Why This Site?

The continual rise in the number of children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) in Hertfordshire, and the current housing crisis, has led to the creation of these proposals.

This site is within the Green Belt, but the proposed development offers unique benefits that make it an exceptional opportunity to meet local needs. These include creating a specialist school for children with additional needs, providing much-needed homes and enhancing local green spaces for everyone to enjoy.

The below Very Special Circumstances (VSCs) outline what makes this project essential and beneficial.

SEN Need
A new SEN school will address a clear need in the Borough by meeting existing and future demand for special education.

Increase School Capacity
The new SEN school will support and complement existing primary and secondary schools across the Borough in meeting the needs for children with SEN.

Boost Housing Supply
With the Council not able to demonstrate a 5-year housing supply, new housing will significantly help meet market housing demand and address the current local shortfall.

Affordable Housing
The development will include 50% affordable housing to tackle the acute affordability issues in the Borough. 

Therapeutic Environment
Evidence shows SEN schools thrive in rural, green environments that enhance students’ physical and emotional wellbeing compared to urban settings.

Integrated Development
Combining housing with the SEN school creates unique benefits, enabling families of SEN students to live close to the school, fostering convenience and community ties.

Supportive Community
Housing near the SEN school fosters a community where families facing similar challenges can support each other, enhancing social cohesion and wellbeing.

Sustainability
We are targeting net zero in operation for the proposed school, supporting sustainable development and tackling climate change.

Economic Benefits
The development will boost the local economy through job creation, council tax and business rate contributions, and increased local spending by residents and school users.