4 Identified Sites

Accomodation Needs of Gypsies and Travellers in South and West Hertfordshire Recommendations Report

4 IDENTIFIED SITES 4.1.8 Sites have been allocated a preference score of ‘1’, ‘2’ or ‘3’ highlighted red in the first column of the tables, this is based on a technical judgment, ‘1’

being the most preferable. Scores relate to several factors detailed in 4.1 Preamble section 3. Factors that have influenced scoring include the following: the necessity for earthworks to create a level building platform; requirement for 4.1.1 In all, 85 sites have been suggested for the accommodation of Gypsies and additional screening; potential impact on visual amenity for existing Travellers. This should allow for the desired number of pitches determined residents; requirement for the creation or modification of site access; in the needs assessment as being necessary. Many of these sites are location within the Green Belt; and general compliance with other site located within the same general area and where one site is pursued the selection criteria. others within that vicinity are likely to require forfeiting in order to avoid any potential negative cumulative impacts on existing infrastructure, carrying 4.2 Dacorum capacity of the nearby town centre, adjacent residential areas, and Green Belt land. 4.2.1 Within Dacorum 24 sites have been suggested for the accommodation of Gypsies and Travellers, refer to Figure 4. 4.1.2 In the ODMP Circular 01/2006, ‘Planning for Gypsy and Traveller Caravan

Sites’, site size is discussed in terms of the potential impacts outlined in 4.2.2 Sites have been allocated a score in terms of their preference (as described paragraph 3.1.1. This has been taken into consideration for our in paragraph 4.1.6). These scores are highlighted in red text within the first recommended sites, which vary in size. The Government does not consider column of the table. Five sites have been given the highest scored of ‘1’ it appropriate to set a national maximum site size, the circular goes on to and five have been scored as ‘2’. A few sites require earthworks, additional explain: buffers or are located on narrow roads. These factors have been detailed “cases should be considered in context, and in relation to the local and the site retained in the event that more preferable sites are unavailable infrastructure and population size and density.” or have other constraints.

4.1.3 The study ‘An Assessment of the Accommodation Needs of Gypsies and 4.2.3 In all, five sites have the highest score of ‘1’. These sites are: Travellers in South and West Hertfordshire’, produced by the CURS, stated that a small site size that allows for not more than 15 plots works best • D1 Featherbed Lane (paragraph S.20 of CURS Executive Summary). County Council’s Gypsy • D3 Berkhamsted Section suggests that a 15 plot site requires approximately 1 hectare. • D11 Icknield Road (South Side) • D15 Highwood 4.1.4 When examining existing visual buffers it was considered that these should • D18 Bovingdon Airfield constitute boundaries not borders. Boundaries represent a delineation between sites, and borders imply a major difference in use, where one requires protection from the other. The ODPM Circular discusses this: “Enclosing a site with too much hard landscaping, high walls or fences can give the impression of deliberately isolating the site and its occupants from the rest of the community, and should be avoided.”

4.1.5 Where additional buffers have been recommended to mitigate any potential impacts an emphasis should be placed on planting and landscaping rather than fences or walls.

4.1.6 As land ownership was not to be considered as part of this study, alternative options have been put forward for one location to maximise the choice of potential sites. Moreover, the number of potential sites has not been limited only to the ‘best’ sites. A wider choice has been maintained in case some sites have to be ultimately discarded.

4.1.7 Comments on the sites have been produced in tables and grouped by local authority. These follow in alphabetical order. Figures 4-8 show the sites identified for each local authorities area.

September 2006 13 SOUTH & WEST HERTS

5 GYPSY & TRAVELLER ( T ) STRATEGY 40 45 B

5H 5I A 10 A 81 IDENTIFIED POTENTIAL 5 ( T M ) SITES 1 DACORUM A 5A5B 4 1 4 5C 6

A Districts 5 1 6 8 0 3 B 9 8 5 Major Towns 48 48 4 5D B B 5E Site Visit Locations B487 PO Existing Gypsy Sites Q 5G5F Existing Gypsy Sites S N 6 Major Roads B4 0 A R 63 A

4 5 5 4 1 4 1

5 B B46 3 4 Opportunities A41 6 5L 5K 5M 5J High St. Albans Medium/High M Dacorum 5N Medium

147 5O A4 Constraints A 42 HEMEL HEMPSTEAD 51 1 5P 2 5Q 6F A J 4 3 1 K 14 4 A4 7 Increasing 6 L 4 41 6Eb6Ea A H Number of M1 0 M 5 Constraints 10 6 FB FA 7 8

