Housing appeal allowed in Hertfordshire Green Belt

On 14^th June 2021, after a 2 week planning inquiry, a Planning Inspector has allowed an appeal and granted planning permission for 100 homes on an unallocated greenfield Green Belt site on the edge of Colney Heath in Hertfordshire, on the boundary of St Albans and Welwyn Hatfield. The decision is available here. The decision is notable for its discussion of Green Belt purposes, the approach to “very special circumstances” and its assessment of the weight to be given to delivery of market and affordable housing in that balance. Zack Simons acted for the Appellant, and summarised his views on the implications of the decision here. Matthew Fraser acted for St Albans and Welwyn Hatfield councils.