Public inquiry to decide 600-home plan by Whippendell Wood

Developer Richborough launched an appeal after Three Rivers District Council blocked its scheme for land north of Little Green Lane, Croxley Green, and across Rousebarn Lane from Whippendell Wood, in Janaury.

It was initially indicated that the appeal could be decided based on written representations only, but a public inquiry notification letter has now been sent out.

(Image: Richborough)

Proceedings are set to last four days and open at 10am on August 27.

Councillors on the planning committee voted to block the scheme because they rejected the idea that the site represented ‘grey belt’ land and instead argued it is green belt.

The decision notice also stated that it would result in the “deterioration” of ancient woodlands and no agreement securing the infrastructure obligations had been reached at the time of the decision.

The application site to the north of Little Green Lane (Image: Clive Jones)

However, the appellant’s statement of case highlights that the decision went against planning officers’ recommendation and the site had twice been included in draft local plans.

It described the project as an “exceptionally well-designed scheme that will deliver wide-ranging lasting benefits” for a local authority with a “dismal track record in supporting new housing delivery”.

The application site (Image: Clive Jones)