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Site Name/ Code Existing Use Distance Area Topography Surrounding Land Uses Existing Buffers/ Vegetation Access GIS Opportunity Buffer to (S M Rank Green Belt L) Boundary (metres) D1 Featherbed Grass field. Power line 200 M Level site Adjacent to public byway/footpath at western Site screened from Public Wide road access Medium High Lane Hemel running through. boundary. Not close to residential but close to Footway/ Bridleway by (single lane over nearby (Yellow) Hempstead Fenced and existing amenities in Apsley (Sainsburys etc.) Trunk road vegetation. bridge but good 1 gate. on eastern boundary of site at much lower visibility). Better access elevation. from east than from west. D2 Felden Grass field 300 L Gentle slope down Western side abuts housing. As for D2. Vegetation also As above Medium High Featherbed Lane towards the east. Eastern along road boundary. (Yellow) (Secondary choice corner best location. to D1) 3 D3 Berkhamsted Horticulture, unfenced. 100 L Fairly level site Thomas C Primary School and recreation fields Housing is at a lower Access from main road High (Green) Swing Gate Lane opposite side of road (to west). Behind existing elevation. to north, slightly steep 1 housing (to north) with slightly lower topography. Site is obscured from school but acceptable. Swing Close to amenities along A4251. Fields to east and recreation ground by Gate Lane is a quiet and south. existing vegetation. road and level with the site. D4 Ashlyn’s Hall Grass field, existing 400 M Level School to north, Ashlyn’s Hall to west (use Screened from road by As above. Existing site Medium High Swing Gate Lane fence surround. Adjacent to school unknown), trunk road to south, and fields on existing vegetation. access and gate. (Yellow) 3 opposite side of road (east). D5 Sandpit Grass field, existing 500 S/M Fairly level site, rises Steep bank down to A41 below on northern side. Screened by vegetation. As above. Existing Medium High Green Swing fence surround. slightly away form road Located just after bridge. formed access and (Yellow) Gate Lane near gate to NW. Abuts Sandpit Green – Dense mature woodland, gate. 2 which incorporates a public walkway. D6 Dudswell Grass field. Stile with 100 M Fairly level site Adjacent to sports ground and Kindergarten to Surrounded by hedge Existing short driveway Medium High Lane public walkway at SW south-east. River Bulbourne to north-east. shared with sports (Yellow) 3 boundary of site. Residential across road at a higher elevation to ground and south-west. Residential to north-west. Public kindergarten. Solid walkway parallel to road on south-west boundary metal gate to site. Bus of site. Best to locate at eastern end away from stop across road. existing residential and walkway. D7 Upper Grass field. Existing 300 L Level site Close to roundabout intersection with A41 to Site located behind tall No existing access. High (Green) Dunsley London fence surround. south. Farm buildings to north. Fields to east. mature trees. Not visible to Close to A41. Road B4635 Road to west. residential. Additional 3 plating/fencing would be required. D8 Marshcroft Grass field 100 M Level site Adjacent to residential dwellings (to south-west). Vegetation along roadside. Located just prior to Medium (Yellow) Lane (SE Side) Fields on other sides of site. Marshcroft Lane A potential site could be road narrowing. Road 3 abuts north-western boundary. located at north-eastern end is blocked to north-east. of field away from residential. Screening would be required. D9 Marshcroft Grass field 100 M Level site Visible to more residential dwellings than D9. Hedge, additional screening As for D9 Medium (Yellow) Lane (NW Side) Fields on other sides of site. Marshcroft Lane would be required. 3 abuts south-eastern boundary. D10 Little Tring Grass field 100 M Site slopes gently up Site bordered by Little Tring Road on south- Opposite side of Icknield road Icknield Road is a fairly High (Green) Road away from Icknield Road western side and Icknield Road on south-eastern are substantial, dense, busy road leading to 2 towards north. side. Fields are located on the north-western side mature trees providing a A41. Access from of Icknield Road and houses on the south- buffer to residential area. Icknield Road or Little eastern side. Not far to school/local shops etc. 1m hedge surrounding site. Tring Road.

September 2006 15 Accomodation Needs of Gypsies and Travellers in South and West Hertfordshire Recommendations Report

Site Name/ Code Existing Use Distance Area Topography Surrounding Land Uses Existing Buffers/ Vegetation Access GIS Opportunity Buffer to (S M Rank Green Belt L) Boundary (metres) D11 Icknield Existing gate and 100 M Gently sloping down By industrial estate (abuts north-eastern side). Vegetation/hedge surround Icknield Road is a fairly High (Green) Road (South fence surround. towards the rear of the Rear abuts residential but some distance away. for screening. busy road leading to Side) Tring Grass field with horses site. Public right of way goes across rear of site. Best A41. 1 grazing. to locate in NE corner. D12 Icknield Grass field 100 S/M Level site Adjacent to the Borough boundary. Single Isolated trees and a low No existing site access High (Green) Road (North residential farm buildings/dwellings are located on hedge are located along the but could cut through Side) either side of the site. boundary. low hedge. Icknield 3 Road is a fairly busy road leading to A41. D13 Windmill Appears to be disused. 700 M Site appears to be level A shooting ground is located behind (east of) the Mature trees surround the Access is via a narrow Low (Orange) Windmill Lane (no Small building visible to and is at a higher site. Fields surround the general area. A CSS site. Topography restricts (Windmill) lane. Site access onto site) the left of the entry. elevation than the (Countryside Stewardship Scheme) site is located views of the site. has large metal gates at 3 Large tarmac area surrounding roads/area, to the west. existing entry. behind the entry gates. particularly at the south- western end. D14 The Ridings Grass field, fence 500 S Site is gently sloping The site is bordered by The Ridings (to the south- Isolated trees along the south Existing site access. High (Green) 3 surround. down towards The west) and Hicks Road (to the south-east). Fields west boundary and dense Close to the A5 and the Ridings (south-west) and abut the other sides of the site. Houses are trees along the south west M1 is not far to the is at a much higher located opposite on the Ridings but set back and boundary. Additional planting South East. elevation than land on at a much lower elevation. would be beneficial. opposite side of the roads. D15 Highwood Horticulture 100 L Fairly level site Just north of a public walkway and residential High and dense mature tree Good site access High (Green) (Holtsmere End beyond. On other sides fields surround the site. buffer between the site and Lane) Hemel At boundary with St Albans. residential area. Trees along Hempstead roadside. 1 D16 Longcroft Grass field 500 L Level site Fields to north and west. East of a public Site is separated form the Access from narrow High (Green) Longcroft footpath. Residential land to south and west. Public Footpath by a hedge road Flaunden Lane buffer. Hedge along 3 roadside. Residential areas not visible. D17 Bovingdon Grass field with fence 200 M/L Level site Adjacent to a bus stop. Other fields surround the Mature trees along boundary Existing gate and High (Green) Green Lane surround. site with a residential area set far back towards of residential land. Additional access. Close to ‘B’ 2 the north-east. planting/ fencing would be road required. Isolated trees and hedge along roadside. D18 Bovingdon Edge of discussed 100 M/L Mostly flat with earth Close to HMP The Mount Prison (to the north). Surrounded by vegetation Existing site access off High (Green) Airfield airfield, paved and with mounds at the rear of the Chesham Road abuts south-east boundary with screening at corner of roads. Molyneaux Avenue. (originally also with 1 some infrastructure site. residential land beyond. Molyneaux Avenue pink due to airfield) abuts north-east boundary with reservoir beyond. D19 Cupid Green Horticulture. Power 200 M/L Site slopes down towards Fields north, west and east. Residential to the Tall mature trees between Existing access and High (Green) Lane lines through northern the north south at a much higher elevation. field and residential area to gate at southern corner 2 end of site. south providing an acceptable of site. buffer. D20 Grovehill Grass field with horses 100 M/L Slightly sloping down Residential dwellings on opposite side of the road Some trees along roadside Existing formed access High (Green) 3 grazing. towards the west and (to the north-east). Adjacent house to the limit views. Additional and gate. Off Laidon north-west is orientated away from the site. Fields planting and/or fence Square. Access through to south and west required. a residential estate with wide roads.

