Our proposals
By adopting an inclusive design process and a pioneering approach to placemaking, proposals for East Hemel will be shaped to the needs of the local community both now and for the future. Embracing innovation, we want to look at a more diverse mix of housing, new social and community amenities and infrastructure and new green space that supports the natural environment.
We will work with local business groups (including Hertfordshire Innovation Quarter) to foster economic growth, create new local jobs and diversify the local economy to help deliver transformational change within and around Hemel Hempstead. We are committed to investing in Hemel for the long-term so we can realise this ambition.
The planning context
The East Hemel site is allocated for development in St Albans City & District Council’s (SADC) draft Local Plan. The emerging Local Plan sets the planning policy for how areas should be designed and developed.
St Albans City & District Council (SADC) concluded its final stage of public consultation for its Local Plan (called Regulation 19) in November 2024. SADC will shortly submit its draft Local Plan for examination.
More information on SADC's Local Plan
Dacorum Borough Council is currently undertaking its Regulation 19 Local Plan consultation, which runs from 4 November - 17 December 2024.
What we’re proposing
Homes for all
Hertfordshire, like the rest of the UK, needs more and better quality housing. We are committed to delivering a more diverse, affordable and better designed mix of housing to suit people’s different budgets and life stages. From first-time buyers to families, homes to raise children in and for later living – we are delivering a broad mix of housing types and tenures to suit multi-generational communities and a wide range of needs.
In order to achieve this, we will work with local communities and interest groups to understand those needs. At the same time, we will be planning for the future so that decades from now East Hemel continues to reflect the needs of the local community.
Energy efficiency and sustainable living
Looking after our environment is crucial for our future and the health of the population and planet. We understand the challenges posed by the rising cost of living and energy bills. Our goal is to make energy more efficient in a way that benefits residents, lowers energy bills and creates a more sustainable future for everyone.
We are exploring innovative housing concepts through pilot projects, including a small site at Westwick Row, near Leverstock Green. The projects will trial a new approach to working with existing and potential future residents to design the new neighbourhood, the homes and surroundings that they will live in. The homes will be designed to achieve greater energy efficiency and lower bills for residents.
To deliver this, we are exploring modern construction methods and innovation to ensure the development generates less waste, reduces energy use and minimises embodied carbon in homes.
Our commitment to the local area
East Hemel will create enormous economic opportunity and local benefits. Our proposals will provide up to 4,000 much needed new homes with associated social and community infrastructure. Stewardship is at the heart of this – our intention is that these facilities and services are run and managed by the community long into the future, making sure they remain relevant and foster local pride.
Working with local partners, we will deliver 1.8m sq ft of commercial space that will create thousands of new jobs, skills, and training opportunities. We are interested in exploring emerging sectors and the innovation economy so we can create jobs in growing industries and be a catalyst for further economic growth across the region.
East Hemel is strategically located at the heart of the country with strong transport connections, so is a prime location to locate emerging industries. We will put in place a comprehensive and active travel strategy for East Hemel, based around local centres and sustainable transport routes, which could set a new benchmark for the country.
As we build the scheme, we will be sourcing materials locally and sustainably to make sure the economic benefits of the supply chain stay in the area, working with local companies and SMEs as much as we can.
Engaging with the local community and promoting community participation
We are committed to working together with the community to plan a place which is designed to thrive now and in the future and delivers value for generations to come. We want to ensure the wide-ranging benefits can be shared positively by both existing and future residents. Community participation is at the heart of this.
Throughout the development process, we will engage comprehensively with the local community to ensure our proposals meet the needs of the local area today and for the future. This will include long-term stewardship discussions as we look to give residents real power and ownership over decisions and spaces.
We will be inclusive and engage different demographics to ensure that the development reflects the needs and wishes of the entire local population.
Nurturing our natural world
The land at East Hemel has been farmed for decades. We are looking to deliver vast areas of public open space on the site for the first time, which could include a country park, new green spaces and community gardens (such as Cherry Tree Lane Community Garden). We are exploring a restorative approach to nature by enhancing existing areas and creating new wildlife habitats. This will allow nature to recover, promote local food production and create spaces for people to reconnect with the land.
We want to hear from the local community about what is important to them so that our approaches to nurturing the natural environment at East Hemel are aligned with the needs of the community.
Trusted with our country’s heritage
The Crown Estate takes its responsibility to protect, maintain and celebrate local heritage seriously and we will be doing this at East Hemel wherever we can.
Our long-term view for East Hemel is not to overwrite the rich local heritage, but rather enhance it. We will work with the local community to emphasise the local culture and identity, and help to make East Hemel a source of pride.
Throughout our activity at East Hemel, we will treat all heritage buildings with sensitivity and, where we can, work with the community to breathe new life into them in a way that celebrates the cultural identity of Hemel Hempstead.
