North Hemel Hempstead

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY

BMD.19.036.RP.002 DECEMBER 2019 LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT DEVELOPER

BRADLEY MURPHY DESIGN LTD PIGEON INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT 6 The Courtyard, Hatton Technology LTD Park, Dark Lane, Hatton, Warwickshire, Linden Square, 146 Kings Road CV35 8XB Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk Company No: 7788475 IP33 3DJ www.bradleymurphydesign.co.uk

Project number BMD.19.036 Report number BMD.19.036.RP.002 Created by SR Checked by JJ Signed off by RM Issue type PLANNING Issued DECEMBER 2019

This report is the property of Bradley Murphy Design Ltd and is issued on the condition it is not reproduced, retained or disclosed to any unauthorised person, either wholly or in part without the written consent of Bradley Murphy Design Ltd. CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION & CONTEXT 01 1.1 Aim and Purpose of the Strategy 1.2 Site Location & Description

2 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE CONTEXT 02 2.1 Strategic Green Infrastructure Context

3 PLANNING CONTEXT 03 3.1 Planning & Environmental Context

4 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE BASELINE 04 4.1 Landscape Character 4.2 Visual Receptors 4.3 Green Infrastructure Assets 4.4 Key Considerations

5 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE FRAMEWORK 05 5.1 Green Infrastructure Vision 5.2 Green Infrastructure Framework 5.3 Open Space, Sport and Recreation Requirements

A APPENDICES A A.1 Bibliography A.2 Image Copyrights

INTERACTIVE NAVIGATION

This document has been set up as an interactive PDF. Use the symbol in the top left hand corner of the page to navigate back to the contents. The numbered tabs on the left hand side of the page will navigate to the different sections. 1.1 AIM & PURPOSE OF THE STRATEGY 01 Bradley Murphy Design Ltd. (BMD) has been commissioned by Pigeon Investment Management Ltd on behalf of Pigeon (Hemel Hempstead) Ltd to undertake a Green Infrastructure Strategy to inform the iterative design process and form an evidence base to support the allocation of the North Hemel Hempstead Broad Location (hereafter referred to as ‘the Site’) as illustrated opposite on Figure 1: Site Location, as part of the St Albans Local Plan examination, for a proposed mixed use development and associated infrastructure.

The Green Infrastructure Strategy and framework presents a holistic 02 approach to natural environment, climate change adaption, biodiversity, open space, sports, play provision and health and well-being by reflecting the interconnected nature of these elements. It is intended to present clear and concise guidance to ensure that a wide range of multifunctional Green Infrastructure elements are provided to maximise recreational, ecological and environmental amenity.

It also identifies how Green Infrastructure can accommodate strategic and local planning policies within the scheme and help to optimise its sustainability.

03 1.2 SITE LOCATION & DESCRIPTION

The North Hemel Hempstead Broad Location (hereafter referred to as ‘the Site’) relates to 88 hectares of agricultural land located on the north-eastern urban edge of Hemel Hempstead and approximately 5.75km to the north west of St Albans.

The Site comprises predominantly arable agricultural farmland with a small proportion of pasture in the northern part, interspersed with mature field trees and hedgerow field boundaries. Whilst the only built form currently present on Site is Little Revel End Farm, there is a public footpath (ref: Redbourn 011), an 04 underground gas main, a line of 400kv overhead pylons and a high voltage overhead power line all cross the Site.

The Site is bound by the B487 Hemel Hempstead Road to the south, by Holtsmere End Lane to the west and north and further arable land to the north and east. (Both Holtsmere End Lane and Little Revel End are single carriageway, rural lanes with few passing places). The Site is in close proximity to strategic routes and benefits from direct linkages via the B487 Hemel Hempstead Road to the A5183 Dunstable Road and the M1.

The Site is located on land currently designated Green Belt under policy 1 of 05 the St Albans adopted local plan (1994), situated between the eastern urban edge of Hemel Hempstead and the village of Redbourn. The M1 motorway forms a physical and visual barrier between Hemel Hempstead and Redbourn. Whilst the Site is currently designated under the St Albans adopted Local Plan Policy 1 as Green Belt, the emerging new local plan designates the Site as a ‘Broad Location for Development’ (North Hemel Hempstead) where exceptional circumstances exist for the Site to be released from the Green Belt for development to contribute to meeting housing needs over the plan period.

