A housing association wants to build dozens of "sustainable" homes on green belt land in Abbots Langley.

The application by Thrive Homes is for up to 68 homes on land behind Mansion House Farm Equestrian Centre in Bedmond Road.

Thrive Homes says the development would provide 100 per cent affordable housing and believes this justifies the "very special circumstances" needed to build in the green belt.

Three Rivers District Council has already indicated in its local plan process that the grazing land can be released from the green belt after it was deemed suitable to develop to meet Government housing targets.

The application submitted to the council is an outline planning application. At this stage, Thrive is seeking to find out if a development of this nature is acceptable, with a more detailed planning application required at a later stage.

Watford Observer: In burgundy is Thrive Homes' recently completed Notley Court development. To the right in red is the land earmarked for up to 68 homes this latest application. Credit: Google MapsIn burgundy is Thrive Homes' recently completed Notley Court development. To the right in red is the land earmarked for up to 68 homes this latest application. Credit: Google Maps

The Hemel-Hempstead based housing association, which already has homes in Three Rivers district, has said every home on this development would be designated as "affordable" but a housing needs survey needs to take place to determine the exact number of units needed and the proposed tenure of them.

It appears up to 68 homes are planned which would be a mixture of houses and flats. Thrive Homes says all the homes would be environmentally friendly because they would be zero carbon.

The affordable housing provider adds enough parking will be provided to satisfy council standards and says its proposal would not be "overly prominent" or overshadow or cause "unacceptable" loss of light and privacy to neighbouring homes.

The land earmarked by Thrive Homes is next to its recent development at Notley Court of 12 homes for shared ownership.

Watford Observer: Notley Court. Credit: Thrive Homes via Three Rivers District Council planning portal Notley Court. Credit: Thrive Homes via Three Rivers District Council planning portal

The outline planning application for up to 68 homes on land behind Mansion House Farm can be found on the council's planning portal via reference 21/2898/OUT.