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Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan Site Assessment Summary Paper
1
Harpenden Neighbourhood
Plan
Site Assessment Summary
Paper
For Regulation 14 Draft Neighbourhood Plan Consultation
Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan Site Assessment Summary Paper
2
[Intentionally blank page]
Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan Site Assessment Summary Paper
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Contents
1.0 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................................. 4
2.0 Site Identification ........................................................................................................................................................................ 5
3.0 Site Assessment Process .......................................................................................................................................................... 6
4.0 Results Summary ...................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Appendices
Appendix A: Scoring Matrix ............................................................................................................................................................... 14
Appendix B: Site Assessments .......................................................................................................................................................... 15
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1.0 Introduction
1.1 This Site Assessment Summary Paper is prepared in support of the Regulation 14 Harpenden
Neighbourhood Plan.
Purpose of the document
1.2 The purpose of this document is to:
a. Detail the site assessment process undertaken in support of the Harpenden
Neighbourhood Plan; and,
b. Outline the proposed site allocations in Regulation 14 draft Neighbourhood Plan.
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2.0 Site Identification
2.1 The Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group sought to take a comprehensive approach to the
identification of potential sites for the Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan. Therefore, potential sites were
identified through the following methods:
1. A “Call for Sites”, specific to the Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan; and
2. Sites identified in the 2009 and 2016 SADC Strategic Housing Land Availability
Assessment (SHLAA).
Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan Call for Sites
2.2 The Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan Call for Sites was announced on 20th March 2017 and concluded
on 17th April 2017; however, submissions after that date were accepted and assessed.
2.3 The Call for Sites was announced on the Harpenden Town Council website and was promoted by
Harpenden Town Council through the media and social media. Any person could suggest a site for
consideration, including local residents or landowners (ideally the person submitting the site could
confirm its availability, but this could be ascertained at a later date). In order to do so, residents and
landowners were asked to complete a nomination form and submit to the Town Council with a
supporting site location plan.
2.4 In total, 19 sites were submitted to the Call for Sites. This included sites in the Green Belt and eight of
the sites were previous SHLAA sites.
2009 and 2016 SHLAAs
2.5 A SHLAA is a site assessment paper produced by a Local Planning Authority, used to inform the
preparation of a Local Plan. The HNP considered all sites assessed in the 2009 and 2016 SHLAAs (the
most recent SHLAAs), including those deemed unsuitable for allocation.
2.6 SHLAA assessments are included as submissions at Appendix B.
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3.0 Site Assessment Process
3.1 This section sets out the process through which identified sites were assessed.
First Sift
3.2 Prior to any formal assessment, all SHLAA sites were reviewed with the intention of removing any sites
that have since been developed or benefit from a current planning permission. Following this sift, a list
of sites totalling 45 potential development locations was compiled.
Initial Assessment
3.3 Sites were assessed using a range of tools. Initially these focused on a site assessment template
(Appendix B) compiled based on best practice advice made available through Locality. Principally, the
site assessment template sought to determine whether sites were available, achievable (i.e. financially
viable) and suitable for the proposed type of development. It was supported by a “RAG” (red, amber,
green) assessment, which looked at the sustainability of development at each site.
Second Sift
3.4 The Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan originally considered Green Belt Sites due to an ambition to
potentially align with the (then draft) St Albans City and District Council Detailed Local Plan (DLP),
identifying potential small development sites to release from the Green Belt in that document.
However, following the failure of the DLP to proceed to examination1, it was determined that this
approach was no longer viable due to the likely time delay between the Harpenden Neighbourhood
Plan being adopted, which would result in a lag between sites being identified and released for
allocation, during which circumstances may change. The approach was discussed with St Albans City
and District Council and Locality2, with both understanding the approach.
3.5 In total, 29 sites were removed from the site assessment process. Assessments were not finalised for
these site and there is no further reference to Green Belt sites in this document.
