Plans have been submitted that would see nine new homes built on Green Belt land in London Colney.

The proposals have been submitted by DTM Planning, on behalf of Montway Limited.

If approved, the new homes would be built at the rear of 28 to 34 North Cottages, Napsbury.

The site currently consists of storage yards that were formerly garages, which developers argue makes it ripe for development.

However, the land is designated as part of the Metropolitan Green Belt, deviating from St Albans City and District Council's Development Plan.

DTM Planning claim that the land is 'brownfield', an area that the government have urged councils to push ahead with developments on as they seek to increase housebuilding across the country.

The application lays out an intention to build a range of types of housing, with the number of bedrooms ranging from one to four.

The development would create the following:

  • One bedroom house for two people.
  • A pair of two bedroom homes for three people.
  • A two bedroom home for four people.
  • A three bedroom home for six people.
  • A pair of three bedroom homes for five people
  • A pair of four bedroom homes for six people.

A letter accompanying the application says: "The site constitutes previously developed land or derelict land and its regeneration for housing will have a positive impact on the surrounding area by providing nine new family homes including four affordable housing units."

Developers insist that the plans will not "negatively impact" the Green Belt, with the letter saying: "The proposed development will have an impact on the openness of the Green Belt by virtue of the increase level of development, but it is considered that the proposal would not cause substantial harm to the openness of the Green Belt."

"The development would re-use previously developed land and contribute to meeting an identified affordable housing need within the area of the local planning authority. "

The letter goes on to argue that any negative impact would be outweighed by the benefits of nine new homes in an area where housing supply is low.

The plans have just gone to public consultation and can be viewed on commented on until September 14.

This can be done by visiting the St Albans City and District Planning Portal and entering the reference number 5/2024/1370.