The Proposal
Introduction
Here you can find out more about emerging proposals for Roundhouse Farm, submit feedback and contact the team.
Bellway are currently exploring the possibility of delivering a range of new homes on a site known as Roundhouse Farm.
We also appreciate that residents may have specific questions about the emerging proposals. Please explore this website to find out more.
The need for new homes
The St Albans area has a critical undersupply of homes, particularly affordable homes. The Council’s Local Plan has not been renewed since 1994 and a new version is not due to be consulted on until next year. However, based on the Government’s new standardised methodology for identifying local housing needs, St Albans needs around 900 new homes per year, and currently has a shortfall of 4,000 affordable homes (94%), which would require 1,185 affordable properties to be built each year over the next five years.
The emerging proposal for Roundhouse Farm will therefore make an important contribution to delivering much-needed affordable homes.
A key Government planning priority is to significantly boost the delivery of new housing. It recognises the importance and benefits of small to medium scale developments (exactly like this site at Colney Heath), which are unconstrained, do not require any significant upfront infrastructure, and can be built relatively quickly. The plans have been designed to work with the requirements of national planning policy by developing in a sustainable location close to local amenities, and provide a significant amount of affordable housing, open space, biodiversity net gain, and provision for self and custom build plots.
In the absence of an up-to-date Local Plan, there is also a presumption in favour of sustainable development, particularly in cases where the local authority cannot demonstrate a five-year supply of housing. In this context, the proposals meet national planning policy criteria, and would also make a positive early contribution to the delivery of new homes.
The site
Following some initial but detailed conversations with the District Council, Bellway are currently exploring the possibility of delivering a range of new homes on a site known as Roundhouse Farm.
The site (shown below) lies towards the centre of the village – to the north west of Roestock Lane and bounded by the High Street to the north west and Fair View to the north east.
The proposals
Whilst we are still at the very early stages and whilst we will be ensuring that local residents are fully consulted before progressing with a Planning Application, we believe this site has the potential to make a positive contribution to the local community:
Offering a range of much needed high quality sustainable 1-4 bedroom homes for local people, including young families and first time buyers. 45% of homes would be affordable, exceeding the Council’s own policy
Close proximity to local amenities, including shops, post office and bus stops, making this the most sustainable site in Colney Heath and supporting current and new local business
Improving local infrastructure through Section 106 contributions, including schools and transport
Providing generous open spaces for people to enjoy
Creating new jobs for local people and working with local schools to support education on careers in the sector
Have your say
We are keen to hear what residents think about the proposals. The plans are still at an early stage and any feedback we receive will help us to shape plans to ensure that they work for both new and existing residents.
Please take a moment to complete the survey below. It only takes a few minutes.
You can also speak directly to a member of the project team by contacting us via:
Phone: 0800 148 8911
Email: info@colneyheathbellway.co.uk
Write: Freepost MPC CONSULTATION (no stamp required)