202 Radlett Road Frogmore St Albans Hertfordshire AL2 2EN

1. 1.The site is within the Metropolitan Green Belt and the proposed development represents inappropriate development within the Green Belt, as set out in the National Planning Policy Framework 2024. In addition to the in-principle harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness, other harm is identified as a result of the proposed development in terms of its detrimental impact on the openness of the Green Belt and harm to Green Belt purposes. Harm is also identified in relation to the sustainability of location with particular reference to paragraphs 110 and 115 of the NPPF. The site is considered to be an unsustainable location due to poor connectivity, including safe, accessible, pedestrian access to the existing footway and lack of amenities and services for future residents. In addition, insufficient information has been provided to demonstrate that the works would not result in unacceptable harm to trees and without harm to bats which are a European protected species. The potential harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm resulting from the proposal, is not clearly outweighed by other considerations; and as a result, the very special circumstances required to allow for approval of inappropriate development in the Green Belt do not exist in this case. The proposal is therefore contrary to Policy 1, Policy 70, Policy 74 and Policy 106 of the St Albans District Local Plan Review 1994, policies S6 and S14 of St Stephen Neighbourhood Plan 2022 and the National Planning Policy Framework 2024.
2. 2.The proposed development, would result in an intensification of the use of an existing access onto Radlett Road a Main Distributor road. Insufficient information has been provided to demonstrate that the access arrangements are acceptable in relation to the junction form and visibility splays. As a result, the proposal is likely to conflict with the free flow of traffic and create hazardous conditions detrimental to highway safety. The development is therefore considered contrary to policy 34 (Highways Considerations in Development Control) and 36A (Location of New Development in Relation to Public Transport Network) of the St Albans District Local Plan Review 1994 and paragraphs 115 and 116 of the National Planning Policy Framework 2024.
3. 3.The proposed siting of plot 2 would result in an unacceptable impact on the amenities of No. 4 Acer Close in terms of restriction of daylight, sunlight and a sense of overbearing beyond that which they could reasonably expect to enjoy, contrary to policy 70 (Design and Layout of New Housing) of the St Albans District Local Plan Review 1994 and the National Planning Policy Framework 2024. THIS IS AN IMPORTANT DOCUMENT AND IS LIKELY TO BE REQUIRED WHEN YOU COME TO SELL YOUR PROPERTY. YOU ARE ADVISED TO KEEP IT WITH YOUR TITLE DEEDS. Ref No. 5/25/1624 DC.4
4. 4.Insufficient information has been provided to demonstrate that the works can take place without harm to bats which are a European protected species, contrary to policy 106 (Nature Conservation) of the St Albans District Local Plan Review 1994 and the National Planning Policy Framework 2024.

From the council's decision notice.

Postcode

AL2 2EN

Application type

(Minor) Dwellings

Scale / size

Small

Parish

St Stephen

Date validated

26 September 2025

Consultation expiry

25 October 2025

Consultation end

25 October 2025

Target decision date

25 October 2025

Application expires

20 November 2025

Applicant

Private applicant

Statutory period

55 days

Last advertised

2 October 2025

Appeal reference

6008445

Appeal date

21 April 2026

Appeal result

Appeal Dismissed

Appeal decision date

10 July 2026

Planning Portal ID

PP-14287719

Documents

79