facilities, walking and cycling routes.

Steve Melligan, strategic land manager of The Crown Estate which owns the site, said: “At East Hemel there’s a fantastic opportunity to create a vibrant community where people can live, work, shop and enjoy spending time with their family, friends and neighbours.”

The first consultation session is being held at Holy Trinity Church, Leverstock Green, from 4pm to 7pm next Thursday with another being held from 4pm to 8pm the following Thursday, October 27, at Redbourn parish centre.