4 BRADLEY MURPHY DESIGN 01 INTRODUCTION & CONTEXT

CHILTERN HILLS AONB

HAY WOOD

HOLTSMERE END Holtsmere GREATEnd Lane REVEL END FARM

HEMEL HEMPSTEAD B487

Nickey Line

GROVEHILL M1

INDUSTRIAL ESTATE

Figure 1. Site location Local Plan Draft Allocation Boundary

NORTH HEMEL HEMPSTEAD I GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 5 5 2.1 STRATEGIC GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE CONTEXT 01 Hertfordshire’s Green Infrastructure context has Potential also exists for the Site to contribute and been shaped by a range of physical and cultural feed into the wider GI initiatives identified within influences. Patterns of settlement, industry, the Hertfordshire Green Infrastructure Plan, agriculture and cultural activity have been including the Trees Against Pollution (TAP) largely influenced by the underlying geological project, which is a large-scale tree planting conditions. Hertfordshire has a rich green initiative within the County, aimed to provide infrastructure resource encompassing parts an attenuation function in relation to air quality of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural and particulate filtration, and therefore linked to Beauty (AONB), river valleys, chalk grasslands, provision of enhanced, healthier environments farmlands, ancient woodlands, in addition (part of the basis for a Woodland Arc project). 02 to an extensive 20th century urban green infrastructure heritage. At a District level the St Albans Green Infrastructure Plan2 identifies a ‘Woodland The Hertfordshire Strategic Green Infrastructure Enhancement Zone’ where the priority is to link Plan1 seeks to address the need for links and and restore woodland habitats, particularly in the connections and alternative green space northern half of the District which is shown to be provision to deliver a wider array of functions deficient. The Site has the potential to contribute across the county. The North Hemel Hempstead to the objectives of the Woodland Enhancement Broad Location Site lies in a strategic position Zone through woodland and tree planting and where it forms an integral ‘stepping stone’ strengthening GI linkages. between Hemel Hempstead and Redbourn. 03 The ‘Rural Green Links’ Project: 9 ‘Reconnect’ The Dacorum Green Infrastructure Plan3 features the Nickey Line, identified under The identifies Project 7: Urban Greening for Hemel Hertfordshire and GreenArc Green Infrastructure Hempstead, where the focus is to enhance Strategic Highlights Plan (SHiP). This strategic the functionality, quality and diversity of the project is focused on the reconnection of Rights green wedges within and on the edges of of Way that have been severed by major barriers Hemel Hempstead. The Site has the potential to the movement of people and wildlife through to contribute to the objectives of the Urban the strengthening of strategic and local green Greening project through the inclusion of new infrastructure corridors, as illustrated opposite in tree planting, woodland creation, community Figure 2. gardens and orchards and local play provision.

04 1 2

05 2-01 2-02

Woodlands are an important landscape and The opportunity exists to enhance links to the green infrastructure theme in the county. countryside via the Nickey Line, a 7 miles long Opportunities exist to reflect and link to the footpath and cycle way along a former railway wooded edge defining Hemel Hempstead. line, as part of a greenway network.

1 Hertfordshire Strategic Green Infrastructure Plan, Prepared for Hertfordshire County Council by Land Use Consultants (2011) 2 St Albans District Green Infrastructure Plan, Prepared for St Albans District Council by Land Use Consultants (2011) 3 Dacorum Borough Green Infrastructure Plan, Prepared for Dacorum Borough Council by Land Use Consultants (2011)

6 BRADLEY MURPHY DESIGN 02 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE CONTEXT

R FLAMSTEAD ive HARPENDEN r V er CHILTERN HILLS AONB

Dacorum Borough St Albans District

REDBOURN

Hay Wood

R iver Ver wetl and h a b nt zone i me t ce a an t h en z o d n n la e d o o w w A5183 e e tl Lin a key n ic N d

o b A4147

t l

a n t

o e

n n

e h

A4146 n Gorhambury c

e HEMEL m

R e

i v HEMPSTEAD n

r t M1 G

a z d o e A414 n e Prae Wood

ST ALBANS

G A4147 ra nd U R n iver io Bulb n ourne C an al

Figure 2. Green Infrastructure sub-regional context

Context: Designations: Current Green Infrastructure Proposals:

Local Plan Draft Allocation Boundary Ancient woodland Strategic Link Nickey Line District boundary Chiltern Hills AONB Local Link Surrounding Local Nature Reserve settlements Howe Grove Wood New Green Infrastructure Proposals: Water bodies & linear water features Current Strategic Areas: Woodland Arc Significant vegetation Gorhambury (Trees Against Pollution) Strategic GI asset Pollution from major road corridors

