Archers Spring Plans Submitted

Outline plans for 342 new homes on Archers Spring have been submitted by developers.

Investment firm London and Regional Properties are proposing a mix of 117 flats and 225 houses on the site north of Welwyn Road and west of the Sele Farm estate. A fifth of the homes would be affordable. Parking for 693 cars would be provided.

The development is made up of three "character areas" - Valley Edge, Woodland Edge and West Farm.  The eastern area of the site immediately next to Sele Farm would be characterised by higher density housing, whilst further west, Woodland Edge would have a more rural feel, with medium density housing boireding deciduous woodland. Further from the town, Valley Edge would include informal planting  paired with a loose, soft architecture with the aim of integrating it into the countryside adjacent to the north and west.

The plans also include a nature reserve with woodland, grassland and infiltration basins, used for vegetation and stormwater runoff.

The land was declassified as Green Belt in the new District Plan, having previously been the site of a proposed sports centre. Before this the site had a history of unauthorised traveller occupations and illegal mineral extraction.