Colney Heath 'under attack' by housing developments

The village of around 750 homes, sat between St Albans and Hatfield, could be set to almost double in size.

A potential 600 new houses could be constructed in six different areas of the village.

Residents are concerned by both the potential for increased traffic and construction on Green Belt land.

The site for Taylor Wimpey's 100 new homes. Image: John Clemow (Image: John Clemow)

John Clemow, who is leading a campaign against the developments, told The Herts Ad: "There are two issues that people are concerned about.

"Issue number one is access to schools.

"We are the furthest (village) away from the secondary schools in St Albans, and our primary school is oversubscribed by a massive amount already...

"...The other really big issue for a lot of people is just the amount of traffic going through the village. 

"We don't have any cycleways, we have absolutely no useful bus services.

"It's schools and traffic which bothers a lot of people, and then also all this building on land around us is doubling the size of the settled area by taking out good agricultural land."

Mr Clemow continued, explaining how he believes the developments will impact the feel and identity of Colney Heath: "Open spaces, the whole ethos of the village is around access to green space and the enjoyment of the green space."

Planning permission has already been granted for 100 properties in a Taylor Wimpey development on Bullen’s Green Lane.

Meanwhile, a planning application has been submitted for 150 homes near Tollgate Road.

The site for Bellway's proposed 150 new homes. Image: John Clemow (Image: John Clemow)

A proposal for a further 75 houses between Tollgate Road and Coursers Road is expected.

Consultations are in progress for 150 new homes on Roestock Lane and 50 properties near Roundhouse Farm.

Lastly, a proposal is expected for 30 houses in Roestock Lane and 45 homes near Colney Heath Primary School.