September 2006 16 Accomodation Needs of Gypsies and Travellers in South and West Hertfordshire Recommendations Report

Site Name/ Code Existing Use Distance Area Topography Surrounding Land Uses Existing Buffers/ Vegetation Access GIS Opportunity Buffer to (S M Rank Green Belt L) Boundary (metres) D21 Polehanger Grass field 100 M/L Level site Adjacent to residential area to south-east and Trees and hedge along road Existing access points High (Green) Lane open rural land to north and west. boundary. Additional planting/ and gates 3 fencing would be required. D22 Fields End Grass field 200 M/L Level site Residential to west. Fields surround other sides Trees and hedge along road Existing access and Medium High Lane of site. boundary and along boundary gate off a narrow road. (Yellow). (High 3 with residential land. (Green) just to the south but inaccessible). D23 Long Grass field 100 L Gently sloping/rolling site Close to residential land (to north-east). Vegetation buffer between Good access with High (Green) Chaulden Adventure playground on opposite side of road. site and residential dwellings. existing gate. On a bus 2 Close to all amenities route.

D24 Leverstock Grass field. 100 L Level site Residential to north-west and public open space Tall vegetation screening Existing site access, Medium High Green a (Bunkers Park) to the south-west of the field. This along roadside. Additional with height barrier, from (Yellow) (Bedmond Road) and the field to the south-east are part of a wider screening required. Bedmond Road. 3 proposal in the Local Plan for open space and Access road links to playing fields. adjoining public open space.

September 2006 17 Accomodation Needs of Gypsies and Travellers in South and West Hertfordshire Recommendations Report

4.3 Hertsmere

4.3.1 Within Hertsmere 21 sites have been suggested for the accommodation of Gypsies and Travellers, refer to Figure 5.

4.3.2 Sites have been allocated a score in terms of their preference (as described in paragraph 4.1.6). These scores are highlighted in red text within the first column of the table. Six sites have been given the highest scored of ‘1’ and five have been scored as ‘2’. A few sites require earthworks, additional buffers or are located on narrow roads. These factors have been detailed and the site retained in the event that more preferable sites are unavailable or have other constraints.

4.3.3 In all, six sites have the highest score of ‘1’. These sites are: • H3 Hilfield Lane South (Eastern Side) • H5 Adjacent Elstree Recycling Centre • H6 Allum Lane • H15 Swanland Road • H17 Southgate Road • H20 Bakers Street

September 2006 18 7 14 A4 SOUTH & WEST HERTS

0 3 6 3F 4 B 4 1 GYPSY & TRAVELLER 4 A M1 STRATEGY 0 6A 6B 3G 5 3I 0 4 A 3H 3K 3J A IDENTIFIED POTENTIAL 1 0 St. Albans 8 SITES 1 B 5 3 HERTSMERE 7 8

Districts

56 Major Towns M25 5 ) B (T 5 0 Site Visit Locations 6C 4 A Existing Gypsy Sites 2K Three Rivers B15 6 Existing Gypsy Sites 6D 6 2L 2P 2O 55 B 2N 0 ) Major Roads 0

M 0 ( 1 1 A A Opportunities 3E 2M High 3D 3C 3A Medium/High 3B A 5 2 1 0 1 1 4 4 1 Medium A A

2J Constraints

62 4 ) 1 T B ( A 1 5 A 1 Hertsmere A 2 8 W1 3 1 0 2 8 1 1 3 4 A Increasing 2A 4 Number of Watford 2H 5 Constraints M 1 2F 6 2G

A 7 5 WATFORD 2 1 6 3 8 4 8 5 8 0 B 7 0 A 53 4 4 B A 1

1 A A 4 1 7 8 2E 2D 45 41 A 2B12B2 1 41

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e l B4542 i Date:14/03/2006 F Accomodation Needs of Gypsies and Travellers in South and West Hertfordshire Recommendations Report

Site Name/ Existing Use Distance Area (S Topography Surrounding Land Uses Existing Buffers/ Vegetation Access GIS Opportunity Code Buffer to M L) Rank Green Belt boundary (metres) H1 Bushey Low wooden fence surrounding 200 L Gently rolling and Boarded by Bushey Mill Lane (south-west) Low hedge along the site Bridge over the A4008 to High (Green) Mill Lane the site. Field with horses mostly level. and adjacent to bridge over A4008, A4008 boundary with Bushey Mill the west has a 7-foot width 2 grazing - presumed association (north), residential (south) then industrial Lane. restriction (buses drive with stables opposite. towards rear (east). Opposite side of road is through a central lane). Bushey Hall Farm (stables). Near border with Close to A41. Two existing gates with dirt Watford. mound behind and along most of

