Places for People gets the nod for 8,500 East Herts homes

Plans for six new villages set to deliver 8,500 new homes in East Hertfordshire have been given the go ahead. Places for People has secured resolution to grant planning permission for its proposals for the £3.5bn Gilston Park Estate in the largest planning application ever presented to East Herts District Council. The six new villages, located to the north of Harlow on the Hertfordshire and Essex border, will offer a sustainable and connected community, set in more than 2,400 acres. Plans for infrastructure and amenities include two secondary schools and up to six primary schools, healthcare facilities, a leisure centre and sport facilities, a new community centre, 314,000 sq ft of commercial space and 270,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space. Almost 2,000 affordable homes will be provided as part of the plans. The site forms part of the wider Harlow and Gilston Garden Town project, which has been earmarked by the government for the delivery of 23,000 new homes. Gilston Park Estate will encompass large areas of green open space, including two country parks, community gardens, and the protection and enhancement of habitats to promote biodiversity. See more planning information in East Herts>> To send feedback, e-mail samantha.mcclary@eg.co.uk or tweet @samanthamcclary or @EGPropertyNews