1 The DLP did not proceed to examination due to SADC being adjudged to have not met the legal Duty to Cooperate with
neighbouring local authorities in the preparation of its Strategic Local Plan. Without a Strategic Local Plan, the Detailed Local
Plan could not continue to be prepared. 2 Locality provides national Neighbourhood Planning support on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local
Government.
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3.6 In addition, two further sites were removed from the list, Highfield Oval and Elliswick Tennis Club. These
were both taken from the SHLAA, but were removed following a request from the landowner of each.
These sites are not detailed further in this paper.
3.7 Following the second sift, 14 sites remained. The assessment of each of these sites is summarised in
Section 4 of this report. Each also feature in the Scoring Matrix (Appendix A) and the site assessment
site assessment template for each site is included at Appendix B.
3.8 The 14 sites were:
1. Former Westfield Allotments
2. Victoria, Alexandra, Littleport and Collingham Houses, Southdown Industrial Estate
3. Pan Autos and adjacent uses, Dark Lane / Grove Road
4. Harpenden Public Halls
5. Batford Mill Industrial Estate
6. Land at rear of Luton Road and Farm Avenue
7. Southwood Court, 28 Milton Road
8. Southdown Industrial Estate
9. Land to the rear of Harpenden Fire Station, Leyton Road, Harpenden
10. Land at 63 High Street, Harpenden
11. Jewsons, Grove Road
12. Harpenden Memorial Hospital
13. Land and Garages at Longfield Road, Harpenden
14. Garages at Noke Shot
Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan Site Assessment Summary Paper
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Scoring Exercise
3.9 All sites listed at Paragraph 3.8 went through a Scoring Exercise. The Scoring Exercise was designed
partially to expand on the site assessment template for each site. The Scoring Exercise took the key
principles of availability, achievability and suitability and formed ten criteria against which each site
were marked out of 12, with a maximum score of 120. Scores were assigned a colour based on brackets
of ten marks.
3.10 The Scoring Exercise resulted in a Scoring Matrix (Appendix A), which was a live document that was
regularly updated at Steering Group meetings. The Matrix was used as a consideration, along with the
site assessment template for each site. Sites that attained either a dark or light green score (80-120
points) were favoured for development. A number of current employment sites were considered first
with a residential proposal, then again with an employment proposal, particularly where the residential
use proposed did not gain a score of over 80/120.
Promoter Interviews
3.11 Where possible, the Steering Group met with the promoter of each site to seek further information on
each, including the exact detailed proposals for each. Following these meetings, site assessment
template and the Scoring Matrix were updated as appropriate.
Selection process for the Regulation 14 Draft Neighbourhood Plan
3.12 Once the site assessment template and Scoring Matrix were complete, the Steering Group met to
confirm which sites to include as site allocations in the Regulation 14 Draft of the Harpenden
Neighbourhood Plan. This was based on the results of the Scoring Exercise. Sites that gained a higher
percentage score (over 66%) were selected provided each site was confirmed to meet the key
requirements of being available, achievable and suitable. Sites/proposals that did not achieve 66% were
not selected for inclusion in the draft Neighbourhood Plan. This rigid approach was crucial to ensure
an objective site selection process.
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Next Steps
3.13 Following feedback received at Regulation 14 Consultation, all site assessments, scores and therefore
proposed site allocations will be reviewed prior to the preparation of a final submission Neighbourhood
Plan.
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4.0 Results Summary
4.1 Table 1. sets out the results of the site assessment for each of the sites that made it through the sifting
process. The summary at Table 1. is taken from the outcome of the Scoring Matrix (Appendix B) and
the site assessment template (Appendix C).
No Name Reference Uses
Considered
Outcome
1 Former
Westfield
Allotments
HNP-9 Proposed for
residential
(100%
affordable)
The site assessment found the site was
available, achievable and suitable for the
proposed use and therefore the Regulation
14 draft Neighbourhood Plan includes the
site as an allocation of around 24 affordable
units, subject to design considerations.
