Barclay Grange Limited are promoting plans for a new residential community on land to the west of London Road, Hertford Heath. The scheme aims to deliver 94 new homes alongside a new community hub and social outdoor green spaces, providing much-needed housing while extending the benefits of the development into the wider village. The proposal seeks to support the creation and expansion of local facilities, integrating the new development not only physically, but also within the social fabric of Hertford Heath.

5plus were appointed to prepare the Stage 01 illustrative masterplan, curating a vision centred around community-led design. The masterplan was carefully developed in response to local surveys, stakeholder feedback, and public consultation, alongside close collaboration with technical consultants. This process has helped shape a development that responds sensitively to its surroundings, respecting Hertford Heath’s village character while supporting the growing need for housing.

The masterplan proposes 94 dwellings comprising a rich mix of private, affordable, and self-build homes in keeping with the local character and wider development objectives. The scheme includes a range of two, three, four, and five-bedroom homes, providing a variety of housing options for different families and individuals. A mix of detached, semi-detached, terraced homes, and bungalows further contributes to a diverse and balanced residential offer.

The proposed 587sqm community centre presents an exciting opportunity to establish a focal node of public space within Hertford Heath. Positioned in the south-eastern section of the site, it creates a strong physical and social link between the existing village and the new development. Its location also reinforces connections with key local landmarks, including the village hall and the Silver Fox pub, helping to generate activity and cohesion—particularly if a retail space is introduced in the future.

The development further enhances both new and existing residents’ access to a diverse range of green spaces, improving local amenity provision and encouraging greater engagement with the outdoors. These spaces include areas of heathland, mixed shrub planting, and both modified and neutral grassland, alongside a SuDS pond. Together, they form a varied landscape of semi-wild environments that support interaction with nature.

Importantly, the design strategy incorporates not only formal parkland but also more naturalistic, wilder grassland areas. This approach strengthens the site’s ecological value, providing habitats that contribute to biodiversity net gain and support local wildlife. Through this integration of green infrastructure, the development enhances both the environmental quality and the overall experience of the area.

Project Team
Planning Consultant. HGH Consultants
Drainage Consultant. Markides Associates
Ecology Consultant. Tyler Grange
Transport Consultant. Motion