A planning inquiry into a controversial 135-home development has concluded.

After Cala Homes and Angle Property appealed Dacorum Borough Council’s decision to block its project for the green belt Rectory Farm site in Kings Langley last year, an inquiry was held last week.

It began on April 9 and formally closed on Friday (April 12), with the inspector's decision expected in late June.

Kings Langley District and Residents Association, alongside CPRE Hertfordshire, spoke against the plan on behalf of residents after the initial proposal faced 173 objections.

Although harm to the green belt was a key reason for planning refusal, and was the main issue for the residents association at the inquiry, a statement of common ground prepared ahead of the event narrowed down the matters in dispute.

The main sticking point became finding a Suitable Alterative Natural Greenspace (SANG) solution to mitigate any damage to the Chiltern Beechwoods Special Area of Conservation, alongside the need for a contribution towards transport.

Watford Observer: The Rectory Farm site.The Rectory Farm site. (Image: Kings Langley and District Residents Association)

A SANG is an area of land designated for recreational purposes to offset the impact of new residential developments creating additional footfall in natural spaces and habitats.

Developers can find and secure land for this use, or buy the SANG credits from other locations, and this can be factored in to planning decisions.