Decision looms for new homes plan in Chiswell Green

Tippendell Lane Developments Ltd submitted plans in December last year that would see an existing bungalow demolished, paving the way for three new two-storey houses and a single-storey property in Tippendell Lane, Chiswell Green.

The application has been called in by Cllr Nuala Webb (Liberal Democrat, Park Street) as a result of a raft of objections from neighbours.

Cllr Webb wrote that the application represents "gross overdevelopment of the site" and "does not reflect the character of the area."

The plans have been met with objections from eight addresses in Tippendell Lane, as well as four in Farringford Close and one in Carisbrooke Road.

Common reasons listed by objectors include the 'overbearing' nature of the proposed houses, the loss of light and privacy, environmental impact on the St Albans Green Belt and the impact construction would have on the area.

Other complaints centre on the precedent the project would set, the "excessive tree pruning" the development would require and the possible increase in vehicle congestion the new properties would bring.

A representative of Herts police has also expressed concerns about the narrow layout of proposed entrance roads, noting this could become a safety hazard.

Despite this, they said they have "no serious concerns" about building new housing at this location.

Since the initial application was submitted, developers have sought to assuage some of these concerns by making amendments to the proposals.

In April the plans were resubmitted with alterations to some of the boundaries and a daylight assessment.

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The proposals have also been given a thumbs down by St Albans Civic Society and St Stephen Parish Council.

Plans are set to be discussed and voted on at Monday's meeting of the St Albans City and District Council Development Management Committee.

Planning officers have recommended that the committee provisionally approve the application.