Outline plans for Archers Spring approved

Outline proposals for 342 new homes at Archers Spring have been approved following a meeting of East Herts District Council's Development Control Committee this evening (Wednesday 10th April).

The development is an important part of delivering new homes in the district and forms part of the HERT2 land allocation for 550 new homes, with over 250 of those homes already under construction west of Thieves lane.

The council is already unable to fulfil a 5-year housebuilding requirement, adding pressure on the local authority to approve applications. 

The outline planning application for Archers Spring comprises 342 residential dwellings with associated access, parking, public open space and amenity space. Only 'Access' and 'Scale' are to be determined at this time., with 'Landscaping', 'Layout' and 'Appearance' reserved for future determination.

Access to the development would be via a new junction with Welwyn Road and via Perret Gardens.

Councillors expressed concern about this access and pedestrain safety along Welwyn Road. The County Highways authority explained that the junctions had been modelled and traffic flows were expected to be within capacity and with little queueing at junctions. However, the authority would want to see reveied designs for the Perret Road access.

Flats would make up 30% of the properties (104) with houses making up the remaining 70%. The scheme would deliver 20% affordable housing, agreed following rigorous independent viability scrutiny.

The developer is expected to contribute £1.5m in Section 106 support for local infrastructure such as public transport, education, library, youth and waste services. A further £240,000 is required for community healthcare costs. Additionally, £2m will also go to services such as sports facilities, village and community centres, Parks and amenities, a Children's Play and Provision for Young People.

Following a two-hour briefing and discussion, the committee granted Outline Planning Permission subject to 65 conditions.