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Proposed 3G pitch at Watton-at-Stone
In 2016 Watton-at-Stone started to prepare a Neighbourhood Plan for the Village. A Neighbourhood Plan is a set of a community-led planning policies about development, regeneration and conservation in a specified area, which forms part of the formal planning policy for the area concerned.
In December 2023 the Neighbourhood Plan was formally adopted by East Herts District Council after a Referendum was held in October 2023 which resulted in 95.3% of voters (600+) in favour of the plan.
Our village was encouraged to consider whether it is appropriate to amend the Green belt boundary through the formulation of the Neighbourhood Plan to accommodate additional development especially where it contributes to wider sustainability objectives and the delivery of community benefits.
It was decided that the village would amend its boundary and allow additional houses to be built, a number of community benefits were listed in the plan report under WAS 26 Spending Priorities :
These include:
• Circular walk
• Wetland meadow
• Football pitches and facilities
• Out-of-hours school building
Work to date
In July 2023 the club prepared some initial plans and undertook a pre-application process with the planning department at East Herts District Council. This included some indicative layouts, surveys, transport assessment, planning and heritage statement, needs assessment and a archaeological report.
The principle of the 3G pitch and location were well received by the Council. Further studies and discussions with Woodhall Estates (the landowner), the FA and the Parish Council have continued and gained traction.
Please read the full set of proposals here and have your say here.
