Killingdown Farm: Permission for 160 homes won on appeal

A planning inspector has decided to overturn a decision made by Three Rivers District Council last May to refuse a development at Killingdown Farm.

More than 300 people had objected to the plans with nearly 2,500 signing a petition.

In his report published yesterday (February 7), inspector Adam Nunn recognised the impact the plans will have on Croxley Green Conservation Area and listed buildings but said the "adverse" effects do not "outweigh" the benefits of the scheme.

Mr Nunn said applicants Hill Residential Ltd will provide 160 "high quality, modern homes", of which 72 will be affordable, in an area where there is a "clear need" for housing.

He acknowledged the council's concerns about the conservation area and the "urbanisation" of Little Green Lane - but he said it was of "critical importance" that Killingdown Farm has been allocated as a housing site.

In 2014, a planning inquiry was held and the site was taken out of the green belt. The land also features in the council's upcoming draft local plan.

A map of the Croxley Green area. The red marker is where Killingdown Farm is situated. Credit: Google Maps

Mr Nunn admitted the development would see "rural character eroded" and turned into a more "suburban appearance", and recognised that views from properties in Little Green Lane would be changed, but he disputed claims by campaigners that the plans would have an "overbearing" impact on 5 Little Green Lane in particular.

Representatives from Croxley Green Parish Council, Little Green Residents’ Association, and Croxley Green Residents’ Association gave evidence at the latest inquiry, which was held in November and December, as to why the appeal should be dismissed. Attempts by locals to stop development at Killingdown Farm stretch back over ten years.

Weighing up the planning balance, the inspector concluded the scheme would "fail to preserve the character" of the conservation area and the setting of various listed buildings, but "on the other hand, and very importantly", said the site had been specifically allocated for housing.

A closer look at the land identified to be developed. Credit: Google Maps

The land covers around 7.5 hectares and the plans will see existing farm buildings demolished.

It's unclear at this stage how attempts by local district councillors to close sections of Little Green Lane to traffic could affect this development.

A petition has been accepted by Hertfordshire County Council and a traffic survey is scheduled to take place. However, the current entrance to Killingdown Farm does not fall within the area of Little Green Lane the petition seeks to shut.

Related: Attempts to shut road to nearly all traffic to take next step

Would you like to share your thoughts about the appeal decision? Email nathan.louis@newsquest.co.uk