New Eco-Friendly Housing Development Proposed for Hemel Hempstead

A planning application has been submitted for a new 75-home neighbourhood in Hemel Hempstead’s Leverstock Green suburb. Spearheaded by cohousing developer TOWN and The Crown Estate, the project aims to set a new standard for low-carbon, community-focused housing, making homes more affordable through reduced living costs and flexible choices.

Key Takeaways

75 new homes proposed in Hemel Hempstead.
Focus on low-carbon, community-centric design.
Aims to improve housing affordability.
Involves extensive community co-design workshops.

Innovative Suburban Development

The proposed two-hectare development off Westwick Row is designed as a ‘showcase’ of suburban living. It will feature a mix of housing types and tenures, including novel rental options and co-housing. The homes will be arranged around shared gardens, play areas, green routes, and a central public square, fostering neighbourly interaction and a strong sense of community.

Community-Centric Design

A ‘common house’ will be central to the co-housing community, offering shared facilities such as a kitchen, dining room, living room, and guest bedrooms. Additionally, a small community hub will serve as a social space for residents and the wider neighbourhood, encouraging resource sharing and mutual support.

Collaborative Planning Process

Architectural firms Archio, Mole, and Periscope have designed the scheme, which has been shaped through over 30 hours of co-design workshops with local residents, renters, and future residents. This participatory approach has influenced the masterplan, street layouts, and shared building designs, ensuring the project aligns with community needs and the surrounding environment.

Environmental Commitment

The masterplan prioritises ambitious environmental targets to reduce energy consumption and lower residents’ bills. Landscape proposals include retaining and enhancing existing hedgerows, planting over 125 new trees, and creating communal gardens, play areas, and food-growing spaces. The development is part of The Crown Estate’s wider ‘housing transformation’ project, aiming to deliver 190 homes across three UK sites.