NORTH HEMEL HEMPSTEAD I GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 7 7 3.1 PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT 01 The Site lies wholly within the administrative boundary of St Albans City and District Council Emerging Policy L28 provides guidance on on the district boundary with Dacorum. St Albans the green space standard and green space District Council (SADC) published the St Albans provision required in the case of new housing District Local Plan Review in 1994. The Council development. The proposed development must are currently in the process of preparing their demonstrate and incorporate the provision new Local Plan (see Emerging Policy below) of new green space in accordance with the however, in the meantime a number of saved quality and accessibility standards, based on the policies from the Local Plan remain operational predicted population yield. Priority provision for and a material consideration for all planning the Broad Location at North Hemel Hempstead 02 applications within the district. (the Site) is for strategic play, teenage areas, parks and gardens, adult and junior football The new Local Plan will provide the strategy for pitches and allotments. the growth of the district to 2036 and beyond, defining the nature and location of development. Emerging Policy L29: Green and Blue The emerging St Albans City & District Local Infrastructure, Countryside, Landscape and Plan 2020 – 20364 was submitted to the Trees outlines the District’s Green Infrastructure Planning Inspectorate in March 2019 and, whilst Strategy and how development should take not yet adopted, has been considered as part of account of its landscape context. In particular this GI Strategy. Once adopted, the Local Plan opportunities will be sought for: will be the starting point for consideration of all 03 planning applications within the district. ■ The creation of new green recreation and/or wildlife routes at all scales; Whilst the Site is currently designated under ■ Implementation of Rights of Way the St Albans adopted Local Plan as Green Improvement Plans and other route Belt (Policy S1), the emerging new local plan improvements to improve access to green designates the Site as a ‘Broad Location for infrastructure features; Development’ (North Hemel Hempstead) ■ Greening of the urban environment, including where exceptional circumstances require the tree planting and green roofs; Site to be released from the Green Belt for ■ Opportunities to improve the ecological development, as set out in emerging Policy value and quality of the District through S6 and identified on the policies map opposite development, particularly by maintaining, (Figure 3). improving and extending defined habitat 04 areas; and Planning applications for development at the ■ New woodland planting as part of new Broad Locations must materially accord with the green space provision for some of the Broad specific policies for each Broad Location, which Location sites. in relation to the Site is Policy S6 iv North Hemel Hempstead Broad Location. Masterplanning for new development should plan positively for related open space and access links across site boundaries.

4St Albans City & District, Local Plan 2020-2036, Publication Draft. 2018

8 BRADLEY MURPHY DESIGN 03 PLANNING CONTEXT

REDBOURN

CHILTERN HILLS AONB

Dacorum Borough

St Albans District

B487 East Hemel Hempstead (North) Country Park

Nickey Line

HEMEL HEMPSTEAD

Figure 3. Planning & Environmental Designations

Context: Environmental Designations: Adopted Planning Policy Emerging Planning Policy: Chilterns Area Of St Albans Planning Designations Local Plan Draft St Albans Publication Allocation Boundary Outstanding East Hemel Natural Beauty (AONB) Hempstead (North) Draft Local Plan Policy S3: Metropolitan Green District boundary line Greenbelt East Hemel Hempstead - Belt (St Albans Local Plan Hertfordshire Envirotech Extent of Hemel Policy S1 / Dacorum Core Enterprise Zone St Albans Local Garden Communities Strategy Policy CS5) Plan Policy S6: within Dacorum East Hemel Hempstead Broad Locations for Borough Ancient Woodland (North) Country Park Development Scheduled Monument Dacorum Planning Designations 1. The Aubreys Camp Spencers Park Grade I Listed Buildings (Housing Development)

Grade II Listed Buildings

NORTH HEMEL HEMPSTEAD I GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 9 9 4.1 LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 01

With regards to the character of the Site’s The southern part of the Site is located within landscape at the county/ district level, the LCA 96 Upper Ver Valley descried as “a Hertfordshire Landscape Character Assessment5 broad, open river valley with gentle slopes places the Site within LCA 95 Revel End Plateau and extensive views”. The following Green and LCA 96 Upper Ver Valley, as illustrated on Infrastructure related characteristics relevant to Figure 4: Landscape Character opposite. the Site and its local context include:

The northern part of the Site is located within ■ Narrow strip of wetland habitats along valley LCA 95 Revel End Plateau, described as floor south of Redbourn; 02 “an area of gently undulating upland with ■ Open, gently undulating valley slopes; a continuous field pattern bordering the M1 ■ Large arable fields; Corridor”. The following Green Infrastructure ■ Discrete woodland blocks to north of the related characteristics relevant to the Site and its area; local context include: ■ Isolated settlement; ■ Lack of field boundaries on valley slopes; ■ Predominantly arable farmland; ■ Hedge banks along lanes crossing slopes; ■ Gently undulating upland and slopes; and ■ Discreet woodland blocks; ■ Pockets of pasture along urban edges and ■ M1 transport corridor; the dry valley between Redbourn and Hemel ■ Isolated scattered farmsteads; Hempstead. ■ Field copses; 03 ■ Overhead power lines; and The Hertfordshire landscape character ■ Great and Little Revel End farms. assessment identifies the following landscape improvements and future management The Hertfordshire landscape character objectives for LCA 96 Upper Ver Valley: assessment5 identifies the following landscape improvements and future management ■ Encourage the reversal of habitat objectives for LCA 95 Revel End Plateau: fragmentation and the creation and improvement of habitat links to create ■ Promote the creation of a network of new ecocorridors; medium to large woodlands in the open ■ Encourage reversion from arable uses to arable landscape, particularly with a view to pasture and grassland; 04 visually integrating urban fringe development; ■ Restore and enhance wet grassland to ■ Encourage the reversal of habitat provide a habitat for wading birds; and fragmentation and the creation and ■ Promote the re-introduction of permanent improvement of habitat links to create pasture and flooding regimes as normal ecocorridors; agricultural practices, to increase landscape ■ Encourage landowners to improve ecological and habitat diversity. diversity by establishing and maintaining varied land maintenance regimes to enhance visual and wildlife functions; and ■ Promote hedgerow restoration and creation throughout the area to provide visual and 05 ecological links between existing and proposed woodland areas.

5Hertfordshire County Council (2000), Hertfordshire Landscape Character Assessment

10 BRADLEY MURPHY DESIGN 04 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE BASELINE

REDBOURN

CHILTERN HILLS AONB

Dacorum District

St Albans District

HEMEL HEMPSTEAD

Figure 4. Landscape Character

Context: Hertfordshire Landscape Character Areas: Landscape Character Typology East of England:

Local Plan Draft LCA94 Buncefield Plateau Settled Chalk Valleys Allocation Boundary

District boundary line Wooded Plateau Farmlands LCA95 Revel End Plateau Wooded Chalk Valleys LCA96 Upper Ver Valley

LCA124 Gaddesden Row

NORTH HEMEL HEMPSTEAD I GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 11 4.2 VISUAL RECEPTORS 01

A separate Landscape and Visual Appraisal (LVA) Views from the south along the Long Distance has been carried out to identify visual receptors Footpath, Nickey Line are oblique and screening that currently share intervisibility with the Site is provided towards the Site by mature vegetated and are of the greatest visual sensitivity to the hedgerows and trees along the footpath. type of development proposed. Due to the undulating landform and presence The most significant views of the Site are from of intervening field boundary and woodland the immediately adjacent landscape, as viewed vegetation, views are limited to locations from footpath Redbourn 011 (Viewpoints 1 within 1km of the Site, with the Site being well 02 and 3). Further partial / filtered views are contained without any significant visual links to possible from bridleway Hemel Hempstead nearby receptors or landscape sensitivities. 128 (Viewpoint 2) ), Holtsmere End Lane adjacent to the northern and western boundary Where the Site is clearly visible (Viewpoints 1 (Viewpoint4) and footpath Great Gaddesden and 3) and partially visible (Viewpoints 2 and 048 within the wider landscape to the west / 4), the proposed design will need to respond north - west. to this to ensure the impact on these receptors is mitigated through design of a sensitive layout Views from the immediate landscape to the and structural landscape planting within and on north, east and west would see proposed the Site’s boundaries, especially the eastern development set amongst existing mature boundary (Viewpoint 3) and northern boundary vegetation to the Site boundary. This would (Viewpoint 4). 03 provide screening and softening of the development upon completion. Further mitigation would be achieved through sensitive layout design, making use of existing topography and structural landscape planting within and along the Site boundaries, especially to the eastern boundary.

12 BRADLEY MURPHY DESIGN 04 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE BASELINE

Viewpoint 1: View from Footpath Redbourn 011 (on site) looking southeast

APPROXIMATE SITE EXTENT PUBLIC FOOTPATH REDBOURN 011 400KV PYLONS (ON SITE) ON SITE VEGETATION EAST HEMEL HEMPSTEAD BROAD LOCATION VEGETATION ALONG HOLTSMERE END LANE

Viewpoint 2: View from Bridleway Hemel Hempstead 128 APPROXIMATE SITE EXTENT VEGETATION ALONG 400KV PYLONS (ON SITE) HOLTSMERE END LANE

Viewpoint 3: View from Footpath Redbourn 011 looking west

APPROXIMATE SITE EXTENT ON SITE PROPERTIES ALONG EAST HEMEL HEMPSTEAD 400KV PYLONS PROPERTIES ALONG PUBLIC FOOTPATH VEGETATION HOLTSMERE END LANE BROAD LOCATION (ON SITE) SHENLEY ROAD REDBOURN 011