2 Victoria,
Alexandra,
Littleport
and
Collingham
Houses,
Southdown
Industrial
Estate
HNP-10 Proposed for
residential
Also
considered
for mixed-
use
employment
and
residential
The site assessment found that the site was
available and achievable. In terms of
suitability, it concluded that the
employment use of the site was valuable
given its proximity to the Southdown
Industrial Estate. However, it also noted that
the site already included a residential unit
and there was potential to create a more
intensive use of the site. Therefore, the
Regulation 14 Neighbourhood Plan includes
the site as a mixed-use allocation for at
least the same amount of employment
floorspace plus around five residential units,
subject to design considerations.
3 Pan Autos
and
adjacent
uses, Grove
Road,
Southdown
HNP-15
(SHLAA-U-H-
298)
Proposed for
residential
The site assessment process found that the
site was available, achievable and suitable
for redevelopment in residential use.
Therefore, the Regulation 14
Neighbourhood Plan includes the site as a
residential allocation for around 41
dwellings, subject to design considerations.
4 Harpenden
Public Halls
HNP-19 Proposed for
residential
Availability and achievability has not yet
been confirmed despite an understanding
that SADC seeks to pursue redevelopment
(SADC did not submit the site). There is one
major issue in terms of suitability, which is
its status as a Grade II* Listed Building.
Although SADC has not yet confirmed, it is
expected that it would seek to demolish and
Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan Site Assessment Summary Paper
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rebuild rather than convert. However, many
local people do not regard this aspect of
the Listed Building to be attractive and the
significant public benefit its redevelopment
would facilitate, namely through enabling a
new cultural venue at Rothamsted Park, may
outweigh the significant harm to the
heritage asset. The HNP would like to
pursue the possibility of allocating the site
in the submission Neighbourhood Plan, but
has not gathered enough information at
this stage to confirm its availability,
achievability and suitability. The draft HNP
reflects this position at Paragraph 7.20. As
Scores and the site assessment for this site
is not complete, these do not feature in the
Appendices to this Summary.
5 Batford Mill
Industrial
Estate
SHLAA-U-H-54 Considered
for
residential
and
employment
The site assessment process found the site
to be a key protected employment location
and not suitable for residential
redevelopment. Therefore, the
Neighbourhood Plan seeks to continue to
protect the site as an employment location.
6 Land at rear
of Luton
Road and
Farm
Avenue
SHLAA-U-H-65 Considered
for
residential
The site assessment process could not
confirm the availability or achievability of
this site and therefore it is not included in
the Regulation 14 draft Neighbourhood
Plan.
7 Southwood
Court, 28
Milton
Road
SHLAA-U-H-66 Considered
for
residential
The site appears to be available, achievable
and suitable subject to conversion, but
there is only an intention to provide one
unit, so it does not warrant allocation in the
Neighbourhood Plan.
8 Southdown
Industrial
Estate
SHLAA-U-H-69 Considered
for
residential
and
employment.
The site assessment process found the site
to be a key protected employment location
and not suitable for residential
redevelopment. Therefore, the Regulation
14 Neighbourhood Plan seeks to continue
to protect the site as an employment
location.
9 Land to the
rear of
Harpenden
Fire Station,
Leyton
Road,
Harpenden
SHLAA-U-H-
130
Considered
for
residential
The site assessment process found the site
to be unsuitable for development due to
the nature of the site, which is heavily
wooded.
10 Land at 63 SHLAA-U-H- Considered The site assessment process found that the
Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan Site Assessment Summary Paper
12
High Street,
Harpenden
165 for
residential
and
employment.
site was available, achievable and suitable
for redevelopment in residential use.
Therefore, the Regulation 14
Neighbourhood Plan includes the site as a
residential allocation for around 5 dwellings,
subject to design considerations.
