Our Proposals

The site

The site is located on land east of Walnut Tree Road in Pirton, on the edge of the village. Bounded by Hambridge Way to the north and a recent residential development to the west, the site lies close to key community amenities including Pirton Recreation Ground, village shops, a primary school, and social venues.

While outside the village boundary, the site is well connected to nearby towns such as Hitchin, Letchworth Garden City, and Luton, making it a sustainable location for new homes.

Site location plan (click to enlarge)

Planning context

The site is not currently allocated for development and is located within the Rural Area Beyond the Green Belt, outside Pirton’s village boundary. However, there is a clear local need for new homes, particularly affordable housing, as North Hertfordshire District Council is currently unable to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, with only a 3.9-year supply available at present.

The proposals will be submitted as an outline planning application to establish the principle of development, with all detailed matters reserved except for access. This approach supports the delivery of sustainable housing to help meet local demand while respecting the character of the area.

What is outline planning permission?

An outline planning application seeks to agree the principle of development on a site. Detailed plans will be submitted for the means of access into the site and all other matters of detail, including appearance, landscaping, layout and the scale of development will need to be approved separately through the submission of a ‘reserved matters’ application. If the outline application is granted permission, no development can begin on site until Blakeney Homes has a reserved matters approved, which will agree the detail of the proposals, and will be subject to the same process of public consultation by the Council.

The outline planning application will be supported by a range of plans, including an illustrative concept plan, which will help to demonstrate how the proposals can be accommodated on the site. In addition, the outline planning application would be subject to other conditions dealing with matters including drainage and landscape management.

Benefits

The proposals would deliver a sustainable, accessible and well-connected new development featuring up to 50 new homes and providing the following benefits:

A range of housing types including 40% affordable to meet a variety of local needs

Energy efficient homes including integrated sustainable features such as air source heat pumps and solar panels

Enhancement of existing landscape features including significant areas of green open space, play area and biodiversity improvements

Integration with the character of the local area, preserving the distinct identity

New pedestrian and cycle routes, connecting to the existing public rights of way network and the wider area

Financial contributions towards local community infrastructure through S106 funding

The Proposals

We are seeking outline planning permission for the delivery of up to 50 new homes. The scheme focuses on creating a high-quality, sustainable community with a strong emphasis on green spaces, ecological enhancements, and improved connectivity to local amenities.

The illustrative masterplan shows how the proposals could look.

New homes

The proposals would deliver up to 50 new homes, including 40% affordable homes, across a variety of house types to meet a range of needs.

The development aims to balance new housing with sensitive design that respects the local character and landscape, while providing much-needed affordable homes.

Details, such as the design of the homes, would be agreed through subsequent reserved matters application(s) and will ensure that the development is sympathetic to the character of the local area. The images on this website provide an illustrative example of how these new homes could look.

Blakeney Homes

Blakeney Homes is renowned for delivering homes of exceptional quality, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern design. Each property is constructed using high-quality materials and finishes, ensuring durability and visual appeal.

The company's commitment to excellence is evident in their attention to detail and the bespoke nature of their developments. Homebuyers can have confidence in the longevity and value of their investment, supported by a 10-year structural warranty provided for all new homes.

Sustainability

Blakeney Homes is committed to delivering developments that prioritise sustainability and environmental responsibility.

The proposals will incorporate energy-efficient design standards to reduce carbon emissions and lower energy consumption including:

  • The use of sustainable construction materials and modern building methods further reduces the environmental impact of their developments

  • Sustainable drainage systems are integrated to manage surface water naturally and minimise flood risk

  • Green infrastructure to enhance biodiversity and support local ecosystems

  • Electric vehicle charging facilities for every home

  • Inclusion of solar panels and air source heat pumps

Landscaping

The proposed landscaping has been thoughtfully designed to create a green, welcoming environment that benefits both new residents and the wider community.

Existing trees and hedgerows will be carefully retained and enhanced with new planting to maintain the site’s natural character and to support wildlife habitats.  

Public open space and connectivity

The development will feature generous public open spaces, including a play area, tree-lined streets, and new hedgerows that help to soften views and create attractive, safe outdoor areas.

New footpaths will be created throughout the site and along its edges to connect homes with outdoor spaces, existing footpaths, and the nearby recreation ground.

Sustainable Drainage

Sustainable drainage features will be integrated into the landscape, blending functionality with natural features. 

Highways and Access

Access

The proposed development at Pirton will be accessed via the existing entrance from Cotman End, with an additional emergency access from Hambridge Way.

Encouraging sustainable travel methods

The scheme prioritises sustainable travel by incorporating multiple pedestrian access points and enhanced cycle routes that connect seamlessly with the surrounding footpath network.

Parking will be provided in line with local policy, including electric vehicle charging facilities for every home, reflecting the commitment to reducing traffic impacts and promoting greener, safer transport options for residents.

Cycle parking will also be provided in line with the council’s parking standards.