Viewpoint 4: View from Holtsmere Manor APPROXIMATE SITE EXTENT GROUNDS OF HOLTSMERE MANOR PUBLIC ACCESS VEGETATION ALONG (GRADE II LISTED BUILDING) ROUTE HOLTSMERE END LANE

NORTH HEMEL HEMPSTEAD I GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 13 4.3 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS 01

The Site covers approximately 88 hectares and field boundaries and woodland blocks provide currently features primarily arable fields and a the area with and increased degree of enclosure, small proportion of pasture fields bound by the most notably Hay Wood and woodland B487 Hemel Hempstead Road to the south, associated with the urban edge of Hemel Holtsmere End Lane to the west and north and Hempstead. further arable land to the north and east. Public access to the Site is limited to one As illustrated in the plan opposite, rolling public footpath (Redbourn 011), that crosses landform on Site creates a varied, undulating the northern extents on an east – west axis. 02 topography, with localised valleys and plateaus There are a further five public footpaths that lie in keeping with the landscape characteristics of in close proximity to the Site, these comprise: the area Great Gaddeston 048 to the west, providing links from the settlement edge of Hemel Hempstead Whilst the only built form currently present to the Site’s western boundary; Redbourn 010 on Site is Little Revel End Farm, there is an abutting the eastern boundary; Redbourn 009 underground gas main, 400kv overhead pylons providing links from the eastern Site boundary and high voltage overhead power lines which all towards Redbourn; a publicly accessible route cross the Site. off Holtsmere End Lane on the Site’s northern boundary which provides onward connection The Site is dissected by an unnamed narrow north to the Chiltern Hills AONB; and Redbourn track running east to west between Holtsmere 013 connecting to the Nickey Line (National 03 End Lane and the B487 Hemel Hempstead Road, Cycle Network (NCN) Route 57) providing links which provides vehicular access to properties at from the Site boundary southwards towards east Little Revel End. Hemel Hempstead.

The Site, for the majority, consists of vegetation The Nickey Line is a disused railway line which associated with arable fields with hedgerows lies 200m south of the Site, forming a long and trees field boundaries defining and visually distance footpath and NCN Route 57, connecting enclosing the Site. Overall, the Site is relatively Hemel Hempstead to Redbourn. These public enclosed along the western, northern and rights of way form a limited network and provide southern boundaries due to the hedgerow and access through the arable landscape connecting tree cover. Beyond the Site, further hedgerow to a wider right of way network and scattered 04 settlements.

1 2

4-03 4-04

Public footpath (Ref: Redbourn 011) entering An existing field copse on the valley slopes the northern part of the Site in a easterly within the southern part of the Site, defining direction towards Great Reveal End Farm. and visually enclosing the Site.

14 BRADLEY MURPHY DESIGN 04 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE BASELINE

TO CHILTERN HILLS AONB

Hay Wood

Dacorum District

St Albans District

Great Revel End Farm

1 Little Revel End

NNR

CP 1

WT 2 * 2 HEMEL NNR W HEMPSTEAD B487 3 NR 1 CP 1 2 WT 2 Nickey* Line 3 W 3 4 1

1 1 1 2

3 Figure2 5.2 Green2 Infrastructure Assets

Context: Biodiverse: Access:4 Utilities: 3 3 3 Local Plan Draft Arable1 land1 1 Current access points British Gas pipeline Allocation Boundary 4 4 4 Water2 bodies2 2 Public footpath Overhead power lines District boundary Hedgerow 60m offset 5 Public bridleway Surrounding settlements 3 3 3 NNR ‘Green lanes’ Green Belt Woodland 6 4 4 4 NR Ancient woodland Traffic free cycle route Key views 5 Other routes with CP Heritage: public access 1 Contours 6