the boundary. Power pylons

through rear third of site parallel with A41. H2 Hilfield Grass field 400 S Gently rolling Bordered by an un-gated bridleway with Substantial vegetation on Could access the site Low (Orange) Lane South residential beyond (to south-east), the old south-east side. Isolated trees where the bridleway and (Western road gated and now cut off by the M1 (to along other boundaries. Lane intersect. Connects Side) north-east), the M1 (to north) and fields (to easily to A411 and A41. 3 south-west). H3 Hilfield Grass field with horses grazing. 500 L Mostly level Bordered by fields (to south-east), Hilfield Boarded by vegetation Site access from the Lane. Low (Orange) Lane South As above. Lane South (to north-west) and the M1 (to Connects easily to A411 (Eastern north). and A41. Side) 1 H4 Albany Grass field with power pylon at 100 M/L Gently rolling Abuts residential area to south and west and Tall tees between existing Existing site access from High (Green) Close rear. topography. fields to north and east. residential and the site. Low Albany Close. 2 hedges between fields. H5 Adjacent Grass field. OS map indicated 100 L Gently sloping Abuts residential on eastern boundary. Public Northern boundary vegetation Existing gate, good road High (Green) Elstree an existing caravan site but no down near footpath along southern boundary of site. buffer from road. access. Recycling evidence of this. roadside levelling Allum Lane borders the northern side. Short Centre off to south-east. Lane to adjacent recycling centre borders part 1 of the western side with a cemetery beyond. H6 Allum Grass field 500 L Slightly sloping Allum Lane (B5378) borders the southern Isolated mature trees along Several lowered curb High (Green) Lane down towards boundary with paddocks and stables on road boundary and low hedge areas for site access. (B5378) west. opposite side of road. Cemetery behind between. Residential beyond 1 paddock. Public Footpath starts near SW footpath trees and scrub. corner and goes along rear/western edge. Cemetery screened from the Rear of houses at western boundary. road by on site vegetation.

H7 Butterfly Grass field. Power lines run 900 S/M Level site Recreation ground/pavilion and Medburn Hedge and trees along Good access. High (Green) Lane through rear of site. Boarding Cattery and Kennels are adjacent to roadside. 3 the north side of the site. Watling Street borders the east and Butterfly Lane the south- east. It would be best to locate away from the main road, club and kennels. H8 Watling Grass field. Telecommunication 800 S/M Level site House on opposite side of the Watling Street 1.5m approx. high hedge Existing access and gate. High (Green) Street facility at north-west corner of (to west). Farm buildings adjacent (to south) along roadside. 3 site, left of gate. Power lines and fields to west and north. near roadside. H9 Medburn Grass field. Power pylon on site. 800 M Level site Adjacent to Medburn House at southern end Hedge and trees surround the Existing access at High (Green) 3 of site. Bordered by Watling Street (to north- site. southern and northern east) and near intersection/entry for Jewish ends of site. Best to use School. Fields on other sides. northern east end away from existing residential dwelling

September 2006 20 Accomodation Needs of Gypsies and Travellers in South and West Hertfordshire Recommendations Report

Site Name/ Existing Use Distance Area (S Topography Surrounding Land Uses Existing Buffers/ Vegetation Access GIS Opportunity Code Buffer to M L) Rank Green Belt boundary (metres) H10 Watford Grass field. Power pylons set 100 M Site slopes Radlett Road (B462) borders the south-east of Existing hedge along No existing site access. High (Green) Road well back along rear (to west). gradually down site with residential on opposite side. roadside. Additional planting 3 towards north- Residential to north-east, fields on other sides. and maybe fencing would be east. Close to a primary school. required. H11 Farm Grass field 1200 M Level site Adjacent to Clore Shalom School - primary Vegetation screening on Existing site access at end Medium High School North school and small businesses. Residential western boundary with of dead-end road. Good (Yellow)/High Shenley adjacent to west boundary. Walkway to residential. Additional may be link to Junction 22 of M25. (Green) 2 athletics park towards NE of site. required along northern Medical centre to north. Fields to south and boundary. east. H12 Queens Grass field 1600 L Level site Residential to south, hospital annex to east, Isolated trees near entry from Access established and High (Green) Way fields to north and west. North of Shenley, not Queens Way, substantial blocked by scrub at end of 2 far from shops and services. vegetation buffer to remainder Queens Way. This is the of residential area. only access to this large area. Near bus route.

H13 Radlett Grass field 1000 L Level site Radlett Lane borders north-west of site. On Hedge along road boundary. Existing access and gate. High (Green) Lane opposite side is Shenley Park carpark and Additional buffer may be Bus stop opposite. 2 Orchard Tea Room. Fields on other sides of required. site. Very close to shops, NHS surgery and childrens’ nursery. H14 Cecil Grass field 700 L Level site Abuts A1 Motorway (to east) and B556 (to Fairly exposed, a buffer would Good access to road High (Green)/ Road South north-west), which goes over the A1. Fields on be required. network. Access from Medium High (B556) other sides. B556. (Yellow) 3 H15 Grass field 500 M Level site South-east of B556, which is much higher Hedge runs along western Access from Swanland High (Green) Swanland than the site. boundary. Road. Good access to the Road Close to A1, which runs parallel with road network to the south 1 Swanland Road to the west. Fields to south. (Junction 23 of M25 and River and public walkway to east. Junction 1 of A1(M)). H16 Cecil Grass field 700 L Level site Abuts A1 Motorway (to east) and B556 (to Fairly exposed, a buffer would Good access to road High (Green)/ Road North south-east), which goes over the A1. Fields on be required. network. Access from Medium High (B556) other sides. B556. (Yellow) 3 H17 Ploughed field. 100 M Level site Abuts residential to north-west. Southgate Tall wooden fence and Existing access and gate High (Green) Southgate Road borders the south-western boundary vegetation screening where from Southgate Road. Road (A111) with residential on opposite side. Fields to the site abuts residential land. Excellent access onto 1 east. Junction 24 of M26 to south. Vegetation buffer by roadside M25. and junction. Additional vegetation may be required. H18 A1000 Grass field 300 L Level site Opposite an existing site not informed of – this Isolated trees along roadside. Existing access and gate Medium High Barnet Road area could be suitable for expansion. M25 is much higher than the from A1000/Barnet Road. (Yellow) 3 M25 (goes over A1000) abuts the south- site. Additional buffers western boundary. A1000 abuts the south- required. eastern boundary. Railway tunnel located under the northern end of site. Fields on other sides.