11 Jewsons,
Grove
Road,
Southdown
SHLAA-U-H-
299
Considered
for
residential
The site assessment process found that the
site was available, achievable and suitable
for redevelopment in residential use.
Therefore, the Regulation 14
Neighbourhood Plan includes the site as a
residential allocation for around 40
dwellings, subject to design considerations.
12 Harpenden
Memorial
Hospital
SHLAA-U-H-
331
Considered
for mixed use
healthcare
and
residential
The site assessment process found that the
loss of healthcare use at the site would not
attract community support and would
potentially damage a heritage asset.
However, the process did consider the
provision of dwellings on part of the site to
be suitable subject to detailed design
considerations. We understand that the site
is likely to be available and achievable, but
the NHS as landowner has not set out its
proposals to the HNP. Therefore, the
Neighbourhood Plan would like to explore a
potential allocation at the Site in the
submission Neighbourhood Plan, but
requires more information in order to do
this. An allocation would need to ensure the
ability to deliver proposed Policy SI8 is not
compromised. This is reflected at Paragraph
7.19 in the draft Neighbourhood Plan. As
Scores and the site assessment for this site
is not complete, these do not feature in the
Appendices to this Summary.
13 Land and
Garages at
Longfield
Road,
Harpenden
SHLAA-U-H-
473a / SHLAA-
U-H-473b
Considered
for
residential
The site assessment process found that the
site was available, achievable and suitable
for redevelopment in residential use.
Therefore, the Regulation 14
Neighbourhood Plan includes the site as a
residential allocation for around 5 dwellings,
subject to design considerations.
14 Garages at
Noke Shot
SHLAA-U-H-
475
Considered
for
residential
The site assessment process found that the
site was available, achievable and suitable
for redevelopment in residential use.
Therefore, the Regulation 14
Neighbourhood Plan includes the site as a
residential allocation for around 8 dwellings,
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subject to design considerations.
Table 1: Site Assessment Summary Table
4.2 All results of the site assessment are draft at the point of Regulation 14 draft Neighbourhood Plan
consultation. The findings of the statutory consultation may change the site assessments and may
therefore affect which sites are allocated for development in the final submission Neighbourhood Plan
and the amount of development on those sites. In addition, there is a possibility that both the
Harpenden Public Halls and Harpenden Memorial Hospital will be included in the submission version
of the Neighbourhood Plan.
Appendix A: Scoring Matrix
Site 1 Site 2 Site 2 Site 3 Site 3 Site 5 Site 5 Site 6 Site 7 Site 8 Site 8 Site 9 Site 10 Site 10 Site 11 Site 13 Site 14
Former Westfield Allotments
Victoria, Alexandra, Littleport and Collingham Houses, Southdown Industrial Estate
Victoria, Alexandra, Littleport and Collingham Houses, Southdown Industrial Estate
Pan Autos and adjacent uses, Dark Lane / Grove Road
Pan Autos and adjacent uses, Dark Lane / Grove Road
Batford Mill Industrial Estate
Batford Mill Industrial Estate
Land at rear of Luton Road and Farm Avenue
Southwood Court, 28 Milton Road
Southdown Industrial Estate
Southdown Industrial Estate
Land to the rear of Harpenden Fire Station, Leyton Road, Harpenden
Land at 63 High Street
Land at 63 High Street
Jewsons, Grove Road
Land and Garages at Longfield Road
Garages at Noke Shot
HNP-9 HNP-10 HNP-10
HNP-15 / SHLAA-U-H-
298
HNP-15 / SHLAA-U-H-
298SHLAA-U-H-
54SHLAA-U-H-
54SHLAA-U-H-
65SHLAA-U-H-
66SHLAA-U-H-
69SHLAA-U-H-
69SHLAA-U-H-
130SHLAA-U-H-
165SHLAA-U-H-
165SHLAA-U-H-
299
SHLAA-U-H-473a and SHLAA-U-H-473b
SHLAA-U-H-475
