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.
- 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.
- 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. - 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:
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.