Protesters march against development of green belt land in Borehamwood

"Hands off green belt" was the cry as protestors demonstrated against a development that would bring 58 houses and a school.

Two separate applications are in place to build a primary school, and housing on land just off Potters Lane in Borehamwood.

But it has been met with protest from people living in Well End who believe there is a lack of infrastructure in place to cope with the increased traffic. People are also upset that green belt land will be lost, which is a popular space for dog walkers and horses.

On Saturday, a group set off from Denham Way, through to Rowley Lane, and past the Mops and Brooms, led by Alexandra Road resident Claire Crossan.

Following the march, Ms Crossan said: "This was all arranged within a week so it was great to see the support that we did get. I am happy that people in our area are mindful of what is happening and want to do something.

"The countryside is so important to us all and we don't want this to be built on. Don't let Well End be destroyed."

Ursula Whitehill, of the Elstree & Borehamwood Green Belt Society, who lives in Robeson Way, has also written to the borough council claiming that the site is "unsuitable" for new development while adding that the proposed new homes will not be "priced for people in need".

Ann Goddard, chairman of the Elstree & Borehamwood Green Belt Society, who accompanied protesters, added: "The march showed the commitment of people. This would be an irreparable loss of land. I do support the need for a new primary school but not at the cost of this land and the houses."

The Campaign to Protect Rural England has written to Hertsmere Borough Council pledging support for Ms Crossan's campaign.

The letter says: "Both the new school and the enabling development to fund it will result in significant harm to the openness of the green belt, contrary to the green belt provisions in the National Planning Policy Framework, and Green Belt Policy CS13 in the current Hertsmere local plan.

"While we accept that there are pressures which require further two-form entry primary school capacity, as outlined in the Educational Needs Study, a site has already been proposed for that purpose at Maxwell Park. These applications do not adequately present and analyse alternative ways to meet that educational need.

"We urge the council to reject these applications as unnecessary and inappropriate development in the green belt."

A decision on the applications has yet to be made by Hertsmere Borough Council. However, it has become clear that if one application is refused, then neither will go ahead.

Land owners Wrotham Park Estate has re-iterated the land in Potters Lane will provide an alternative to the "much-loved" Maxwell Park.

A spokesman said: "With such a need for school places in the area, Wrotham Park have provided an alternative site to the much loved Maxwell Park, which has previously been earmarked for a new school. The new primary school will accommodate up to 420 students, with an additional 30 places in the nursey, and both will enjoy generous outdoor playing areas. 

"The site is on the green belt but there has been support for the proposals as there is clear recognition that there is a great need for primary school places in the area. This has been recognised by not only the Elstree and Borehamwood Green Belt Society but also Elstree and Borehamwood Town Council.

"We remain very happy to answer any further questions and hope that local residents will welcome the opportunity to have a new and exemplary school opening in the near future in Borehamwood, should the applications be granted by Hertsmere Council’s Planning Committee."

If you would like to contact Wrotham Park Estate, you can do so at davidshetcliffe@curtinandco.com

The Potters Lane proposals are being supported by Hertfordshire County Council. It is up to Hertsmere Borough Council whether or not to pass the plans.