Hertfordshire Green Belt Plans
Thursday 17th August, 2006
Plans to develop 165 acres of land around Bentley Heath have been unveiled by Robert Byng, owner of the Wrotham Park estate, between Barnet and Potters Bar in Hertfordshire.
On Tuesday, Mr Byng revealed how he hopes to build homes and establish a village green and country park on Green Belt land which can no longer be used for agricultural purposes.
With plans still at a preliminary stage, it is not yet known how many houses could be built on the 35 acres of land allocated for residential development, but Mr Byng's representatives dismissed suggestions made by residents opposed to the scheme that the figure could be in the region of 400.
The decision on the density of the housing will be taken by Hertsmere Borough Council. No formal planning applications have so far been made.
Planning expert Drummond Robson, who presented the proposals, said: "The purpose of this is to lead and encourage the area to come together and be cohesive. It is a scheme which enhances the area for the community. The village will not be swamped; if it is, we will have failed. This is a unique opportunity, and it will not happen overnight. It is not, fundamentally, a money-making scheme."
Most properties would be built on Green Belt land near Ganwick Corner, east of the village. No homes would be built on the 2,500-acre Wrotham Park estate itself, which dates back to 1754, and was featured in the Oscar-winning film Gosford Park and recently hosted the wedding of England footballer Ashley Cole.
A village green, similar in design to Hadley Green, would be built west of the new homes, and the area between Baker Street and Bentley Heath Lane would be used to create a country park, open to the public. A number of footpaths would make the area more accessible and link the country park to Potters Bar. These public park areas would cover around 130 acres.
Businesses at the White House industrial estate in the village would have to relocate, but the plans include provision to extend the village's garden centre. Mr Byng said the development would retain the current character of Bentley Heath.
Ron Bushnell, of the Potters Bar Society, said: "The proposal for a country park is irrelevant because there is a natural park there now. We will oppose this proposal."