Heritage
Whilst the site itself does not contain any features of historical significance or designated heritage assets, it is located close to the Little Hadham Conservation Area to the west and the Grade I Listed Parish Church of St Cecilia to the east.
The careful design of the masterplan, the siting of development and new planting means that the important views identified within the Conservation Area Appraisal would be unaffected.
In relation to the impact on St Cecilia’s Church, the significance of the church is largely derived from its architectural and historic interest, with the development proposals carefully considering the siting, massing, heights and density of the proposed development to lessen any negative impact on the church’s setting.
Ecology
The proposals have been carefully designed to ensure existing trees and hedgerows are retained and integrated where possible. Additional planting and buffering along the site boundaries, particularly along the northern boundary, is also proposed. Significant areas of open space will enable over 10% Biodiversity Net Gain to be achieved within the site.
The proposals have also taken into consideration the aspirations within the Hertfordshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) which identifies part of the site within the ‘Ash Valley Focus Area’ and a targeted area to restore nightingale populations. The proposals provide a large area dedicated to green and blue infrastructure along the River Ash corridor, which will seek to enhance biodiversity and respond to the aspirations within the LNRS.
Viewpoint Locations
Viewpoint 1
Viewpoint 2