September 2006 21 Accomodation Needs of Gypsies and Travellers in South and West Hertfordshire Recommendations Report

Site Name/ Existing Use Distance Area (S Topography Surrounding Land Uses Existing Buffers/ Vegetation Access GIS Opportunity Code Buffer to M L) Rank Green Belt boundary (metres) H19 Grass field 100 L Level site Abuts residential to north. Fields to west and Visual effects could be Alternative access points High (Green) Ashwood south. A1000 to east. negative for existing residents. from the end of Ashwood Road Trees planted along boundary Road or the A1000. 3 but houses would have a view of the site over these.

H20 Bakers Grass field with isolated mature 300 L Fairly level site Baker street abuts north-west boundary with Low hedge along roadside. Existing access and gate. High (Green) at Street trees towards rear of site. Power fields and recreation ground on the opposite Vegetation planting would be Good access to road north of site, 1 pylons along boundary with M25. side and secondary school beyond. M25 required. network. Medium High abuts southern boundary at much higher (Yellow) at south. elevation and bridge over Bakers Street. Fields to north-east with Primary school beyond. H21 Sawyers Grass field 200 M Level site Bridgefoot Lane to north-east, Sawyers Lane Mature trees and hedge Access could be an issue High (Green) Lane to west with secondary school and FE Cleary surround the site preventing – Sawyers Lane is a one 3 Sports Centre on opposite side. Fields to any views. way road with site access south and east. of this from Bridgefoot lane a single track.

September 2006 22 Accomodation Needs of Gypsies and Travellers in South and West Hertfordshire Recommendations Report

4.4 St Albans

4.4.1 Within St Albans 22 sites have been suggested for the accommodation of Gypsies and Travellers, refer to Figure 6.

4.4.2 Sites have been allocated a score in terms of their preference (as described in paragraph 4.1.6). These scores are highlighted in red text within the first column of the table. Nine sites have been given the highest scored of ‘1’ and three have been scored as ‘2’. A few sites require earthworks, additional buffers or are located on narrow roads. These factors have been detailed and the site retained in the event that more preferable sites are unavailable or have other constraints.

4.4.3 In all, nine sites have the highest score of ‘1’. These sites are: • SA1 Highfield Park Drive • SA5 District Boundary • SA6 London Colney Bypass • SA9 Kinsborne West • SA10 Kinsborne East • SA16 Holtsmere End Lane • SA17 Butterfield • SA18 Butterfield 2 • SA21 Green Lane

4.4.4 As St Albans were unable to provide all the datasets, there are no green areas except for those crossing Council boundaries.

September 2006 23 A

5 ( T SOUTH & WEST HERTS )

40 45 B GYPSY & TRAVELLER

5H STRATEGY 5I 2 M 5 A 6 1 5 B (T ) IDENTIFIED POTENTIAL 5B 5A SITES B 5C 653 ST ALBANS 52 B6 3M Districts 5D 5E Major Towns

B Site Visit Locations 487 1

5 6 Existing Gypsy Sites 5G5F B Existing Gypsy Sites Major Roads

A 5L Opportunities 41 4 3L 6 5M 5K 5J A High 5 1 8 3 Medium/High

5N 87 Medium Dacorum B4 St. Albans Constraints 5O 1 HEMEL HEMPSTEAD 2 5P 57 A414 10 7 ST. ALBANS A 5Q 3 6F Increasing B69 1 4 Number of 414 A 7 Constraints 414 5 6Eb6Ea A H A4251 M 10 0 6 3 3F 6 4 4 1 B 4 7 A 5 6A 0 FB 3G B4 5 6B 3H3I 8 FA 3K 3J

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1 1 l Kilometres 1 A i 4 Date:14/03/2006 F A Accomodation Needs of Gypsies and Travellers in South and West Hertfordshire Recommendations Report

Site Name/ Code Existing Use Distance Area Topography Surrounding Land Uses Existing Buffers/ Vegetation Access GIS Buffer to (S M Opportunity Green Belt L) Rank Boundary (metres) SA1 Highfield Park Ploughed fields. Power lines 100 L Level site Disused Road on north-eastern side High hedge along roadside. No existing site access but Medium High Drive through site. (Nightingale Lane), Highfield Park Drive could cut through thin hedge. (Yellow) 1 abuts north-western boundary, fields to Good access to road network. south. SA2 Highfield Lane Fields and power pylon to north. 500 M Level site Highfield Lane abuts eastern boundary Vegetation hedge and tall trees Good access to North Orbital Medium High 3 (with fields and new residential across), surround site. Road (A414). (Yellow) the North Orbital Road (A414) abuts southern boundary. Fields to north (Highfield Hall beyond) and west. SA3 White Horse Ploughed dirt field. 500 S/M Level site Abuts SSSI Coppice woodland to east, A buffer may be required but not 2 access points with gates. Medium High Lane North Orbital Road (A414) to north, necessary as tall trees to north Southern a safer access due (Yellow) 3 White Horse Lane to west and south and south of site, and on to proximity to Orbital road with fields beyond. opposite side of road to west. A A414. fence is likely to be required by Good access to transport the woodland to east. network. SA4 West White Grass field 400 L Level site North Orbital Road (A414) to north, Tall vegetation at east boundary. No existing access – would Medium High Horse Lane White Horse Lane to east with field then Additional screening would be require cut through (Yellow) 2 woodland beyond, fields to west with required to north. trees/hedge. Good access to residential in distance and fields to transport network. south. SA5 District Grass field 100 M Level site White Horse Lane to north-west, A1081 Tall vegetation along site Existing access with gate from Medium High Boundary Bypass abuts south-western boundary boundary with road. Additional White Horse Lane. (Yellow) (White Horse Lane) at a much lower elevation. Fields to screening on eastern side likely Can walk over the Bypass on 1 north-east (beyond a track) and south- to be required. the White Horse Lane bridge east. Public Footpaths along north-west to London Colney Town and north-east boundaries. Centre where primary schools, doctors and local shops are located. Bus stop on High Street. SA6 London Colney Grass field 200 L Level site White Horse Lane bounds two sides of Tall trees and scrub surround the Existing access and gate from Medium High Bypass the site (north-east and south-east). site. White Horse Lane on north- (Yellow) (White Horse Lane) Fields to the north west. A1081 Bypass eastern side. Proximity as for 1 abuts the south-western boundary at a SA5. much lower elevation. Slightly better than SA5. SA7 Sandridgebury Grass field 900 M Level site Bounded by Sandridgebury Lane on Hedge along roadside. Further Existing access and gate. Medium High (Sandridgebury Lane) northern side, field to west and south, screening required. Lane is narrow leading from (Yellow) 3 and farm ancillary sheds to east. High Street of the small Set away from residential development. village. Very close to St Albans town centre. SA8 Grass field 100 L Gently sloping Adjacent to quiet residential area on the Some tall trees along the Existing site access and gate Medium High Wheathampstead site down western side of Wheathampstead boundary where the site abuts at end of short residential (Yellow) (Bury Green) towards north. village. Fields to north, west and south. existing residential. Would street, which leads to B651. 3 require more screening. Close to Harpenden, shops, bus etc. SA9 Kinsborne West Ploughed field 600 M/L Level site Fields surrounding site. Kinsborne Medium/high hedge surrounding Multiple existing access gates. Medium High (Kinsborne Green Green Lane abuts eastern boundary. the site. Not seen by any Accessed from a Kinsborne (Yellow) Lane) residential dwellings. Green Lane a ‘B’ road. Not far 1 from Junction 9 of the M1 via A5183.

