Flats and retail development in Fore Street approved

Plans to redevelop a prominent site in Fore Street to provide 9 flats and a shop have been approved by planning officers.

The site includes the former tyre centre opposite the junction of Fore Street and South Street and extends back to Gascoyne Way. The building is currently occupied by food charity Jedidiah. The neighbouring site occupied by a kebab shop is not included in the development.

The proposed three storey building would reflect the historic pattern and style of development along Fore Street.

A previous planning application for the Fore Street site was refused by both East Herts Council and a government planning inspector on appeal.

Addressing concerns raised by the council and planning inspector, the developer said in their new applicaion: "the overall bulk and massing of the proposals has been considerably reduced, particularly at first and second floors. Various set-backs and steps in the building form have been introduced, helping break up the massing and minimising it’s visual presence from all public vantage points, particularly along Fore Street."

The development incudes nine car parking spaces.

Nine written representations were received as part of the statutory public consultation, raising issues such as insufficient parking provision, character, massing, poor design and loss of prvacy. Hertford Town Council raised no objection but wished to see further detail relating to sustainable features, contamination, air pollution and access.

East Herts Council's planning officer concluded that "no harms have been identified which would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefit of the proposal, when assessed against Local Plan and NPPF policy."

The council is unable to demonstrate a five year supply of deliverable housing sites and therefore local planning policies carry limited weight. The planning officer noted that "In this context, the policies considered to be out of date include in particular those relating to the development strategy and delivery of housing."