The proposed Welwyn Hatfield Local Plan allocates land (as marked on the map) for housing on The Green Belt to the east of the B197 in Woolmer Green (referenced as HS15 in the Local Plan). This has been allocated 150 dwellings and is the only site for housing proposed in Woolmer Green. Woolmer Green is a small village of approximately 600 dwellings and cannot sustain the growth proposed. The infrastructure is already stretched - the B197 is very busy, the school is fully subscribed and the sewers cannot take this level of housing growth. Further, important agricultural land will be lost and the distinctive open undulating character of the landscape would disappear. The Green Belt amenity to all villagers and open views from Garden Road would be lost forever. Woolmer Green has fought successfully to save its Green Belt land before and is prepared to fight to save it again.
There is a 'brown field' site to the west of the B197 (the Entech site) that could be allocated for housing or mixed housing and employment use. This has been designated in the Local Plan as pure employment land (referenced as EA10 together with other areas of designated employment land in Woolmer Green). It could provide space for approximately 75 to 80 dwellings and potentially still retain some employment space.
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) allows local planning authorities to re-define Green Belt boundaries in a Local Plan but it also states that this should only be done in "exceptional circumstances". Further information on Government policy on protection of the Green Belt can be found on the link below: The plan opens for consultation from 30 August to 24 October and this is the last chance to influence the Local Plan. Please find more information and respond to the consultation on: http://www.welhat.gov.uk/localplan
In addition, please sign the petition which the campaign group will present to Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council in October (link below) | Latest News and Updates
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