WT Scheduled Monument 2 * * 1. The Aubreys Camp W Listed buildings 3 1

2 NORTH HEMEL HEMPSTEAD I GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 15

1 1 1

2 2 2

3 3 3

4 4 4

6 4.4 KEY CONSIDERATIONS 01

Biodiversity ■ Promote the retention and enhancement of ■ Significant potential to link the biodiversity the existing hedgerow network throughout assets within the Site (hedgerow and the Site to provide visual and ecological links woodland copse) to the wider surrounding GI between existing and proposed woodland network, as part of an interconnected habitat areas. mosaic. ■ Opportunity to utilise existing and proposed Rights of Way hedgerow /woodland as a foraging and ■ Opportunity to open up public access commuter corridors for a variety of species. through the Site providing an access route 02 from the Nickey Line, East Hemel Hempstead Climate Change and the proposed Country Park, northwards ■ Potential to establish large areas of tree and towards the Chilterns AONB via a network of woodland planting in the public open spaces, Green Infrastructure links through the Site. contributing to the ‘Trees against pollution’ ■ Opportunity for ‘quiet lanes’ as dedicated and ‘woodland arc’ strategic GI initiatives. traffic free routes along part of Holtsmere ■ SuDS should be integrated into the Lane and the unnamed narrow track running landscape where possible, to include above east to west between Holtsmere End Lane ground systems such as ponds and swales, and the B487 Hemel Hempstead Road, maximising their contribution to biodiversity / wildlife habitat and landscape character / Public Open Space identity of the development. ■ The Site must demonstrate and incorporate 03 ■ Carbon sequestration and urban cooling the provision of new green space in effect through tree and woodland planting, accordance with the quality and accessibility aimed to provide an attenuation function in standards, based on the predicted population relation to air quality and particulate filtration. yield. Priority provision for the Broad Location at North Hemel Hempstead (the Site) is for Heritage strategic play, teenage areas, parks and ■ Opportunity to positively respond to the gardens, adult and junior football pitches and existing listed buildings at the Site’s eastern allotments. and northern boundaries. ■ Opportunity to locate a publicly accessible ■ Development should be set back from the parkland that wraps around the eastern Site’s eastern boundary behind a sufficient boundary, contributing to the wider green 04 landscape buffer and woodland planting infrastructure network as part the proposed to respect the rural landscape in the east, East Hemel Hempstead Country Park. existing listed buildings at Great Revel End Farm and to define a new defensible Green Green Belt Belt boundary. ■ Existing landscape and infrastructure features ■ At Holtsmere End there is the potential should be retained and utilised to define the for a separate sensitively designed, lower new settlement and Green Belt boundary. density development consisting of detached, The overhead power lines on the eastern individually designed homes set amongst a boundary should define the extent of built mature landscape, in keeping with the rural form development with the provision of public village character in this location. open space and landscape buffer planting 05 beyond, to provide a strong landscape and Landscape physical boundary to assimilate the built form ■ Create a network of new medium to large into the landscape. woodlands as part of the public open space, ■ Strengthening of existing vegetated particularly with a view to visually integrating boundary edges through additional the proposed development on the outer landscape buffer planting, woodland planting edges of the Site. and public open space provision to assimilate ■ Encourage the reversal of habitat the proposed development and define a new fragmentation and the creation and Green Belt boundary. improvement of habitat links to create a series of interconnected green infrastructure corridors.

16 BRADLEY MURPHY DESIGN CHILTERNS

AONB 125 120 130

115

04 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE BASELINE

REDBOURN

HAY135 110 WOOD

140 E N

A L

N E TO CHILTERNS AONB D 125 S E D D A G 140 O T 120

105 PRESERVE SETTING TO 115 LISTED BUILDINGS

PRESERVE SETTING TO LISTED BUILDINGS 3 NATURAL 110 2 135 PLAY 4 1 135 * 100 HOLTSMEREFRONTAGE END* LANE * GREENWAY * FRONTAGE 120 PARKLAND 130 130 FRONTAGE * 125 *

D STEA TO REDBOURN MP HE GREENWAY EL FRONTAGE M 115 E H O T

VIEWS OUT OVER SITE QUIET LANE NATURAL GREENWAY

M1 MOTORWAY PLAY FRONTAGE QUIET LANE 105 LITTLE REVEL

END E RECR

130 E G 125 A 125 120 T

I D O HE O T MEL HEMPS TEAD N

E 135 120 ACTIVE

PLAY D S P 105 GREENWAY O N 115 FRONTAGE RT PARKLAND A V FRONTAGE A L K 140 L * LE R Y A 115 M 110 P TO COUNTRY PARK GREENWAY FRONTAGE EA D 110 O 115 W 120 HEMEL VIEWS OUT OVER COUNTRY PARK 125

HEMPSTEAD 120 VIEWS OUT OVER COUNTRY PARK 125 130

T O

135 N

130 I C

I N

E EAST HEMEL HEMPSTEAD HEMEL SECONDARY SCHOOL 140 HEMPSTEAD EAST HEMEL HEMPSTEAD COUNTRY PARK 135

NICKEY LINE EAST HEMEL HEMPSTEAD RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

Figure 6. Key Considerations

Local Plan Draft Important hedgerows Secondary green Potential Site vehicular access Allocation Boundary retained to promote infrastructure link green corridor Opportunity for Other Site access and woodland planting Surrounding settlements connection points Sensitive rural edge Opportunity for Existing woodland Potential attractive parkland trees viewpoints Green Belt 5.0m contours * Appropriate landscape Capacity for development buffer to edge Slope direction Listed building where Potential for higher density setting coincides with Opportunity for valley development (45 dph) 400kv pylons with 60m Site. meadows offsets * Opportunity for quiet lanes Potential for medium density Underground gas line Opportunity for rural development (40 dph) (minimum 6m offset to parkland setting Hemel Garden tree planting) Communities Vision Area Potential for lower density development (35 dph) Long distance footpath Primary green Area excluded from infrastructure link proposed development Potential for lower density, Public rights of way zone / country park detached, self build plots 17 5.1 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE VISION 01

