Ambitious plans to build 34 "low energy" homes to replace a Bricket Wood paintball centre have been refused by the district council.

In March, plans were submitted for 34 homes to be built at the site of Bricket Wood Sports And Country Club, Lye Lane, with 50 per cent reserved for those aged over 55.

Plans for the new homes in Bricket Wood.Plans for the new homes in Bricket Wood. (Image: Adpractice Ltd / St Albans City & District Council / Canva) Eight two-bedroom flats were included in the plans, along with nine two-bedroom houses and 17 houses of an unknown capacity.

The existing paintball centre, dwellings and buildings were set to be demolished as part of the plans made by A D Practice Ltd.

In a statement, a St Albans City and District Council planning officer listed multiple reasons for its refusal.

The officer said the site resides on a "Metropolitan Green Belt" and the plans were deemed "inappropriate" and "detrimental" to the protected land in addition to negative noise impacts.

In response, the applicant argued: "Exceptional grounds exist to overcome the presumption against development in the Green Belt.

"The low density scheme is in keeping with the rural nature of the site and minimises any exacerbation in traffic or highway issues. For these reasons the scheme should be approved."

Transportation was also highlighted with the applicant "failing" to demonstrate that the proposal would not results in "harm to highway safety".

However, the agent implied there would be "less vehicle movement" and no "significant change" to traffic generation than the existing uses on the site, particularly with half of the properties being restricted to the over 55s.

The construction also lacked "affordable housing" and suitable "educational provision" which the applicant suggested was "not necessary" for the build.

There were further public objections to the proposal with the majority citing the need to "protect" Green Belt land.

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Currently, the western side of the site is formed of brick built buildings associated with the former sports club use and Bricket Lodge, together with other single storey structures associated with the paintballing centre in the southern part.

An aerial view of the site in Bricket Wood.An aerial view of the site in Bricket Wood. (Image: Google Maps) The majority of the location is described as shrub/grassland neighbouring the M25.

To view the entire application head to St Albans City and Districts planning portal and search: 5/2024/0086