The Hertsmere Borough Council Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on 30 September 2025 to discuss several planning applications, including proposals for a change of use for a warehouse, reserved matters for a warehousing and distribution site, the creation of a children's play area, and a change of use with associated alterations to a property on Shenley Road. The committee will also review the current position on planning appeals.

Planning Applications

The committee will be considering several planning applications at the meeting.

80-82 Shenley Road, Borehamwood

The committee will be considering a report about a planning application for 80 - 82 Shenley Road, Borehamwood, which proposes a change of use from Class E to Class F1¹ and the construction of a three-storey rear extension to provide internal lift access. The report pack notes that the application also includes:

• Alterations to fenestration
• Alterations to materials on the front facade
• Creation of a new terrace to facilitate outdoor amenity space at first floor level, including a new canopy
• Roof alterations
• Provision of cycle storage and refuse & recycling facilities
• Boundary works to include new perimeter fencing measuring 2.4m in height
• Installation of air source heat pumps and extraction and ventilation equipment, including a new external flue

Millbrook Open Space, Bushey

The Planning Committee will be considering a report about a planning application for Millbrook Open Space, which proposes the creation of a children's play area.

The report pack notes that the application has generated both supportive and objecting comments from neighbours. Some of the objections that have been received relate to:

• Loss of privacy
• Loss of parking space
• Increase of noise and disturbance
• Concerns that the scheme is unnecessary, or is in the wrong location
• Concerns about anti-social behaviour

The report pack also notes that supportive comments have been received stating that the play area would be a positive addition to the community, would provide a safe and fun environment for children, and would help to build stronger community ties.

The report pack notes that Hertfordshire Constabulary Architectural Liaison Officer had initially objected to the proposals due to concerns about crime and disorder, but revised their comments in support of the scheme after security, crime prevention and surveillance measures were addressed.

The report pack notes that the application is supported by a Tree Survey, Tree Constraints Plan, Tree Protection Plan, Arboricultural Impact Assessment and a Biodiversity Statement.

The report pack notes that the proposal would provide 10% Mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain².

Charleston Paddocks, St. Albans Road, South Mimms, Potters Bar

The Planning Committee will be considering a report about a reserved matters application relating to Charleston Paddocks, St. Albans Road. The reserved matters application relates to access, layout, scale, appearance and landscaping for B8³ uses, including infrastructure, servicing and associated works. The report pack notes that the application follows outline planning permission ref. 23/1049/OUT, which was granted on 21 March 2025 for the construction of a B8 (Warehousing and Distribution) use of up to 11,500 sqm.

The report pack notes that objections have been received from the Elstree & Borehamwood Green Belt Society, and from The Parish Council South Mimms And Ridge. The Elstree & Borehamwood Green Belt Society raised concerns regarding the impact on Green Belt openness and visual amenity, inadequate Biodiversity Net Gain and landscaping quality, arboricultural impacts arising from tree losses, and insufficient sustainable transport options. The Parish Council South Mimms And Ridge raised concerns regarding access to the site via an overloaded network of small roads and mini roundabouts, and the impact of increased traffic.

8-9 Station Close, Potters Bar

The Planning Committee will be considering a report about a planning application for 8-9 Station Close, Potters Bar, which proposes a change of use from an existing warehouse (Use Class B8) to the provision of medical or health services (Use Class E(e)).

The report pack notes that the application also includes the erection of a cycle store.

The report pack notes that Highways do not wish to restrict the grant of permission subject to conditions relating to onsite vehicle and cycle parking areas to be provided; securing a Full Travel Plan for the site; restricting the use to a day surgery only limitations on maximum patients on site.

The report pack notes that Environmental Health & Licensing advise that due to the type of activities which would be taking place internally it should be unlikely to cause a detrimental impact on the amenity of the nearest residential properties, but note that a large amount of plant/equipment would be required to service the proposed development (air conditioning units, ASHPs etc.) and recommend a standard plant/equipment condition be imposed on any approval.

Other Matters

Councillor Helen Green, Chair of the Planning Committee will ask attendees to declare any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests, Other Pecuniary Interest or Non-Pecuniary Interest they have in any matter to be considered at the meeting.