5 Herts planning applications you should know about

We've compiled a list of just some of the applications that are currently pending or have been approved in our areas.

Here are some that might have gone under the radar.

1 - Wheat Quarter regeneration gets formal planning permission

The long-awaited regeneration of the former Shredded Wheat Factory site in Welwyn Garden City has been granted formal planning permission.

Known as the Wheat Quarter, the scheme will deliver homes, commercial space, and community facilities while preserving key heritage buildings.

The project includes the restoration of the Grade II-listed Shredded Wheat silos, which will form the centrepiece of a new public square.

The iconic silos on the site (Image: Marengo Communications)

The development will be made up of 576 homes, an aparthotel and leisure facilities including a sky bar and restaurant on the upper levels of the iconic silos.

The Boiler House, Grain Store and former reception building will be transformed to create a food and beverage area with a tap room and retail space.

Plans also include a climbing and bouldering centre, pickleball or padel courts, and the potential for indoor skydiving or trampolining.

2 - Plans for up 3,200 homes approved

Plans to transform Baldock with 3,200 new homes have been granted planning permission.

North Herts Council's Planning Control Committee gave the green light for the Growing Baldock development, a large-scale scheme in and around Baldock.

The scheme, led by Urban&Civic in partnership with Hertfordshire County Council, will deliver up to 3,200 new homes and 16 hectares of employment land.

The development would be built off North Road and Clothall Road. (Image: Urban&Civic/North Herts Council)

New education provision, a health hub, community facilities, transport infrastructure, and significant green space are also included in the plans.

The application builds on the Growing Baldock Strategic Masterplan, approved by the council in June 2025.

It follows several years of consultation with residents, businesses, schools, parish councils, and community groups.

A core aim of the project is to create 'one Baldock' by ensuring new neighbourhoods are well connected to the existing town and that growth benefits both current and future residents.

3 - Plans to demolish shopping centre for 240 homes

Plans have been unveiled to demolish Letchworth’s Garden Square Shopping Centre and build 240 homes.

Developer Regent Street Projects Ltd is preparing an application to North Herts Council for up to 240 homes, 1,859sqm of shops and food outlets, and the demolition of the existing buildings.

The scheme would also include a community plot, public open space, pedestrian links, drainage, access and other infrastructure.

Garden Square Shopping Centre in Letchworth could be demolished to make way for new homes. (Image: Google Maps / Street View)

Planning consultancy Lanpro, acting for Regent Street Projects Ltd, said: "The proposed development will be delivered in phases over approximately five years to ensure the continued operation of parts of the existing shopping centre and reduce the impact on the town centre.

"The new development will be designed to respond positively to these defining characteristics and preserve or enhance the special character and appearance of the Letchworth Conservation Area, whilst respecting the principles of the garden city."

4 - McDonald's restaurant plans approved despite 387 objections

Plans for the new McDonald's restaurant in Welwyn Garden City have been approved despite hundreds of objections from the public.

Located at the former Beefeater in Stanborough Road, the application was approved following the decision by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council’s Development Management Committee.

A total of 387 objections and 35 letters of support were received.

The restaurant will be located in the former Beefeater restaurant in Stanborough Road. (Image: Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council)

Concerns raised by residents included traffic and highway safety, proximity to schools, public health, litter, noise, parking, and the impact on the character of the area.

"Many of those concerns related to wider issues around public health, wellbeing and the impact of fast-food outlets in our communities," said Rose Grewal, leader of Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and executive member for planning.

"However, the Council can only determine the planning application that is before it and must do so in accordance with planning law."

5 - 700 Green Belt homes approved

Permission has been granted for 700 homes to be built on green belt land off Berkhamsted Road on the northern edge of Hemel Hempstead.

Dacorum Borough Council’s planning committee voted to accept a recommendation from planning officers that they approve the scheme, which also includes a primary school, care home, children’s home and neighbourhood centre.

The proposed site for 700 homes in Hemel Hempstead. Credit: Hallam Land/Marrons/Dacorum Borough Council planning portal.

Permission was granted for the principle of development on the site and for the access plans, with a single entry and exit point for vehicles from a new three-exit roundabout off Berkhamsted Road.

Further details, including a precise layout and the appearance of the new homes, will be ironed out through future applications to the council.

Planning officers had concluded that although there would be substantial harm to the green belt as a result of the development, this would be “clearly outweighed” by the “substantial” benefits, especially the building of housing and affordable homes.