An application to build up to 42 homes on a former school playing field has been quashed following an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.
The plans by Herts County Council would see up to 42 new homes built on the former Norton School playing field, with access via the narrow Croft Lane in Letchworth.
Plans were rejected by North Herts Council's planning committee in 2021 due to concerns around the safety of the access route.
HCC called in the decision, which was reviewed by planning inspector Stephen Wilkinson. In a report dated October 17, the appeal was dismissed.
A number of reasons were listed for dismissal, including that "Croft Lane is narrow and does not include pedestrian footways along part of its length. Although its width varies there are sections where it reduces to below 4m. This is below the carriageway width required by the Hertfordshire Design Guide for a shared surface," and "the increased traffic arising from the scheme would be significant".
Croft Lane resident Kevin Hinton, who has opposed the development since 2017, told the Comet: "My take as a resident of 34 years living in Croft Corner, an iconic listed house built at the founding of the Garden City:
"The Inspectorate's decision is welcome but also disappoints. Firstly, the Conservation Area and its environs are not considered under threat when the proposed development entrance is between and facing three iconic listed houses, one built for the founding architect.
"This contrasts with my failed attempts to gain approval for sympathetic alterations to Croft Corner. Rejected by both planning and the conservation officer to protect the heritage of Croft Lane. They said I should move house!
"I do wonder if the planning system is designed to become flexible when councils gain considerable monetary income!
"Additionally the clear danger of a less than 4m wide lane with no footpaths is claimed have no issues to schoolchildren or residents. The Inspector refused to accept photographs with people in due to privacy legislation. Photographs establish the undeniable danger posed to pedestrians by a shared surface less than 4m wide."
A second application for the same site has already been submitted by Herts County Council, seeking outline planning permission for a residential development - all matters reserved. It received 39 objections online during the consultation period.
A meeting to decide the latest plans is yet to be scheduled.
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