September 2006 25 Accomodation Needs of Gypsies and Travellers in South and West Hertfordshire Recommendations Report

Site Name/ Code Existing Use Distance Area Topography Surrounding Land Uses Existing Buffers/ Vegetation Access GIS Buffer to (S M Opportunity Green Belt L) Rank Boundary (metres) SA10 Kinsborne Grass field. Site could be located 600 M/L Level site Fields surrounding site. Kinsborne Site is separated from the Creation of a new access may Medium High East to the north or south of an Green Lane abuts eastern boundary. roadside by a high hedge, which be required. As for SA9. (Yellow) (Kinsborne Green existing telecommunications could act as a visual buffer. Lane) facility on the property, located 1 near the road boundary. SA11 Roundwood Grass fields 400 M/L Level site Fields surrounding site. Roundwood Hedge of approximately 1m in Existing access at two points. Medium High Lane Lane abuts northern boundary. height along roadside. Narrow lane with multiple (Yellow) 3 passing lay-bys. SA12 Dunstable Covered by thin scrub. 500 S/M Level site Bounded by Dunstable Road to west Existing vegetation buffer. Existing access Medium High (Dunstable Road) and A5183 to north-east. Close to At the top of Dunstable Road (Yellow) 3 Redbourne. only buses can drive north through to the A5183. Close to Junction 9. SA13 Bylands Grass field 400 M Level site Bounded by A5183 to north-east. Fields Scrub/trees surrounding the site. Existing access and gate from Medium High (A5183) to south and west. North of an area A5183. Close to Junction 9. (Yellow) 2 designated as CSS. Close to Redbourne. SA14 Flamsteadbury Grass field 200 M Level site Lane abuts northern boundary, Vegetation buffer to residential Entrance at the start of a Medium High South residential abuts eastern, fields to west land. Additional screening single lane private road/ Public (Yellow) (Flamsteadbury Lane) with motorway beyond (at a lower required. Bridleway. Not far from B487 3 elevation), and fields to south. SA15 Flamsteadbury Grass field 200 M/L Level site Lane abuts southern boundary, Mature tree visual buffer to As for SA14 Medium High North residential abuts eastern, fields to west residential land. Additional (Yellow) (Flamsteadbury Lane) with motorway beyond (at a lower screening required. 3 elevation), and fields to north with Public Walkway. SA16 Holtsmere End Grass field 400 M/L Level site Lane abuts western boundary. Adjacent Mature trees and hedge Existing access and gate. High (Green) Lane to a public walkway to the south. Fields screening. 1 to north and east. SA17 Butterfield Grass field 200 M Level site Borders A414 to the south-west, a Substantial vegetation exists Accessed by a short Medium High (Butterfield Lane) nursery recreation ground to the north- between the site and gravel/metal road under the (Yellow) 1 west with a single house beyond, nursery/house. railway. Access is also used railway line to the south-east. by one house, nursery and recreation ground. SA18 Butterfield 2 Grass field with sheep grazing 200 M Level site Borders A414 to the south-west, fields Low hedge along boundary at Existing access and gate to Medium High (Butterfield Lane) to the north-east/south-east, railway line front of site. Isolated mature site. Access via a short metal (Yellow) 1 to the north-east. trees along rear boundary. road.

SA19 Waterdale Horticulture 500 M Slightly uneven Close to a residential property to east. Planting and/or fencing would be Existing access with gate. Medium High (Chequers Lane) site Fields on other sides of site. Chequers required to mitigate visual effects Close to motorway. (Yellow) 3 Lane borders south boundary. on the adjacent residential property SA20 Leverstock Horticulture 100 L Level site Residential to north-west, fields Vegetation buffer of mature trees No existing access from road. Medium High Green b (Bedmond surround site on other sides. Bedmond and scrub along roadside. (Yellow) Road) Road abuts south-west side. Additional screening required. 3

September 2006 26 Accomodation Needs of Gypsies and Travellers in South and West Hertfordshire Recommendations Report

Site Name/ Code Existing Use Distance Area Topography Surrounding Land Uses Existing Buffers/ Vegetation Access GIS Buffer to (S M Opportunity Green Belt L) Rank Boundary (metres) SA21 Green Lane Grass fields 100 L Gently rolling Opposite Westwick Farm (to south- Hedge surrounding the site Access from existing gate at Medium High (Westwick Row) site west), however not visible. south west corner of site off (Yellow) 1 Holiday Inn and new business buildings Westwick Row (narrow but 2 nearby (to north-west). Green Lane way); or near roundabout at abuts north-western boundary, northern corner of site. Westwick Row the south-western A414 is nearby to the north boundary and fields surround the site. and the M1 to the east. Located just within St Albans boundary SA22 Little Revelend Grass field with power poles on 100 L Fairly level site Fields to north, south and east. School Site is not visible to existing Good access from the Lane. High (Green) Farm (Holtsmere End northern side. rising steeply on to west on opposite side of Holtsmere residential properties. Vegetation Lane) the eastern side End Lane (abutting south-west buffer consisting of tall mature 2 boundary). Lane abuts south-east trees along the south western boundary. side of the site. Additional screening would be required.