The Green Infrastructure vision for North Hemel It will comprise an ecological network based Hempstead has evolved from a detailed analysis on consolidating woodlands, hedgerows and of baseline Green Infrastructure resources grasslands and will reverse the current trend of identifying opportunities and constraints which surface water running off and escaping from the were explored as part of the design process. The plateau and valleys by creating a network aimed Vision provides a strong conceptual framework at capturing, storing and recycling water through as the basis for an imaginative and innovative use of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS). application of Green Infrastructure which takes account of baseline resources and key policy The proposed Green Infrastructure provides 02 drivers. the opportunity to realise the economic, social, mental and physical benefits that the landscape Underpinning the Green Infrastructure vision for can bring to both the existing and proposed North Hemel Hempstead is the notion of ‘nature communities. recovery networks’ creating an interconnected habitat mosaic to reverse habitat fragmentation The vision comprises 3 underlying design and create a diverse infrastructure that supports principles which underpin the Green declining species and a ‘forest arc’ focused Infrastructure Framework on introducing tree and woodland planting alongside a mosaic of habitats to reduce the 1. Enhancing Air Quality amount of carbon dioxides in the atmosphere, as 2. Integrating Healthy Infrastructure 03 well as defining a new Green Belt boundary. 3. Creating Connected Parklands

Figure 7. Landscape Vision

18 BRADLEY MURPHY DESIGN 05 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE FRAMEWORK

5.1 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE VISION ENHANCING AIR QUALITY

■ Through the retention of on-site vegetation alongside a variety of proposed habitats that will improve air quality and create a healthy environment for both wildlife and people. ■ Introduce tree and woodland planting alongside a mosaic of habitats to reduce the amount of carbon dioxides in the atmosphere. ■ Contribute to the objectives of the ‘Woodland Enhancement Zone’ and ‘Trees Against Pollution’ (TAP) strategic GI initiative through woodland and tree planting and strengthening GI linkages.

INTEGRATING HEALTHY INFRASTRUCTURE

■ A sequence of special places; parks, woodlands, grasslands, play and orchards linked by a green network for the movement of people & wildlife that promotes healthy lifestyles and sustainable living. ■ Create opportunities for the community to become self-sufficient and benefit from their local environment through the inclusion of community allotments, orchards and gardens. ■ Allowing new and existing communities uninterrupted access to nature through a network of footpaths and cycleways.

CREATING CONNECTED PARKLANDS

■ Multifunctional nature networks through a series of connected parklands, that reconnect people to nature and integrate new and existing communities through the landscape fabric. ■ Integration of ‘Play on the Way’ along key pedestrian routes, providing informal natural play opportunities.

Figure 8. Landscape Design Principles

NORTH HEMEL HEMPSTEAD I GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 1919 5.2 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE FRAMEWORK 01

GREAT REVEL 02 END FARM

3 REBOURN 011 5 4

GREAT GADDESDEN 048

REDBOURN 010 03

2 5

4 6 1

04 HEMEL HEMPSTEAD B487

Nickey Line

05 Figure 9. Landscape Framework

Local Plan Draft Proposed Primary School Proposed SuDS Allocation Boundary Proposed Woodland Proposed Allotments Existing Woodland Proposed Parkland Trees Proposed Car Parking Existing Roads Proposed Public Open Space Proposed Formal Sport Existing Public Rights of Way Proposed Footpaths Proposed Young Children Play Existing 400kV Pylon with * 60m offset Proposed Road Network Proposed Older Children Play * Proposed Development Proposed Teenage Play Parcels *

20 BRADLEY MURPHY DESIGN 05 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE FRAMEWORK

1 VALLEY MEADOWS 2 PARKLAND

The Valley Meadows utilise the Sites’ natural drainage The proposed parkland will provide public open space pattern to alleviate the risk of flooding on-Site and further for people but also fulfil an important role of enhancing downstream. The valley SuDS features will enhance biodiversity within the Site. The park will provide open biodiversity by creating a network of linked wetland space for existing and future residents and access to habitats. The proposed swales are shallow channels the countryside, as well as forming a strong permanent designed to store and convey runoff and remove landscape buffer to the new Green Belt boundary. pollutants.

