“Why have you chosen this site?”

The proposed site is unused and currently comprises low-grade grass and scrubland. It is also Grey Belt land and would not fundamentally undermine the purposes of the remaining Green Belt. It therefore offers an excellent opportunity for development and a chance to deliver much-needed affordable housing and supporting community facilities.

“Is there a need for affordable housing in St Albans?”

Yes, there is a significant need for affordable housing in St Albans. The Council’s housing delivery is well below requirements and there is an opportunity here to vastly improve that. The Planning Inspectorate has also noted that more affordable housing needs to be delivered in the local area.

“What is the overall housing need in St Albans?”

There is a recognised and demonstrable unmet need for housing in St Albans. The Council is currently below its housing delivery targets, scoring only 52% in its 2023 Housing Delivery Test. The Council’s housing requirement has also approximately doubled from 885 dwellings per year to 1,660 dwellings per year. It should also be noted that while the Council should be able to demonstrate a 5-year housing supply, it has only been able to identify 1.9 years of housing land supply – this is much below what is expected by the Government.

“Isn’t the land being used for agricultural purposes?”

No, the land is made up of low-quality grass and scrubland and it is not currently being used for agriculture.

“Isn’t the land designated as Green Belt?”

Currently, the site comprises an area of low-quality grass and scrubland, and is designated as Green Belt. However, as the Council is not able to demonstrate a 5-year housing supply, we believe it should now be classed as Grey Belt.

“Isn’t the site in a flood risk zone?”

The proposed housing will be located in an area of the site that is low flood risk. The café, which will serve as a community hub, and workspaces will be in areas of the site that have a small chance of flood risk. However, through the implementation of flood defence measures and water attenuation, as well as continued work with the Council, we will ensure any risk is as low as possible. As part of the planning application for the site, a detailed Flood Risk Assessment and Drainage Strategy has been prepared. This, like other supporting documents, is available to view on the Council’s website.

“When will you submit your planning application?”

Our outline planning application has just been submitted to the Council for consideration. We are hopeful that the plans will be heard at a Development Management Committee meeting in the coming months. All of the documents that make up the planning application are available to view on the Council’s website.

 “Can I have a say on the proposals?”

Our plans have just been submitted to the Council. To view and comment on the planning application, please visit www.stalbans.gov.uk. Once there, navigate to ‘Planning and building control’ and then click ‘View and track planning applications’. Finally, search for the planning reference number, 5/2025/0111. If you have any further questions about the plans, or would like more information, please feel free to contact our Community Relations team by emailing info@verviewproposals.co.uk or calling 0800 772 0475.

“How can I find out more or ask questions about the plans?”

Our Community Relations Team is available to answer any questions you might have. They can be reached by emailing info@verviewproposals.co.uk or calling 0800 772 0475.