Bircherley Green retirement homes to go ahead after appeal

Plans for 34 retirement homes in Hertford Town Centre have been given the go-ahead after a government inspector allowed an appeal by Churchill Retirement Living Ltd against the refusal of planning permission by East Herts Council.

The site on the corner of Bircherley Street and Railway Street became vacant after shops and offices were demolished five years ago prior to the construction of a Premier Inn Hotel. However, the hotel company withdrew from the project after a downturn in business following the Covid-9 pandemic.

Churchill Retirement Living initially proposed 36 retirement flats and three retail units, before reducing the number of homes to 34. 

The developer launched an appeal after the distritc council failed to determine the planning application within the approprioate period. The council subsequently refused planning permission citing the design, scale and height of the buildings. Hertford Town Council also opposed the development.

In an Appeal Decision issued on 18th August, government inspector Jonathan Price concluded that the advantages of the scheme outweighed the disadvantages, especially given that the council cannot currently demonstrate a five year supply of deliverable housing sites.

Mr.Price also attached weight to the use of a brownfield site, along with economic benefits, including the construction works, new retail units and increased consumer spend within the town centre.

Planning permission was subsequently granted with 19 conditions attached.