Residential (100% affordable) Residential Employment Residential Residential Residential Employment Residential Residential Residential Employment Residential Residential Employment Residential Residential Residential
2 25 45 65 85 105
8 7 9 9 9 5 9 7 9 10 11 11 11 11 9 6 710 11 11 10 10 9 9 9 10 7 9 5 9 9 11 4 85 8 9 5 5 2 5 9 8 2 6 8 5 5 5 5 69 12 12 12 12 9 9 9 4 9 9 4 5 5 12 12 126 9 9 12 12 9 8 6 9 9 7 2 9 9 12 11 119 12 12 8 8 5 5 10 12 12 12 5 12 12 8 12 12
12 4 12 5 9 8 9 8 12 7 11 7 8 10 10 12 12
12 8 8 12 12 9 9 2 8 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 1212 4 12 1 12 2 12 10 9 1 12 5 8 10 10 12 12
12 10 10 9 10 9 9 4 3 1 12 10 11 11 10 12 12
95 85 104 83 99 67 84 74 84 70 101 69 90 94 99 98 10479% 71% 87% 69% 83% 56% 70% 62% 70% 58% 84% 58% 75% 78% 83% 82% 87%
95 85 104 83 99 67 84 74 84 70 101 69 90 94 99 98 104
%
RAG Score
Overall Score (out of 120)
Achievability
Appropriate Use
Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan - Site Assessment Summary
Reference
Use
Score out of 12
Name
Dark Red = 1-2, Pale Red = 3-4, Dark Amber = 5-6, Pale Amber = 7-8, Dark Green = 9-10, Pale Green = 11-12
Available for developmentAvailability
Connectivity
Achievable/Deliverable
Suitability
Compatability with surrounding land usesFlood RiskBiodiversity/Landscaping/Green Infrastructure/Heritage ImpactHighways/Parking ImpactAccess
Appendix B: Site assessment templates
1. Former Westfield Allotments
Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan
Site Assessment
HNP – 9 – Former Westfield Allotments Site
Landowner Harpenden Town Council
Location
Area 0.57 ha
Capacity 24 dwellings (taking in to account layout of the site)
Proposal Affordable Housing
Planning history
The site was previously used as allotments
5/2005/2021 Forty two flats in two blocks with associated car parking, landscaping and access (Refused)
5/2015/3036 Outline Application (access and landscape sought) for construction of 24 affordable dwellings consisting of eight apartments and sixteen houses with associated landscaping and parking (Withdrawn)
Availability Landowner intends to sell the site if it was allocated for development.
The site is available for development immediately.
Achievability Achievability confirmed by Harpenden Town Council
Suitability The site has relatively short walking and cycling distance to the key points selected, distances don’t exceed 2500 meters.
The site is accessible by both walking/cycling pathway and vehicle roads
The site has a Roman Snail Colony which would have to be relocated ifdevelopment takes place.
The site does not have any flood risk.
Deliverability 0-5 years
Acceptability
Conclusion
There is local support for affordable housing provision.
Subject to appropriate mitigation, the site should be allocated.
2. Victoria, Alexandra, Littleport and Collingham Houses, Southdown Industrial Estate
Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan
Site Assessment
HNP 10 – Victoria, Alexandra, Littleport and Collingham Houses, Southdown Industrial Estate
Landowner Charlie Marriot (Victoria, Alexandra and Littleport, plus access roads) and Lisa Kiff (Collingham)
Location
Area 0.33 hectares (approximately)
Capacity Circa 950sqm of employment and approximately 5 dwellings
Proposal Mixed-use employment and residential
Planning history
The properties appear to have been developed following a permission to convert an existing garage block to employment and ancillary uses in 1979 (5/1979/1318).
In 1999 a Certificate of Lawfulness was issued for the residential use of Collingham House.
A comprehensive application to change the use of Collingham House to Class B1 (office) and develop front and rear extensions to Collingham, Littleport and Victoria (rear only) houses was permitted in 2013 (5/2013/1389).
