Bushey Hall Golf Club 350-home plan approved – reaction.
The developer of a recently approved 350-home development has expressed “delight,” while an opposing councillor has been left “very disappointed.”
The long-running dispute over the former Bushey Hall Golf Club appeared to be ended last week (August 21), when Hertsmere Borough Council’s planning committee voted 5-4 in support of Griggs Homes’ plans to develop the green belt site.
A computer-generated illustration of Bushey Hall Golf Club’s potential future layout. North Bushey Liberal Democrat councillor Louise Nicolas, who led efforts to oppose the proposal, told the Watford Observer:
“We are very disappointed, but we knew this would be a difficult fight because the government has relaxed the rules protecting the green belt.” “This was only an outline application and Griggs do not yet have the full permission to build anything.” She went further:
“When they come back for that permission, we will hold them to account to reduce the harms caused by the scheme and get more benefits for the community.”
Councillor Louise Nicolas. (Image: Bushey Liberal Democrats.) Last week’s meeting was the second time councillors had discussed the proposal, following an acrimonious meeting in June that devolved into a debate about whether the scheme met the government’s new definition of grey belt – land that has previously been developed or contributes insignificantly to the green belt.
Ahead of the second meeting, planning staff stated that even if the property was designated as green belt, they would still recommend approval of the development because the benefits exceeded the drawbacks.
A Griggs Homes spokeswoman responded to the outcome, saying: “We are delighted to share that Hertsmere Borough Council’s Planning Committee resolved to grant outline planning permission for our landmark proposals at Scotts Wood Park in Bushey.”
They went on to say, “The community benefits are truly once in a generation, with the delivery of a new community centre and wellbeing hub, as well as a state-of-the-art medical centre, whose construction and operational costs will be fully funded by Griggs in partnership with the landowner and delivered at no cost to the public.”
“In addition, more than £8.65 million in Section 106 and CIL contributions would benefit local infrastructure, such as road improvements and improved bus services.
The overall amount of responsibilities and community benefits surpasses £20 million.
Of the 350 homes to be developed, 245 will be classified as “affordable,” with 91 properties available for social rent.
Read more on Straightwinfortoday.com
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.