FAQs

The site is surrounded on all sides by industrial sites, and is in a unique position, being in close proximity to London, the M1, Watford and the M25.

There is currently a significant undersupply of land for logistics use, the need for which has significantly increased since Brexit, COVID-19 pandemic and as a result of the growing issues around the global supply chain. Therefore, we are seeking to respond to this need, and pursue a use that will bring a greater economic benefit to the wider area.

Nolan Brothers Properties Ltd is preparing to submit an outline planning application. If approved, this will establish the principle for the development and that the land is suitable for this type of development and will be accompanied by a S106 agreement.

Once approved, a Reserved Matters application(s) will be submitted which will cover the finer details of the development including the design and access arrangements. Only once the reserved matters application(s) has been approved will construction begin.

We have undertaken extensive research into the wider logistics market and have confirmed a significant demand in Hertsmere, Hertfordshire and in nearby London and the South East. This demand is confirmed by the Council’s own economic study work.

Alongside the growing logistics market, boosted by the increased demand stemming from London and new expectations of speedy deliveries, there has also been demand for sites such as these for storage from film studios, with a number of these operating in Hertsmere and Watford.

A range of sustainability measures will be brought forward as part of the development. In doing so, the development will look to meet the BREEAM Excellent standard which will ensure that the scheme has a limited impact on the wider environment.

In addition to electric vehicle charging points throughout the site, other sustainable measures that will be delivered include:

• Sustainable and responsibly sourced building materials.
• All-electric water and space heating systems, such as heat pumps.
• A variety of shading methods to assist with cooling.
• Passive opening methods for ventilation.
• Provision of cycle facilities.
• Solar Panels.

We are also exploring a number of other technologies for incorporation at the Reserved Matters stage.

An additional bus route along the A41 will be introduced, to be known as the new 316 bus. This new route will support Hertfordshire County Council’s and Hertsmere Borough Council’s shift towards promoting public transport as a more sustainable and environmentally friendly form of transport and will benefit the wider Hertsmere area. The new route will operate daily, every 30 minutes during peak times, and will connect Elstree & Borehamwood Station to Watford Junction along the A41 strategic employment corridor.

The new bus route will also provide connections to:

• Centennial Park.
• The Lismerine Commercial Park.
• The Laboratory on Dagger Lane.
• Animal Welfare Trust on the A41.
• The former Mercure Hotel Site.
• Otterspool Way commercial / retail area.

There will be one main vehicular access point from the A41, which will be a signalized junction into the site. From here, a main internal through road will be created connecting the development. These proposals have been discussed with Hertfordshire Highways to ensure they meet the appropriate guidance.

Parking will provided in conjunction with the emerging standards of Hertsmere Borough. It is likely that there will be one space for every 94sqm of floor area which is generally standard for warehouse style development but this may vary depending on the final content and following discussions with the relevant authorities. There will be enough parking to ensure that there would not be any overspill from the site.

The details of the final scheme will be progressed under Reserved Matters, in accordance with the Outline permission.

However, the Outline planning application will seek approval for Development Parameters, which will determine a number of restrictions to any eventual development on the site including height.

The development will be screened from the north and the south of the site through the retention of the existing green landscaping. The existing green buffer will be enhanced as part of the plans to increase the screening of the site from the M1 motorway and A41. The increase in planting will also boost biodiversity and the ecology on the site, supporting the natural environment. The development will deliver above and beyond the national requirements for biodiversity – achieving at least 30% net gain.