I object to planning application 24/1522/OUT, land at Harts Farm, Bushey on the following grounds
Loss of Green Belt
The site is a Metropolitan Green Belt and the proposed development would significantly reduce the spatial openness of the Green Belt land. It would lead to a loss of views from Little Bushey Lane across fields, hedgerows and the enjoyment of a varied wildlife. A development would create a permanent loss and impact.
The proposed development still lacks any Very Special Circumstances which are required to justify any such development.
The NPPF seeks to protect the Green Belt to protect and maintain openness and permanence.
Flooding
The site and adjacent roads are well known for flooding. Parts of the site are in Flood Zones 2 & 3 whilst 10% is at risk of reservoir flooding. Account must also be considered for impacts of climate change and the increased future risk of more intense flooding.
The LLFA has raised concerns of flooding and wants conditions associated to flood mitigation. This directly implies that the LLFA is dissatisfied with information provided and cannot unconditionally remove any objection owing to excessive flooding during sustained rainfall.
Highways
Hertfordshire Highways continues to hold concerns about impact to Junction 5 of the M1 with traffic both joining and leaving the motorway. The site also sits adjacent to the M1 motorway and there is concern over the erosion of the embankment.
Habitat
Development of the Green Belt will also cause significant harm to the habitat which enjoys the fields and hedgerows which provide for nesting, foraging and shelter for wildlife.
Protected species include skylarks, badgers and pipistrelle bats, alongside muntjac deer, Canada geese and the plethora of others.
It is linked to the adjacent Hilfield Reservoir nature reserve and is an important wildlife corridor.
There is no evidence that replacement habitats will sufficiently provide for existing habitats and especially for those both specialist and sensitive to their environments.
Submit your objection to the Hertsmere planning portal here
Alternatively you may email Planning and Economic Development