September 2006 27 Accomodation Needs of Gypsies and Travellers in South and West Hertfordshire Recommendations Report

4.5 Three Rivers

4.5.1 Within Three Rivers 16 sites have been suggested for the accommodation of Gypsies and Travellers, refer to Figure 7.

4.5.1 Sites have been allocated a score in terms of their preference (as described in paragraph 4.1.6). These scores are highlighted in red text within the first column of the table. Seven sites have been given the highest scored of ‘1’ and seven have been scored as ‘2’. A few sites require earthworks, additional buffers or are located on narrow roads. These factors have been detailed and the site retained in the event that more preferable sites are unavailable or have other constraints.

4.5.1 In all, seven sites have the highest score of ‘1’. These sites are: • TR1 Langleybury Lane • TR2 Loudwater Lane • TR4 Lincoln Drive • TR10 Charlfont Road • TR11 Hornhill South • TR13 Charlfont Lane North • TR14 Charlfont Lane South

4.5.1 As Three Rivers were unable to provide all the datasets, there are no green areas except for those crossing Council boundaries.

September 2006 28 A41 K 4 41 6 L A 7 41 6Eb6Ea 14 A H 46 A4 A4251 A41 M SOUTH & WEST HERTS 10 0 4 3

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) (T 5 M2 56 0 5 5 4 B 6C A Districts Major Towns A 6D 5 1 6 2L 8 55 Site Visit Locations 3 B Existing Gypsy Sites Existing Gypsy Sites TR2 2M A40 5 Major Roads 2 1 4 A Oportunities W2 2J High 2 46 B Medium/High A 4 W1 1 1 Medium Watford 2A Constraints 2H M 1 1 Hertsmere 2F 2G 2

WATFORD 2 Increasing 6K 6 3 A4 8 4 04 Three Rivers 6L 0 B Number of 0 4 Constraints 6J A 4 A 4 1 2E 5 7 8 2B12B2 6 2C 6O 7

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e l Kilometres i Date:14/03/2006 F Accomodation Needs of Gypsies and Travellers in South and West Hertfordshire Recommendations Report

Site Name/ Code Existing Use Distance Area Topography Surrounding Land Uses Existing Buffers/ Vegetation Access GIS Buffer to (S M Opportunity Green Belt L) Rank Boundary (metres) TR1 Langleybury Grass field with 400 M/L Relatively level site. Slopes up Opposite Langley Farm, further along road is a Exposed only to traffic travelling Existing formed entrance Medium High Lane old shed in at the rear towards the north- school, with playing fields, on the opposite side along road. Screening would be with gate. Site is up a hill (Yellow) 1 disrepair, west and slopes down towards of the road and woodlands on the same side of required. from the Watford Road. fenced. east on the eastern side. the road. Much further along is a quarry near Overall slightly south-east where the road goes over the motorway. Close facing. to amenities in village to east. Fields surrounding site. TR2 Loudwater Grass field 400 M/L Level site Site bounded by ‘dog’s leg’ in Loudwater Lane Hedge buffer to road. Adjacent Gate by entry point to Medium High Lane on north-western and north-eastern sides. Fields house cannot be seen from the public footpath could (Yellow) 1 on other sides. Public footpaths at southern side road as it is set back and behind modify access to avoid of site to avoid. One large house opposite near substantial mature trees/ interference. first corner in abutting road. vegetation. Near Coxley Green village. TR3 Little Green Grass field 200 L Level site Close to amenities. Surrounded by fields. Little Hedge and vegetation screening on Two existing access Medium High Lane Green Lane abuts southern boundary. opposite side of the road. points/gates off Lane, (Yellow) 2 which is rough and a single lane TR4 Lincoln Drive Grass field 100 L Level site Opposite school on other side of Little Green Site is screened from the school by Existing site access and Medium High (Little Green Lane) lane (to south-west). Fields surrounding site. existing vegetation. better access than TR3 as (Yellow) 1 near end of Little Green Lane close to the intersection with Lincoln Drive. TR5 Long Lane Grass field 500 M Fairly level site Surrounded by fields to north-west, north-east Isolated trees along site boundary. Accessed from a narrow Medium High 2 and south-east. Residential area on south-west Dwellings screened by dense road with passing bays. (Yellow) side of road dwellings isolated along lane. Close vegetation on residential land and Slight earthworks required to Chorleywood (to the north). isolated trees on site. Additional on- to create an access. Very site screening would be required. close to the M25, to the east.

TR6 Shepherds Grass field with 500 L Level site Adjacent to a house to the north-west. Lane Tall, mature trees screen adjacent Same level as the road, Medium High Lane a wire fence abuts northern boundary. Fields on other sides. house. Additional screening from access can be easily (Yellow) 2 along the Motorway is visible a short distance away to road would be required. created. boundary. east. TR7 Shepherds Grass field 100 M/L Fairly level, slight slope up Motorway abuts north-west boundary. Leisure Centre and residential are No existing access. Some Medium High Lane East towards the motorway. Shepherds Lane abuts north-eastern boundary behind vegetation and an earth earthworks would be (Yellow) 2 with Leisure centre located opposite the site and mound on subject site. Additional required as site at a higher some residential. Field to south-west (TR8), screening would be required. elevation than road. recreation ground to south-east. TR8 Long Lane Grass field 200 M/L Slightly slopping Motorway abuts north-west boundary. Vegetation screening between the Located at end of Long Medium High North, Mill End (at Residential dwellings adjacent to south-east of site and Public Footpath. Some Lane with existing site (Yellow) other end of field to site. Public Footpath along south-west boundary. vegetation along boundary with access currently blocked by TR9) Field continues to north-east (TR7). residential but additional screening bollards. Good access to 2 would be required. road network and motorways. TR9 Long Lane Grass field 200 M/L Level site Opposite residential dwellings on north-eastern Quite overlooked by residential No existing formed site Medium High South, Mill End side of site. A412 bounds south-eastern side, area, would require screening. access. Good access to (Yellow) 3 North Orbital Road bounds west-south-western road network. side.

