Developer ready to build 223 new homes at old Bishop’s Stortford High School site defends TikTok consultation

A developer has defended use of a TikTok competition as part of its consultation on plans for 223 new homes on the old site of The Bishop’s Stortford High School.

Bellway challenged students at the school to create a short video for the social media platform with the hashtag #HomeSweetStortford.

The secondary will open in September on a new site at St James’ Park, leaving its former London Road campus clear for residential redevelopment.

Pupils entering the TikTok contest are asked to answer two questions: “What are you most looking forward to about your new school” and “Why is it important that we build homes for you to live in one day”?

Leaflets highlighting the challenge and asking for feedback on the housing plans have been distributed to residents.

One householder crystalised concerns: “We received this pamphlet a couple of weeks ago. It seems incredibly misleading/not obvious what it is, which I presume is intentional.”

A spokeswoman for Bellway told the Indie: “We are currently conducting a public consultation on our plans to deliver 223 new homes, including 40% affordable housing, on the former home of The Bishop’s Stortford High School.

“Members of the public can find out about our plans for the old school land off London Road at www.oldschoolland.co.uk and submit their feedback.

“As part of this consultation process, we have also sought to engage with pupils at the school to ensure their views are heard and we have chosen to do this via a TikTok competition.

“We felt this was an effective way to connect with young people who will be using the new school facilities and will potentially be future homebuyers in what is one of the most expensive areas for property in the country, but who may not necessarily engage in a traditional consultation process.”

In November 2020, East Herts Council’s development management committee granted outline planning permission for 223 new homes, despite concerns about traffic and congestion. However, the approval does not yet appear to have been confirmed.

In its consultation information, Bellway is promising a sustainable and environmentally friendly estate.

The website pledges: “When new neighbourhoods are established, they need to be in harmony with nature. As part of our plans, we will achieve a 10% uplift in biodiversity than currently on the site.

“Our habitat surveys have confirmed that the site at London Road has the potential to support breeding birds, reptiles and invertebrates, including white-letter hairstreak butterflies, bats and other mammals such as badgers and hedgehogs.

“We plan to support this fauna by installing bird and bat boxes. We will also plant native species of trees (replacing invasive cherry laurels) and retain the existing elm trees where it is feasible.”

Every “zero carbon ready” home will be insulated and have “energy-efficient windows, LED lighting and heat recovery, as well as energy and water efficient appliances”.

Bellway says: “The majority of our homes are fitted with renewables such as photovoltaic panels.”

The builder promises that 40% of the one- to five-bed properties will be affordable homes “for those who are desperate to get on the housing ladder, such as first-time buyers, key workers and young families who need homes with gardens”.

The website says: “A new neighbourhood will naturally bring in more residents. The new residents will be spending money locally, helping local shops and pubs to flourish.

“More directly, we are also keen to help with other facilities. We want to hear from you about provisions in the local area that may need improvement to see where we can support people.”

To see planning applications and other public notices for your area, visit publicnoticeportal.uk.