News

We have recently submitted our response to proposals to build a new 5-bed house on land adjacent to 29 Farquhar Street.

The new house would occupy a triangular plot of land to the southwest of the property that is currently part of the garden . The new house would be accessed through an existing vehicle entrance in the street.

Having evaluated the July 2025 Design and Access Statement, and the Arboricultural Impacts Assessment (AIA) dated 16/05/25, we have submitted an objection to this planning application for the reasons given below.

1. Paragraph 4.2.3 of the AIA states ‘construction activity associated with the proposed building works will be significant and potentially represents the greatest source of harmful impact on trees since RPAs encroach substantially into the site and into areas where building activities may occur. This potentially applies to all the trees identified in the report and is of particular relevance to the belt of sycamore trees along the western boundary that grow on a steep incline. Loss of structural integrity of roots from these trees that are present within the site may lead to instability and possible tree failure’. The Design and Access Statement does not provide detail on how the on-site trees will be protected during construction activity, particularly on how unacceptable levels of incursion into root-protection area will be avoided.
2. Bengeo Neighbourhood Area Plan Policy HBH2: Design and Development requires that residential development proposals should aim to protect the amenity and privacy of existing and future residents. The amenity of residents in Archers Close, living below the line of trees on the steep bank of the proposed development site, could fail to be protected if construction
   activity compromises the belt of sycamore trees on the western boundary.
3. After appropriate review by the committee, it is concluded that this proposed development is not consistent with the Bengeo Neighbourhood Area Plan.

An earlier planning application for a new house on the site was refused by East Herts Council in March for the following reasons:

1. The proposal, due to its bulk, scale and footprint, would appear out of keeping with the grain of development or be sympathetic to the site and would fail to reflect the character and appearance of the locality.
2. In the absence of sufficient information in regard to soft landscaping on the site and the protection of existing trees in line with BS5837 (5.3.4).
3. The Small Sites Biodiversity Metric and a Biodiversity Assessment submitted with the application show that a biodiversity net gain in area-based habitat units has not been achieved. As such, it cannot be demonstrated that ecology and biodiversity would be protected and enhanced.

We have submitted comments to East Herts Council on proposals for a 15m mobile mast on land opposite shops in The Avenue

These proposals are described as “Installation of a 15m monopole tower to support antenna, associated radio-equipment housing and ancillary development. | Land Adj Car Parking The Avenue Hertford Hertfordshire“.

While the land opposite the shops on the Avenue is not specifically mentioned in the neighbourhood plan, we do not consider that the addition of a 15m structure on a tranquil area of green very close to local housing would be appropriate. It would represent an ugly and unwelcome development. The height of the mast would mean that it would dominate the area and its siting only 12.5 metres from the nearest property at 46 The Avenue is far from ideal. We note that the structure would be higher than local trees and would therefore be prominent and be significantly visually intrusive.

You can read our full response here.

We have submitted a formal response to plans for a 15m mobile phone mast on the corner of Beane Road and Millmead Way.

Our comments highlight the fact that a prominent mast of 15m in height would contravene the Neighbourhood Plan policy of non development on Local Green Space.

We also note that the site is sensitive because it is opposite Beane Marsh which is Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trusts newest nature reserve and the siting here could endanger or cause disturbance to migrating wildlife as Millmead park is a wildlife corridor linking areas along the river Beane.

You can read our full response here.

We have submitted our comments on proposals to convert No.7 Cowbridge to residential use.

The proposal is for: “Change of use from Class A1 (retail use) to create one four bedroom dwelling; alterations to openings and fenestration; new roof light to second floor; creation of new side entrance way; car-parking space to side and installation of railings and plinth walls to front and side.”

Although the application involves a change of use from retail to residential, the premises has been empty for many years. So, while it is a pity to lose a town centre commercial space, we judge that it is more important to preserve this beautiful, grade 2 listed building than to attempt to keep it as a commercial property. Furthermore, the conversion of the frontage will fit in well with the rest of the street.

We also welcome the removal unsympathetic changes – the removal of the shop window to be replaced by a smaller one in the original historical position.

We note that this building contains swift nests, a bird on the ‘red’ list of endangered species (BTO/RSPB). Swifts migrate back to the same nest each year and any disturbance is very problematic. We, therefore, strongly urge the developer to include swift bricks in any construction work and to take expert advice on the siting of these.

We do not consider the addition of railings at the front of the property to be necessary or desirable. We do not think that they add to the sense of history of the building as railings would not have been a historic feature, or that they are in keeping with the rest of the street. So, we would prefer to see this element omitted.

Our full response can be read here »