23-year high for new homes built in Hertfordshire – and East Herts led the way
Hertfordshire recorded a 23-year high for the building of new homes last year, says the county council.
In the 12-month period from April 1, 2023 to March 31 this year, councils across the county delivered 5,387 new homes, the most since 2001 – and East Herts, as the biggest district in the county, accounted for 1,409, more than a quarter (26.15%).
Watford had 768 (14.25%) and Broxbourne 671 (12.45%). Stevenage accounted for the lowest number in the 10 districts and boroughs with 178 (3.3%).
A spokesman for Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) said: “This remarkable milestone underscores the county council’s commitment to addressing the housing needs of residents.”
More than two-thirds (68%) of the 5,387 new homes were built on brownfield land, “showcasing the county’s commitment to regenerating underused areas and minimising impact on green spaces”.
And 30% were classed as “affordable”: 864 affordable rent units, 389 shared equity, 376 social rent and 16 intermediate units.
The county council has a target of building 100,000 homes over the next decade. Currently, 27,448 with planning permission are set to be built in the coming years.
Large-scale projects include the 16,000-home Harlow and Gilston Garden Town (HGGT) on the Herts and Essex border, consisting of four new garden town neighbourhoods: Water Lane, Latton Priory and East of Harlow with the fourth made up of seven new garden villages in Gilston.
In addition, Hertfordshire Property Partnership (HPP) – a county-wide partnership between local government, Homes England, health and the police – has secured more than £2.6 million in Brownfield Land Release Fund (BLRF) support from the Government.
In collaboration with district and borough councils, this money will be used across seven sites in the county, with two projects already completed and the remaining five expected to deliver 662 homes.
Cllr Richard Roberts, leader of HCC, said: “This record-breaking year is a testament to our unwavering dedication to providing much-needed housing for our communities.
“We are not only building homes but also creating vibrant, sustainable and affordable communities where residents can enjoy a high quality of living in the place they call home.
“The support from the Brownfield Land Release Fund further propels our efforts in regenerating areas and ensuring a bright future for Hertfordshire.”
Sajida Bijle, chief executive of Hertsmere Borough Council and chair of HPP, said: “This BLRF funding is a testament to our collaborative working across Hertfordshire and beyond with a clear commitment to infrastructure as well as providing much-needed housing solutions.
“This is particularly important in Hertfordshire, where land values are very high and affordability is well below the national average.”
WHAT IS AFFORDABLE HOUSING?
The term ‘affordable housing’ is not defined in legislation, but the most commonly used definition, as set out in the Government’s National Planning Policy Framework, is “housing for sale or rent for those whose needs are not met by the market”. This includes housing for rent at:
It also includes low-cost home ownership. This is:
