Developer Bellway reduces number of homes for estate on former Bishop’s Stortford High School site
The developer of the former Bishop’s Stortford High School site has given the town council a sneak preview of plans.
On Monday evening, Bellway’s regional planning director, Jamie MacArthur, told the planning and development committee that the housebuilder was set to cut the number of properties to 200.
In November 2020, East Herts Council (EHC) granted outline planning permission for 223 homes on six hectares off London Road – 73 more than the 150 allowed for in 2018’s district plan.
The majority of the site adjoins the rear gardens of residential dwellings in Twyford Gardens, Grace Gardens, Park Lane and Thorley Park Road.
The eastern part fronts London Road and was formerly occupied by the secondary school, which has moved to a new campus at St James’ Park.
The western part of the site was the high’s playing field, with a two-storey sports pavilion at the junction of Grace Gardens and Twyford Gardens.
The western boundary is next to a wooded area known as The Spinney, and Mr MacArthur reassured the committee and concerned members of the public that no trees would be harmed by the development. He also promised a 10% boost to biodiversity.
The blueprint currently envisions 80 affordable homes “pepper potted” around the site with houses and three-storey apartment blocks.
Mr MacArthur said Bellway had exceeded the minimum standard for parking with 453 bays planned – and at least one for every property. There will also be unallocated provision for visitors.
All residents will have access to electric vehicle charging facilities and homes will feature environmentally friendly measures including solar panels and air source heat pumps.
Mr MacArthur said: “We will be delivering as high standards as we possibly can.”
He also reassured councillors that the design would include measures to control water run-off from the site and prevent a recurrence of the flooding seen on Thorley Street after building work started at St James’ Park.
Mr MacArthur said Bellway had hoped to submit a detailed application to EHC before Christmas, but the start of 2025 was more likely.
However, demolition of the 1960s school is set to start before the end of the year. He estimated it could take up to nine months to get the green light from East Herts and then the estate would take up to two-and-a-half years to construct.
Councillors told him they were concerned about sustainable transport within the site and to and from the estate. They called for connected foot and cycle paths and better bus provision.
The leader of the town council, Cllr Miriam Swainston, asked how the estate would be managed and urged Bellway to ensure householders could take control of maintenance.
Paul Dean, chairman of Bishop’s Stortford Civic Federation, voiced concerns about homes occupied before adequate secondary school capacity for the town was confirmed.
He also challenged Bellway about traffic issues on surrounding roads, saying an earlier transport assessment had been “ripped apart”.
