Long-term partnership helps deliver housing and Farmstead vision in Kings Langley
Outline planning consent has been granted for 150 new homes on land north of Chipperfield Road in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire. The scheme will also deliver a new community education facility with café, farm shop, therapy gardens, and spaces for vegetable growing and farm animals.
The site lies adjacent to a secondary school and within a short walk of the local primary school. It is also within walking distance of shops and other village amenities.
Local plan representations were initially made by Silversaw Limited in 2015, with discussions spanning almost a decade. After completion of the Section 106 agreement, the scheme will be built by The Hill Group, a privately owned five-star house builder with a focus on quality and sustainability.
According to David Cox of Silversaw, “Throughout this long journey, Motion has been an invaluable partner, not only assisting with transport, travel and technical advice but also helping to allay general public concerns during the extensive engagement process.”
Road safety
Concerns were expressed about vehicle speeds on Chipperfield Road and the potential risk to children walking to and from the secondary school. Motion responded with a traffic calming scheme incorporating speed cushions and additional lighting.
David continues, “Phil Bell and his team worked hard to address questions during and after the public consultation. Their handling of highway and traffic queries was key to securing consent.”
Motion Associate, Ellie Upton, adds, “Feasibility studies were conducted prior to planning submission and supported with pedestrian and cycle proposals. Following close consultation with residents and the local schools, we also advised on off-site improvements.”
Improved public transport
Negotiation for upgrades to the local bus service was another key feature of Motion’s support. Two new bus stops will be built adjacent to the development. The service will be upgraded from a low frequency to every 90 minutes. Phil Bell explains, “This improvement still avoids the need for provision of more than one bus, keeping the costs at an affordable level for the developer.”
The enhanced service will run from Chipperfield Road into Watford to the southeast, passing through Kings Langley village and railway station.
The Farmstead – a community and education facility
The Farmstead will be a unique feature of the scheme with a clear social benefit. Accompanied by school staff, pupils from Kings Langley School will have access to the facility, which will provide an outdoor learning resource and can help children who may be struggling with anxiety and absenteeism. The Farmstead, including the café, will be managed and supervised by Sunnyside Rural Trust, providing a further space and facility for the charity to assist young adults with learning disabilities.
Sustainability impact:
- New pedestrian and cycle routes to enhance access to local amenities
- Walkable neighbourhood anchored by Farmstead community concept
- On-site secure cycle parking and EV charging
- Improved bus services
Image credits: © JTP
An abridged version of this article first appeared in Issue 28 of Insight
