Hertfordshire

Chelgate has been providing political engagement and community consultation support to our clients for over 35 years. Over the past decade, we have worked on approaching 100 projects totalling over 50,000 dwellings. Almost 27,000 of those dwellings, some 58 projects, have been in the North Thames region, which includes Essex, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Berkshire.

In Hertfordshire, we have worked in St Albans, East Hertfordshire, North Hertfordshire, Dacorum, Welwyn Hatfield and Hertsmere. A total of 8,120 dwellings over 13 projects. A selection of projects are included below and on our Strategic land and site promotion and housing pages.

The North Thames team is led by Michael Hardware, supported by Ian Ward and Chris White. Michael is a district and county cabinet member, Ian is a district councillor, a former strategic planning portfolio holder for 10 years, and Chris is the former Hertfordshire district council leader and a county councillor.

Harpenden, St Albans, Hertfordshire

The Crest Nicholson site north east of Harpenden has been allocated in the St Albans local plan submitted in December 2024. The allocation is for 900 homes, with the Crest site around 490 homes plus a primary school, local centre and sports facilities. Chelgate Local has assisted with political and community engagement including events and workshops, liasing with local groups to ensure their voices have been heard. Depending upon the local plan, a planning application is likely to be submitted during 2025.

Walkern, East Hertfordshire

Chelgate is assisting Welbeck Land bring forward an application for an Inspired Village in this Hertfordshire village. The proposals are for 120 homes with communal and community facilities which could include a gym, shop, health centre and community space. Chelgate has helped with political and community engagement.

West Hemel, Hertfordshire

This development of 900 new homes to the west of Hemel was promoted jointly by Barratt DWH and Taylor Wimpey. We assisted with the political engagement as the planning application came forward for consideration by the committee at Dacorum Council. It was approved in 2020.

Codicote, Hertfordshire

Taylor Wimpey proposed 68 new homes on a former garden centre site in the village of Codicote. Chelgate Local assisted with political and community engagement as the project came forward to North Hertfordshire Council planning. It was approved in 2022.

Birchall Garden Suburb, Hertfordshire

A proposed garden suburb to provide for the housing and social needs of the local community. The site neatly straddles East Herts and Welwyn Hatfield councils, providing a total of more than 2,556 homes, three schools, shops and other facilities. Whilst it is in the green belt it has been allocated in both emerging local plans. East Herts DC local plan was adopted in 2018 whereas the Welwyn Hatfield local plan was adopted in 2023.

To discuss a project in Hertfordshire, please contact Michael Hardware, Director of Planning and Property, on 020 7939 7989 or email.