3 AMENITY LANDSCAPE 4 WOODLAND

Amenity green space includes informal recreation spaces The proposed woodlands would serve an important role in such as pocket parks, greens and garden squares in and supporting the existing woodlands habitat network. They around housing areas, play areas and domestic gardens. will provide an attractive environment in which to live, rest, They will contribute to a ‘green’ urban character and create play and work and will support the other proposed habitats, a sense of place, making neighbourhoods desirable places increasing connectivity and provide further biodiversity to live and work. enhancement throughout the development.

5 ALLOTMENTS 6 PLAY

The green infrastructure framework includes provision for Play spaces will be distributed throughout the Site to meet new and existing communities to grow and harvest food. local provision standards. These will include play areas for The provision for allotment space will be provided to the younger and older children and teenagers. Informal areas eastern edge of the proposed development, adjacent to for natural play could potentially be located throughout the parkland. public open spaces and within the proposed woodlands.

NORTH HEMEL HEMPSTEAD I GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 2121 5.3 OPEN SPACE, SPORT & RECREATION REQUIREMENTS 01

The provision of open space and recreation at The table below (01) outlines the open space North Hemel Hempstead will be in accordance with requirements based on the emerging Policy L28: emerging Policy L28: Green Space Standards and Green Space Standards and New Green Space New Green Space Provision of the St Albans City Provision required in the case of new housing & District Local Plan 2020-2036, Publication Draft development. 2018. In regards to Green Space, the document clearly explains the contributions will be required Priority provision at the North Hemel Hempstead in a number of forms such as amenity green space, Broad Location (excluding provision of country natural and semi-natural green spaces, parks parks /wildlife habitat creation areas – Policy S6) 02 and gardens, children’s play areas, allotments includes - strategic play, teenage areas, parks and outdoor sports provision. Specifically, the and gardens, playing pitches for adult and junior document also set out how the provision of each football and the inclusion of allotments. form is calculated and should be achieved.

OPEN SPACE, SPORT AND RECREATION SADC OPEN SPACE PROVISION PROVISION STANDARDS FOR NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS HA/ PER 1000 HA/3,600 ACCESSIBILITY 03 POPULATION POPULATION STANDARDS (METRES) Multi - functional green space 3.2 11.52 - of which incorporates a, b & c a). Amenity green space (including use as multi- 1.5 5.4 300m functional space to include playing pitch provision) b). Natural and semi-natural green spaces 0.5 1.8 600 (walking)

c). Parks and gardens (including use as multifunctional space to include playing pitch provision) 1.2 4.32 500 Play areas 0.08 0.28 - 04 of which incorporates d & e d). Children’s play areas Younger children: 300 0.06 0.22 Older children: 450

e). Teenage areas 0.02 0.06 600 (walking)

Productive landscapes 0.45 1.62 - f). Allotments 0.45 1.62 600 (walking)

TOTAL: Green space requirement 3.73 13.42 - 05 Table 01. Open Space requirements as per St Albans City & District Local Plan 2020-2036, Publication Draft 2018 - emerging Policy L28: Green Space Standards and New Green Space Provision. Based on a population of 3,600 residents (1500 dwellings x 2.4 residents per household) on the North Hemel Hempstead Broad Location Site the scheme is required to deliver 13.42 hectares of open space on site to meet the emerging policy requirements.

22 BRADLEY MURPHY DESIGN 05 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE FRAMEWORK

5.4 CONCLUSION & SUMMARY

It has been demonstrated within this document that the Proposed Development at the North Hemel Hempstead Broad Location Site has taken account of baseline Green Infrastructure assets, national, regional and emerging local policy aspirations to deliver a strong Green Infrastructure Framework to support the allocation of the Site. This will be achieved through:

■ Safeguarding and enhancement of existing ■ Integration of a network of SuDS, primarily high value GI assets including woodlands, using the Site’s natural drainage pattern trees and hedgerows; to create the Valley Meadows. These will ■ Creation of a new connected multifunctional enhance biodiversity and visual amenity and habitat mosaic linking the green edge of will help to alleviate flood risk on site and Hemel Hempstead to wider GI assets. The further down stream; mosaic will include extensive woodland ■ Delivery of formal and informal play provision planting and species rich grassland for in accordance with emerging open space enjoyment by wildlife and new and existing requirements for younger children, older communities; children and teenage play; ■ Improved access to the countryside by ■ Promoting local food production with safeguarding and incorporating existing on provision for allotments located along the site Public Rights of Way into the framework eastern edge of the development, between and providing links to adjacent PRoW’s; the proposed built form and parkland; and ■ Improved footpath and cycleway provisions ■ Delivery of ‘healthy infrastructure’ focussed through the Site and around the proposed on getting people outdoors, active and parkland. connected to the countryside to create ■ Creation of a high quality landscape setting positive environmental, social and health to support sustainable and economic growth, benefits. attracting inward investment of jobs and people;

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