11.1 The National Planning Policy Framework states that Green Belt boundaries should only be designated or altered through the preparation of a Local Plan. The Core Strategy does not indicate a need for a full review of the Green Belt. However it does set out that detailed changes to the established boundary may be made through the Site Allocations document in order to accommodate growth.
11.2 We are, therefore, removing the Green Belt designation from the following sites which are proposed for development in this document:
11.3 We are also removing the Green Belt designation from the 'build area' of the following sites allocated for secondary and primary education provision:
11.4 We are also removing the Green Belt designation from Huntonbury Village Leavesden Park as the site has already been developed and no longer contributes to Green Belt objectives.
11.5 n order to maximise the scope for expansion and redevelopment of the nationally significant Leavesden Studios, the Green Belt designation is to be removed from the built areas and from the land south east of the site (known as the Island Site and locally as the Ashridge Roundabout). The open area of land known as the 'Backlot' will be retained in the Green Belt as an integral part of the Studio's operation compatible with that status. The revised Green Belt boundary is shown in the map below:
Site Ref |
GB(1) |
Site |
Revised Green Belt Boundary |
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11.6 While no changes to the Green Belt are proposed at Maple Cross (Froghall Farm/Maple Lodge), a planning brief will be prepared by the Council in consultation with relevant stakeholders and those with a land interest to ensure the long-term and sustainable planning of the area.
11.7 The Local Plan 1996-2011 identified two Major Developed Sites in the Green Belt at Maple Lodge Wastewater Treatment Works and Leavesden Studios. Major Developed Sites in the Green Belt were referred to by Planning Policy Guidance 2: Green Belt as sites which remain subject to Green Belt policies, but where infilling or redevelopment meeting certain criteria is not inappropriate development.
11.8 Core Strategy Policy CP11 states that the Council will retain 'Major Developed Site in the Green Belt' status for the Maple Lodge Sewage Treatment Works and review 'Major Developed Site Status in the Green Belt' status in relation to Leavesden Aerodrome, having regard to the important contribution that the site is expected to make to meeting needs for housing and employment.
11.9 The National Planning Policy Framework does not include specific provision for Major Developed Sites in the Green Belt. However, it sets out that limited infilling or the partial or complete redevelopment of previously developed sites, whether redundant or in continuing use which would not have a greater impact on the openness of the Green Belt and the purpose of including land within it than the existing development is not inappropriate development in the Green Belt.
11.10 As we propose to remove the Green Belt designation from the Leavesden Aerodrome site for both redevelopment of the studios, and for new residential development to the east of the studios the Major Developed Site in the Green Belt designation is removed. In order not to compromise the ability of the Leavesden Studios to contribute to the national and regional economy, both as a local employer and as a centre to contribute to the economic growth of the District over the Plan period, the site is to be allocated specifically for Leavesden Studios Operations with the Backlot being retained in the Green Belt (Site GB2 detailed in the map below):
Site Ref |
GB(2) |
Site |
Leavesden Studios Operations |
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11.11 Maple Lodge Wastewater Treatment Works is a substantial developed feature in the local landscape to the east of Maple Cross and has an industrial character. It is a key infrastructure asset serving Three Rivers and the wider area, and change may be required to meet operational needs as set out in the Infrastructure Delivery Plan (2012). While redevelopment or limited infilling may not be inappropriate development in the Green Belt, proposals should take into account the provisions of policy SA8, as well as other national and local planning policy.
11.12 The revised Green Belt boundary is detailed in the Policies Map.
POLICY SA8: LEAVESDEN STUDIOS AND MAPLE LODGE WASTEWATER TREATMENT WORKS |
Leavesden Studios Operations Development on this site must be in relation to the Leavesden Studios operations and associated uses. Any development of the land at the north-west of the site must provide for the adequate landscaping of its boundaries in the interests of the visual amenity of the adjacent Green Belt. Maple Lodge Treatment Works Maple Lodge Wastewater Treatment Works is a significant infrastructure site in the Green Belt. The landscaped setting provided by mature vegetation on the site boundaries and area surrounding the site should be retained in any proposals for infilling or redevelopment. Any further buildings should be of comparable height to other nearby structures on the site. |
Maple Lodge Wastewater Treatment Works significant infrastructure site in the Green Belt
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