Availability The submission forms state that all tenancies will be completed prior to development and that Lisa Kiff is ‘aware’ of the development.
Achievability The site is submitted for mixed-use development, which should be achievable.
Suitability The site is highly suitable for redevelopment in employment use.
For residential use there are some concerns related to impact on amenity of future residents, but this may be addressed through a suitable design.
Deliverability 0-5 years
Acceptability Harpenden Town Council previously supported the 2013 scheme due to the proposal for employment use in an employment location.
The fact that part of the site is in residential use must be taken in to account.
Conclusion Given its current use, a denser redevelopment is acceptable, provided the detailed design ensures new residents have an acceptable amenity.
3. Pan Autos and adjacent uses, Grove Road
Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan
Site Assessment
SHLAA – U – H – 298 Pan Autos and adjacent uses, Grove Road, Harpenden
Landowner Unknown
Location
Area 0.35 hectares
Capacity Approximately 41 dwellings
Proposal Residential development
Planning history
Currently Land of Employment and other commercial uses, currently of mix use: car repairs, servicing and sales, storage and distribution
Availability The land was submitted to the Council in 2009 and 2016 and availability has been confirmed.
Achievability The proposal is expected to be financially viable.
Suitability
Principally suitable for housing development, albeit with a need to consider nearby uses.
The site is, however, in employment use, so loss of employment would need to be considered.
Deliverability Medium – long term
Acceptability
Conclusion
The use of the site as an urban residential development is broadly acceptable.
The site should be allocated for around 41 residential units, subject to detailed design considerations.
5. Batford Mill Industrial Estate
Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan
Site Assessment
SHLAA – U – H – 54 - Batford Mill Industrial Estate
Landowner Owned by a range of pension funds.
Location
Area 0.95 hectares
Capacity 38 dwellings at 40 dwellings per hectare
Proposal Residential development
Planning history
Currently and previously employment / light industrial use
Planning application (Reference 5/2016/1641) was approved: retrospective overflow car parking
Availability The land was submitted to the 2009 SHLAA and was available at the time, but has not been submitted since.
Achievability It is anticipated that residential development would be viable.
Suitability Redevelopment in residential use is broadly suitable although 20% of the site is in Flood Zone 2 and would need to be avoided.
Deliverability Unknown
Acceptability
Conclusion
Batford Mill site is designated as a employment area in the District Local Plan Review 1994. The interim Central Hertfordshire Employment Land Review classified the site as a ‘good’ employment site, which should be retained for employment use. There is local support to retain this site in employment use, in line with the objectives of the Neighbourhood Plan
The loss of the protected employment location is not desirable and availability is unknown. Employment use should be retained where possible.
6. Land at rear of Luton Road and Farm Avenue
Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan
Site Assessment
SHLAA – U – H – 65 - Land at rear of Luton Road and Farm Avenue
Landowner A number of residential homeowners (as of 2001)
Location
Area 0.46 hectares
Capacity Unclear, around five dwellings
Proposal Residential development
Planning history
Various residential extensions to properties along Kinsbourne Crescent
Availability The land was submitted to the Council in 2001, but has not been submitted since then. It is unclear if the land is available in full.
Achievability There are doubts as to achievability in light of the (assumed)multiple landowners.
Suitability
The site would be suitable for residential development (as confirmed by SADC in 2001) as previously developed land benefiting from current residential use, subject to impact on amenity and providing suitable access.
Deliverability Unlikely to be available in the short to medium term
Acceptability
Conclusion
Should local support be ascertained, the proposal could be acceptable.
There is no evidence to show if the site is available or achievable and therefore it should not be allocated.
