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Search the Public Notice PortalA "David and Goliath" inquiry has begun to decide whether 280 homes can be built despite a previous refusal.
The three-day hearing began yesterday (October 6) as campaigners look to see off plans for housebuilding at the Harts Farm site in Little Bushey Lane.
A total of 544 people objected to the application, while 46 supported it before councillors refused it, primarily over green belt impacts, in March. Similar plans for 310 homes at the site have also previously been refused.
Bushey Park councillor Maxie Allen spoke against the development during the first day of proceedings but admitted in an update shared online that victory appears unlikely.
He said: "In legal terms, we are really up against it here. All advice is that the applicant’s case is overwhelming in terms of planning law. It’s a David v Goliath battle. But I gave it my best shot and did all I could."
The Liberal Democrat councillor argued that the harms outweigh the benefits, citing the flood risk, "unsustainable" location and "weak or unachievable" highways mitigations.
- Community bringing 'all the gusto and force we can' to 280-home plan inquiry
- Objectors 'over the moon' 280-home plan refused but 'battle isn't over'
Developer Redrow Homes says its scheme “would deliver a considerable number of homes, in an area where there is a chronic need for housing”.
It says the properties would be “high-quality” and have a positive impact on the community and surrounding area.
Its plans for the site also include a community facility, a new access road, play areas and other infrastructure improvements.
Members of the public can take part in the inquiry and, “at the inspector’s discretion”, give their views.
Little Bushey Community chairman Daren Nathan previously said that residents would be aiming to turn out in great numbers to oppose the plan, having fought the previous 310-home proposal all the way to the High Court.
He said: "It's a huge commitment to expect the community to come out when it's a daytime inquiry during work hours.
“It just becomes a challenge, but it's a necessary challenge. We will approach that with all the gusto and all the force that we can to make sure that our voices are heard and the case that the community is put forward.”
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