Access arrangements related to an application for 150 homes off London Road in Woolmer Green have been approved by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council's Development Management Committee. 

An outline planning application - which deals with specifics to major developments such as access or appearance - was submitted by Gladman Developments Ltd in January.

The plans were brought to the committee after they were called in by Councillor Julie Cragg back in February, due to her concerns regarding the impact of the proposed development on highways safety and flooding. 

Developers seek permission to create a vehicular access road to the new development off London Road, with emergency access to New Road. 

While Hertfordshire Highways had no objections to the plans, Woolmer Green Parish Council opposed the proposals due to road safety concerns.

In its consultation response, the council said: "Woolmer Green residents overwhelmingly objected to the proposal in 2021 as they were hoping the Green Belt could be saved as was the parish council.

"The parish council is strongly opposed to any vehicle access from New Road. The scheme shows emergency access at the current field entrance which is not required and would lead to increased traffic. New Road severely floods at this point, as any paved area would increase the problem."

Gladman planning manager Sian Wilding said at the meeting, on June 27: "We have worked closely with officers to ensure that our proposals will result in the delivery of a suitable and sustainable development in Woolmer Green.

"There are no objections from statutory consultees. We are aware of some local concern regarding flood risk, however the lead local flood authority has thoroughly assessed our drainage strategy and offers no objection."

Developers plan to include a pedestrian crossing over London Road, bus stop improvements and a £1m contribution to Hertfordshire County Council's sustainable travel corridor scheme on London Road, as well as new public open space within the housing development itself. 

The land was earmarked for development in the council's Local Plan. Approval would see up to 150 homes, with the provision of 35 per cent affordable housing, public open space, landscaping, sustainable drainage system and vehicular access point".

The committee made up of 12 councillors voted unanimously in favour of approving the plans.