September 2006 30 Accomodation Needs of Gypsies and Travellers in South and West Hertfordshire Recommendations Report

Site Name/ Code Existing Use Distance Area Topography Surrounding Land Uses Existing Buffers/ Vegetation Access GIS Buffer to (S M Opportunity Green Belt L) Rank Boundary (metres) TR10 Charlfont Grass field 400 M Mostly flat site, slopes up M25 borders north-west boundary, Charlfont Buffers would be required. No existing site access. Medium High Road towards the south west. Lane borders north-east boundary with ploughed Charlfont Road is narrow, (Yellow) 1 field beyond. Fields to south. but acceptable. Good access to Junction 17 of the M25. TR11 Hornhill Ploughed field 100 L Level site M25 is located at western side at a much lower Some vegetation along boundary Access either end along Medium High South elevation, Hornhill Road borders north and east with residential area. Additional Hornhill Road. (Yellow) (Hornhill Road) boundaries and continues over the motorway screening required. 1 and to an existing site. Residential adjacent to east. Fields to south. TR12 Hornhill Grass field 100 L Fairly level site M25 is located at western side as for TR11, As for TR11. Existing access is currently Medium High North Hornhill Road borders south boundary as fro blocked by concrete blocks. (Yellow) (Hornhill Road) TR11. Residential adjacent to east. Fields to 2 north. TR13 Charlfont Previously 600 L Fairly level, gently sloping Charlfont Lane abuts southern boundary (fields Isolated trees/hedge along road An earth mound currently Medium High Lane North planted down to east. beyond), M25 (lower elevation) abuts western and residential boundaries, blocks existing access. (Yellow) 1 horticultural field boundary, fields to north, residential area abuts additional screening required. Narrow lane with passing eastern boundary. bays. Lane accessed from A412, which carries on to M25. TR14 Charlfont Grass field 700 L Fairly level, gently sloping Charlfont Lane abuts northern boundary (fields Isolated trees/hedge along road Narrow lane with passing Medium High Lane South down to east. beyond), track abuts western boundary with M25 and residential boundaries, bays. Lane accessed from (Yellow) 1 parallel (lower elevation), fields to south, additional screening required. A412, which carries on to residential area abuts eastern boundary. M25. TR15 Little Oxhey Grass field 100 M Level site at a lower elevation Residential properties on opposite site of Little Dense hedge/trees along the road No existing access, Medium High Lane than Little Oxhey Lane. Oxhey Lane (north-west boundary), railway screen from residential. earthworks would be (Yellow) 2 abuts south-eastern boundary at a lower required. elevation, stables abut north-eastern boundary, fields to south-east (Harrow Council boundary). TR16 Woodside Field with 100 M/L Level site Adjacent to residential at south-western and Vegetation screening/visual buffer New site access required. High (Green) Road horses grazing. north-eastern sides, fields to south-east, between the site and residential. 3 Woodside Road abuts north-western side with Additional screening required. hospital opposite.

September 2006 31 Accomodation Needs of Gypsies and Travellers in South and West Hertfordshire Recommendations Report

4.6 Watford

4.6.1 Within Watford two sites have been suggested for the accommodation of Gypsies and Travellers. Morden would be preferable to Russell Lane due to site area and topography but both sites are considered to be suitable, refer to Figure 8.

4.6.1 Given the much smaller area of Watford, the provision of full datasets and thus, more detailed constraints resulted in fewer opportunity areas for consideration. Moreover, the Watford area is mainly urban.

September 2006 32 A

4 2 5 1 6D SOUTH & WEST HERTS

A Dacorum GYPSY & TRAVELLER St. Albans STRATEGY

IDENTIFIED POTENTIAL TR2 SITES WATFORD

Districts

2 1 Major Towns 4 A Major Roads

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Site Name/ Existing Distance Buffer Area Topography Surrounding Land Uses Existing Buffers/ Vegetation Access GIS Code Use to Green Belt (S M Opportunity Boundary L) Rank (metres) W1 Grass field. 100 M Level site at a higher A41 adjacent to south-western Screened by a high earth mound and trees along the south- Existing access from High (Green) Morden elevation than the M1 boundary. Drain with Colne River western boundary abutting the A41. Vegetation screening a slip road from the (A41 North beyond adjacent to south-eastern along the south-eastern boundary and north-eastern A41. Western boundary. M1 adjacent to north- boundary (site also at a higher elevation to M1 along this Existing gates to Avenue) eastern boundary. boundary). 20m of trees/scrub and the lane itself between the private lane abutting 2 Private lane abutting north-west site and adjacent residential dwellings to the north-west. site. boundary with rear of residential area beyond. Private lane continues to a pedestrian bridge over the M1. W2 Grass field 100 S Slightly triangular site Russell Lane abuts south-eastern Acceptable vegetation buffer along northern and south- Access is at the end Medium High Russell with sheep that slopes up to boundary with residential beyond. eastern sides of site. Isolated mature trees along western of Hempstead Road. (Yellow) Lane grazing. eastern end. A411 adjacent to western side of site (additional planting would be beneficial on this Russell Lane is for 2 Earthworks would be boundary. A41 abuts northern side). pedestrian use only. required. boundary.

September 2006 34