7. Southwood Court, 28 Milton Road
Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan
Site Assessment
SHLAA – U – H – 66 Southwood Court, 28 Milton Road
Landowner Unknown
Location
Area 0.19 hectares
Capacity 7 dwellings
Proposal Development of one dwelling
Planning history
Planning application (Reference 5/2006/2266) was approved: Change of use from Class C2 (residential home for the elderly) to Class C1 (accommodation for staff)
Availability The land was submitted to the Council at the 2009 SHLAA (andsubsequently rejected at first phase), but has not been submitted since then.
Achievability Given the ongoing need for the current accommodation, the site is unlikely to be available in the short-term
Suitability
Broadly suitable, but only conversion is likely to be acceptable in heritage terms.
Deliverability Unlikely to be available in the short to medium term
Acceptability
Conclusion
Unclear
The proposal on includes one dwelling, so its allocation in the Neighbourhood Plan is not desirable.
8. Southdown Industrial Estate
Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan
Site Assessment
SHLAA – U – H –69 - Southdown Industrial Estate
Landowner Coal Pensions Properties Ltd
Location Southdown Industrial Estate
Area 2.38 hectares
Capacity 75-95 dwellings
Proposal Residential development
Planning history
Site currently is a Designated Employment Area (EMP3): occupied by business premises- storage and distribution (and children’s play area etc.)
5/2007/1977 Part change of use of Unit 9 from B8 (warehouse) to A1 retail to provide storage area and shop floorspace. Refused.
5/2006/0718 Change of use of industrial building (B1) to veterinary surgery (sui generis) Conditional permission.
5/2006/0065 Change of use of industrial building (B1) to veterinary surgery (sui generis) Refused.
5/2004/1727 Change of use of Unit 3 from industrial building (Class B1) to children’s indoor activity centre (Class D2). Conditional permission.
5/2004/0359 Demolition of Class B2 building (Irradion House) and replacement building for Class B1 (light industrial) and/or Class B2 (storage and distribution use). Conditional permission.
5/2003/2491 Use of Unit 9 as a warehouse, distribution and showroom facility. Conditional permission.
5/2002/2484 Use of Unit 9 for storage and retail sales. Refused
5/2000/2329 Change of use of Unit 1 from Class B8 (warehousing and distribution) to Class B2 (general industry). Conditional permission.
Availability The land was submitted to the Council in 2009 and 2016,
Site proposed by agent on behalf of landowner, Tenancies believed to be capable of being terminated in fairly short periods of time
Achievability It is expected the proposal would be financially viable.
Suitability
In principle, residential use at the site would appear to be highly suitable. However, the site lies within designated employment area EMP3.
Deliverability Deliverable in short/medium term
Acceptability
Conclusion
The site is an important local employment site and loss of this use would not be acceptable locally.
Loss of the employment site is not acceptable.
9. Land to the rear of Harpenden Fire Station, Leyton Road, Harpenden
Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan
Site Assessment
SHLAA – U – H – 130 - Land to the rear of Harpenden Fire Station, Leyton Road
Landowner Hertfordshire County Council
Location
Area 0.21 hectares
Capacity Approximately 4 dwellings
Proposal Residential development
Planning history
Currently the site is unused
No relevant planning history
Availability The land was submitted to the 2009 and 2016 SHLAAs by the landowner
Achievability It is expected that the proposal is financially viable.
Suitability
The site has significant heritage constraints that would be difficult to manage.
The site is heavily wooded, meaning development would have biodiversity implications.
Compatibility with the fire station is not clear.
The location is very close to nearby destinations.
Deliverability Short to medium term (dependent on tree removal).
Acceptability
Conclusion
Unsure.
The site is not suitable due to a range of issues and therefore should not be allocated.
10. Land at 63 High Street, Harpenden
Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan
Site Assessment
SHLAA – U – H –165 - Land at 63 High Street, Harpenden
Landowner Gallagher Holdings Ltd
Location
Area 0.21 hectares
Capacity 5 dwellings subject to detailed design considerations.
