The former Potters Bar Golf Course Site

FAQs

There is a significant need to deliver new homes across Hertsmere and, with limited brownfield sites and a historical lack of housing development in Potters Bar, developing part of the former Potters Bar Golf Course would help provide homes, community facilities and accessible green spaces.

The site has again been included within the Council’s draft Local Plan because it is one of the most sustainable locations available to help meet housing growth in the area. As an integral part of the development there would be mitigation measures and/or improvements required in terms of infrastructure, transport and access, flooding and drainage to ensure that new homes could be delivered.

Around half of the site is proposed for development, the remainder would remain green space, including parklands for all to enjoy.

Alongside much-needed new homes, community facilities will be provided. Our early ideas include a reserve site for a school and nursery depending on what is most needed in the area.

There are no flooding or surface water drainage issues which would preclude the site being developed for housing purposes due to the following:

  • All built development will be located within the areas at lowest risk of flooding (flood zone 1).
  • Flood free access can be provided via Darkes Lane.
  • Surface water runoff from roads, drives, roofs and other hardstanding areas will be carefully managed, restricting runoff to existing greenfield rates and incorporating Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) to attenuate runoff and provide new habitats.
  • The proposals would not have an adverse impact on flood risk elsewhere (i.e. off-site) and would reduce the flood risk in the wider area.
  • The design protects Potters Bar Brook channel and will ensure built forms are resilient to the potential impacts of climate change.
  • Through pre-application consultation, the Environment Agency and Hertfordshire County Council (as the Lead Local Flood Authority) have confirmed that they are satisfied with the proposed strategy for managing flood risk and surface water drainage at the site.
  • In terms of foul water, the performance of, capacity and any future investment is the responsibility of the local water authority, in this case Thames Water. As part of the planning application process, the team is engaging with Thames Water to agree any required upgrades. While the new development would not connect into the tank on site, the redevelopment of the site offers an opportunity to Thames Water to agree any required upgrades. While the new development would not connect into the tank on site, the redevelopment of the site offers an opportunity to Thames Water to look to address any known issues within the system.
  • The site is within walking distance of the railway station, bus services and local facilities. We will also provide new facilities on site and support the high street, as well as investing in sustainable travel improvements.
  • Our work will also include assessing the impact on local roads and junctions and we are working with the local highway authority to look at the mitigation measures and improvements required to accommodate the development.
  • The main vehicular access would be via the existing access on Darkes Lane. There would also be a dedicated access for active travel, which would serve as an emergency vehicular access.
  • Habitat assessments, protection and mitigation measures form a key part of the proposals, as well as details as to how 10% Biodiversity Net Gain can be achieved. Sustainable drainage features would incorporate attenuation basins which provide fantastic and attractive habitat opportunities.
  • The proposals are landscape-led, respecting existing trees and hedgerows, with substantial new planting to enhance the existing belts of trees and individual mature species through the site.
  • Multifunctional greenspace will permeate through the site incorporating the existing Potters Bar Brook and Hertfordshire Way footpath. The new landscape planting will also provide buffers to the more sensitive areas around the site, allowing wildlife to thrive and enhancing biodiversity.
  • A significant proportion of the site will become publicly accessible open space for the first time, including a country park with attractive places to walk, cycle, play, sit and meet people. There would be new facilities, such as land for a school and / or nursery.
  • The extensive accessible greenspace throughout the site could include informal areas alongside the Potters Bar Brook, incorporate areas for social and community events and sports, as well as areas for play, set within an attractive setting.
  • The country park will offer opportunities for a wide range of uses and spaces for the community. These may include areas of parkland, destination viewpoints and gathering places incorporating nature ponds, woodland activities and spaces for recreation, amenity and community events. The country park will also incorporate a variety of habitats and areas managed for wildlife which will offer opportunities for education and community stewardship and conservation.
  • A variety of new homes would be delivered including much-needed affordable housing, homes for growing families, those downsizing and those suitable for the elderly. It will enable young people to stay in Potters Bar. New residents will also help to boost the local economy and the shops and services on the high street.
  • There would also be investment into flood mitigation on Darkes Lane, reducing the current flood risks.

Potters Bar Golf Course has been in family ownership for almost 100 years. It is still owned by the same family, and they have appointed CEG to manage the site promotion and masterplan.

CEG has almost 30 years of experience in delivering vibrant new developments. We create distinctive new communities around the UK, making space for lives to flourish and neighbourhoods to evolve.

Our approach is collaborative, and we have secured a huge number of awards for our engagement, placemaking, design and environmental credentials of our developments. We are keen to work closely with residents and stakeholders to ensure that we create a legacy of which residents of Potters Bar can be proud.

We would work with the landowner and a housebuilding/commercial partner to bring forward the development.

You can reach the team by emailing pottersbar@ceg.co.uk

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