Plans submitted to redevelop Cowley Hill stables into houses

Plans have been submitted to redevelop Cowley Hill Stables on the outskirts of Borehamwood into 13 homes, including five set aside as affordable.

The stables closed down around a year ago and now Radlett-based Griggs Homes have published plans to redevelop the site, via Hertsmere Borough Council’s planning portal.

There are two days left before the official public consultation ends and more than 70 objections have already been lodged against the plans on the portal.

Pictured in the distance to the right are some of the existing stable buildings. Campaigners fear views may be spoilt by gardens. Credit: Sharon Madsen

Campaigners have been actively using social media to raise awareness of the application with resident Sharon Madsen among those spearheading a campaign opposing the scheme, with fears this proposal will start "connecting Borehamwood with Shenley".

Ms Madsen said: "People from Borehamwood and Shenley are angry. They know if this proposal is approved, it’ll be the starting point for the land that separates them to be built on.

"This development would change a popular walking and riding area forever. No more paddocks and fields, but massive houses with massive gardens grabbed from the green belt.

"Shenley Parish planning committee unanimously rejected it last week. Now it’s the turn of Hertsmere Borough Council, so please object and stop this."

A spokesperson for Griggs Homes explained to the Times that the houses would be built on previously developed land within the green belt, owned by Wrotham Park Estate, although drawings do indicate some gardens would encroach onto green belt land that has not previously been developed.

Initially, Griggs Homes had eyed up the land for 29 houses but scaled back the plans following advice from council officers.

Now, 11 houses are proposed and two flats.

An aerial view of Cowley Hill Stables currently. Credit: Google Maps

The pink lines indicate the current stables site and buildings with the outer red line showcasing the whole site Griggs would like to develop, which includes garden space

Several public bodies have also responded to the public consultation, including the Environment Agency, which has called for planning permission to be refused because the site is close to a river culvert and the agency fears the development could "increase the risk of flooding" to Cowley Hill.

However, the applicants can overturn the agency’s objection if it can prove the proposed development will be at least eight metres away from the culvert or if it can be proved the culvert will not be adversely affected.

Views out towards Borehamwood, with the stable buildings out of shot on the right. Credit: Sharon Madsen

Ms Madsen has also called for a delay in any decision for the scheme until the council publishes its draft local plan – a planning document which will detail which sites across Hertsmere the council deems to be most appropriate to help meet growing housing targets set by central government.

The final draft local plan is set to be published this spring.

The Griggs spokesperson added the proposed stables development in Cowley Hill provides the provision of "much needed family homes on a sustainably located previously developed site", and the scheme contributes to "meeting an acute affordable housing need, delivering five affordable homes which is in excess of the council’s policy standards".

The planning application can be found here.