Tall trees along northern perimeter, the irregular shape of the site and the close proximity of the site to numerous Grade II Listed buildings in addition to being in the Conservation Area significantly reduces the overall density
Proposal Residential development
Planning history
Site currently in employment use (Plant Hire Business)
5/2005/1390 Two storey office building (renewal of planning permission 5/95/0621 dated 15/6/95 - outline) DC3 Conditional Permission
Ref. 5/2005/0634 Demolition of building (renewal of planning permission 5/00/0482CA dated 02/05/00)- DC11CA Conditional CA Consent
5/05/0648 Two storey office building outline - (renewal of planning permission 5/00/0595 dated 3/05/2000) dc3 Conditional Permission 5/00/0595 dated 3/05/2000)
5/2010/1810 Conservation Area Consent - Demolition of existing building-DC11CA Conditional CA Consent
5/2010/1702 Extension of time limit for implementation of planning permission 5/05/1390, dated 19/08/05 for two storey office building (renewal of planning permission 5/00/0595 and 5/95/0621)
Availability The land was submitted to the Council in 2009 and 2016,
Site proposed by an agent on behalf of the landowner.
Achievability It is expected that residential development is financially viable. Other uses are unclear.
Suitability
Residential development, subject to design considerations, appears to be suitable. However, the loss of an undesignated employment use would need to be considered.
Deliverability Deliverable in short/medium term 0-5 years
Acceptability
Conclusion
Although in the Town Centre, it is concealed so would be an acceptable residential use.
The site appears to be acceptable for residential use subject to detailed design and may be allocated for around five dwellings.
11. Jewsons, Off Grove Road
Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan
Site Assessment
SHLAA – U – H – 299 - Jewsons, Off Grove Road
Landowner
Location
Area 0.34 hectares
Capacity Around 40 dwellings
Proposal Residential development
Planning history
Currently Mix use retail and employment land (Jewsons builders materials and associated storage yard)
Availability The land was submitted to the Council in 2009 and 2016, and the landowner has confirmed availability for residential development.
Achievability It is expected that the proposal is financially viable.
Suitability
The site is suitable for residential use subject to appropriate mitigation of surface water flood risk and impact of neighbouring uses on amenity.
Deliverability Medium – long term (dependent on lease arrangements)
Acceptability
Conclusion
As with Pan Autos, its delivery is broadly acceptable.
The site should be allocated for around 40 dwellings subject to detailed design considerations
13. Land and Garages at Longfield Road, Harpenden
Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan
Site Assessment
SHLAA – U – H – 473a and 473b Land and Garages at Longfield Road
Landowner St Albans District Council
Location
Area 473a: 0.10 hectares
473b: 0.02 hectares
Capacity 4 to 5 dwellings
Proposal Residential development
Planning history
Currently used as garages
No planning history
Availability Submitted to the 2016 SHLAA so we would assume it is available
Achievability Submitted to the 2016 SHLAA so we would assume it is achievable
Suitability The development would be suitable for residential development as the land is already built up land, additional parking would have to be proposed in order to replace any lost parking spaces
Deliverability 0-5 years
Acceptability
Conclusion
Likely to be acceptable
The site is available, achievable and suitable and therefore should be allocated for around five dwellings
14. Garages at Noke Shot
Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan
Site Assessment
SHLAA – U – H – 475 - Garages at Noke Shot
Landowner St Albans District Council
Location
Area 0.19 hectares
Capacity 7 to 8 units
Proposal Residential development of 7 to 8 dwellings
Planning history
Currently a garage courtyard
No relevant planning history
Availability Submitted in 2016 SHLAA
Achievability Submitted to the 2016 SHLAA so we would assume it is achievable
Suitability If access can be resolved than this could be a prime development site on what is at present an eyesore. The site would be suitable for residential development The site is previously developed land within an urban area.
Deliverability Likely to be available in the short to medium term
Acceptability
Conclusion
Expected to be acceptable
The site appears to be available, achievable and suitable and therefore may be allocated for around eight dwellings.