Bengeo Nursery plans approved

Plans to build 52 new homes on the site of the former Bengeo Nursery in Sacombe Road were unanimously approved by the council's Development Management Committee on Wednesday (4th March 2020).

The development features 8 flats and 44 houses of between one and five bedrooms. Affordable housing will make up 40% of the development, with13 Affordable Rent and 8 Shared Ownership. Parking for 86 vehicles is provided.

The plans also include two zebra crossings in Sacombe Road and Wadesmill Road.

Local residents expressed concern about increased congestion resulting from the new development, especially around the nearby school.  However, the council's planning officer viewed these issues as a matter for the school and suggestd that the efects would be migigated by the two planned pedestrian crossings.

Hertford Town Council also raised serious concerns aboutr inadequate that infrastructure. The council suggested that a comprehensive plan including schools, health centres, facilities and transport, to be submitted prior to the inception of this and other large scale developments.

Final approval is subject to funding of £730,000 for local schools and £55,000 for local transport, along with further contributions for sports and gyms, play areas and community facilities.  

Last night Durkan secured a resolution to grant planning permission for 52 homes on the Former Bengeo Nursery site, Sacombe Road. The permission was granted unanimously by the council and Durkan were commended on our approach to sustainability.

This comes after 15 months of working closely with East Herts District Council and other key stakeholders to deliver a well-designed, high quality development, combining attractive new dwellings within a carefully balanced landscaped setting. This includes the improvement and enhancement of the existing landscape and ecology, to create a high-quality new addition to the existing community of Bengeo.

The site will deliver 52 one, two, three, four and five bedroom family homes, with 40% affordable housing, over the next 20 months. Work will start on site next month. The show complex is due to open January 2021, with first occupations scheduled for the spring.

- Statement from developer Durkan Ltd -

The site is part of a larger area allocated for 150 homes in the council's recently adopted District Plan. However, land to the north was dependent on the extraction of nearby mineral deposits which has since been ruled out after planning permission for quarrying was refused. The owner of the land has since put the site up for sale.