PLANNING permission for 10,000 new homes in the Gilston area has been issued by East Herts Council.
The outline planning permissions comprise 8,500 homes for Places for People across six villages and 1,500 homes for Taylor Wimpey in a seventh village.
Alongside new homes, the development includes facilities for business, retail, sports and leisure and healthcare, as well as community spaces, parks and open spaces, new primary and secondary schools and early years facilities.
Together with the earlier granting of permission for new transport infrastructure schemes known as the Central and Eastern Stort Crossings, the outline permissions are a significant milestone in the process of bringing forward the Gilston area development proposal identified in the Council’s 2018 District Plan.
The planning applications were considered by the District Council’s Development Management Committees on 28 February 2023 and 23 March 2023, where it was resolved that permission be granted subject to the finalisation of conditions and completion of a Section 106 agreement to secure the necessary infrastructure.
Councillor Vicky Glover-Ward, Executive Member for Planning and Growth, said: “We are pleased to issue the planning permissions for the delivery of 10,000 homes and associated infrastructure in the Gilston area. This is a major milestone and an important step in achieving sustainable growth in East Herts, and the wider Harlow and Gilston Garden Town.”
Councillor Richard Roberts, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council, said: “The Section 106 agreement represents a significant milestone for Hertfordshire and the Harlow Gilston Garden Town project. It demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that growth is accompanied by the infrastructure needed to support thriving communities.
“My thanks to all five Councils, who have strived to get the best possible deal for existing and new residents, yet to arrive. We will be proud of this development when it meets the highest build standards with the right infrastructure creating the homes and communities of the future.”