Controversial rejected plans for 135 homes may not be dead yet as an appeal has been launched.
On October 18, Dacorum Borough Council refused to give developers permission to build in green belt land at the Rectory Farm site in Kings Langley after 173 neighbours objected.
A letter sent out on Tuesday (January 9) has now confirmed that the applicant has appealed to the Secretary of State against the council’s decision.
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It will therefore be decided at a public inquiry.
A spokesperson for Cala Homes and Angle Property said: “We believe this sustainably located site will provide many benefits to the local community.
“By lodging the appeal, we hope to provide 135 much-needed new homes, of which 40 per cent will be affordable, offering a range of options for buyers.”
They also highlighted benefits of the plan including a café, workshop, orchards, allotments, repair shed, cycle hub, and a new country park to open to the public with play areas.
The in-progress appeal began on January 8, statements and interested party comments are due February 12, inquiry evidence is due March 12, and the event date is set for April 9.
Kings Langley & District Residents Association chair Gary Ansell said that the group is “really disappointed that an appeal has come out and will absolutely be fighting this all the way”.
“We’ve already been contacting local residents," he added. "We know it’s going to cost quite a bit to fight this so we will be trying to raise money to put up an extensive fight against the developer.”
Back in October, Dacorum Borough Council’s decision notice said: “The council acted pro-actively through positive engagement with the applicant in an attempt to narrow down the reasons for refusal, but fundamental objections could not be overcome.”
Four specific reasons for rejection were listed, including the overall harm to the green belt, and three reasons relating to technical agreements over transport and affordable housing not being reached between the applicant and council.
The site is on private land, with no public access, and had been described as “neglected” even by those objecting to development.
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