The Watling Chase Community Forest is one of 12 Community Forests

around England. It covers an area of approximately 18,840 hectares (72

square miles) of land in Hertfordshire and the northern fringe of London,

which includes several sizeable settlements but is predominantly rural.

The majority of the Forest is within the area covered by Hertsmere

Borough Council, with other parts within the areas of St Albans City and

District,Welwyn Hatfield District,Watford Borough and Three Rivers

District Councils and the London Boroughs of Barnet and Harrow.

Implementing the aims of the Watling Chase Community Forest will

increase the quality of the environment and the desirability of being

located in the area.

Watling Chase Community ForestIn

trod

uctio

n

Bushey

Radlett

Edgware

Stanmore

Borehamwood

St Albans

Potters Bar

Hatfield

Barnet

Watford

1.1 The aim of this Guide is to highlight theimportance of the Watling Chase CommunityForest and to explain how developmentproposals within it can help achieve its objectives.

1.2 This Guide acts as Supplementary PlanningGuidance (SPG), which is to be taken intoaccount as a material consideration in thedetermination of planning applications. TheSecretary of State will give substantial weight toSPG in making decisions where the SPG derivesout of, and is consistent with, any relevantnational or regional guidance and thedevelopment plan, and has been prepared in aproper manner. This guidance supplementspolicies of the Hertsmere Local Plan 2003 whichare set out in Appendix 3.

1.3 Central Government advice in Planning PolicyGuidance Note 12 (PPG12) advises thatSupplementary Planning Guidance should bereviewed on a regular basis alongside reviews ofdevelopment plan policies to which it relates.SPG does not form part of a Local Plan but it maysupplement specific policies in a Plan. SPG shouldbe issued separately from the Plan, made publiclyavailable and its status made clear.

1.4 Sections 1 to 5 of this SPG provide backgroundinformation relating to the Forest and this SPG,whilst section 6 onwards focuses on howdevelopment proposals can contribute towardsthe Forest.

2.1 The Watling Chase Community Forest is one of12 Community Forests around England. It coversan area of approximately 18,840 hectares (72square miles) of land in Hertfordshire and thenorthern fringe of London,which includes severalsizeable settlements but is predominantly rural.The majority of the Forest is within the areacovered by Hertsmere Borough Council, withother parts within the areas of St Albans City andDistrict, Welwyn Hatfield District, WatfordBorough and Three Rivers District Councils andthe London Boroughs of Barnet and Harrow.

2.2 Community Forests are not continuous areasof closely grown trees but are instead intendedto be ‘a rich mosaic of landscape, within whichland uses include farmland, woodland, villages,

leisure enterprises, nature areas and publicopen space.’ (Watling Chase CommunityForest Plan Review 2001, p5). Theirestablishment, development and maintenanceshould increase environmental quality and thedesirability to be located in the area. The mapin Appendix 1 shows the extent of the WatlingChase Community Forest and the boundariesof the local authorities in the area. The map inAppendix 2 shows the location of some of themain non-motorised access routes through theForest, namely the Timberland Trail, Alban Way,London LOOP, Hertfordshire Way, LondonOrbital Bridleroute (H25) and Great NorthCycle Route.

Watling Chase Community Forest - A Guide forLandowners, Developers and Users

Wat

ling

Cha

se C

om

mun

ity

Fore

stSu

pple

men

tary

Pla

nnin

g G

uida

nce

Introduction

Watling Chase Community Forest

3.1 Development proposals must be assessed inrelation to National and Regional PlanningGuidance and County and District Councillevel planning policies. National Planning PolicyGuidance and Regional Planning Guidance inrelation to the Watling Chase CommunityForest are outlined below. County and DistrictCouncil level planning policies are set out inAppendix 3.

National Planning Policy Guidance

3.2 Several Planning Policy Guidance Notes (PPGs)contain specific references to the CommunityForests. These are:

■ PPG2: Green Belts

■ PPG7: The Countryside: EnvironmentalQuality and Economic and SocialDevelopment

■ PPG12: Development Plans

■ PPG17: Planning for Open Space, Sportand Recreation.

3.3 The most extensive reference to CommunityForests is contained within PPG7, Annex D.This guidance explains that each CommunityForest is to have a non-statutory CommunityForest Plan which describes how the ForestTeam and its partners propose to create theForest. It advises that ‘[a]lthough an approvedCommunity Forest Plan might be a materialconsideration in deciding a planning applicationwithin a Forest, policies and proposals that arelikely to provide the basis for deciding suchapplications or determining conditions to beattached to relevant planning permissionsshould be set out in the development plan,which is subject to statutory procedures.’

3.4 National Planning Policy Guidance (in PPG7)relating to Community Forests explains thatdevelopment plans should facilitate theestablishment of the Community Forests andensure that development proposals withinthem respect the woodland setting. It statesthat Community Forests offer valuableopportunities for improving the environmentaround towns by upgrading the landscape andproviding for recreation and wildlife. It shouldbe noted that much of the Watling ChaseCommunity Forest is within the Green Beltand, as such, normal Green Belt policies apply.

3.5 Planning Policy Guidance Note 9 (PPG9):NatureConservation sets out the Government'sobjectives for nature conservation and howthese are to be reflected in land use planning.The UK Biodiversity Action Plans are alsoimportant documents covering a range ofwildlife and habitat issues.

Regional Planning Guidance

3.6 RPG9: Regional Planning Guidance for the SouthEast covers the majority of the area within theWatling Chase Community Forest. Policy E5 ofRPG9 states that development plans should,‘promote the retention, protection andextension of woodland and forest habitats,particularly ancient and semi-natural woodlandsand also Community Forests’. However,boundaries for RPG were adjusted in 2000. Thenew RPG which is currently being prepared forthe East of England includes Hertfordshire andfive other counties. RPG14 for the East ofEngland will cover the period to at least 2021and it is anticipated that this will be issued by theGovernment in late 2004 or 2005.

3.7 Small sections of the Forest fall within theLondon Boroughs of Barnet and Harrow whichare covered by RPG3: Strategic Guidance forLondon Planning Authorities. RPG3 outlines thepurpose of the Community Forest programmeand states that the London Boroughs should,‘draw up policies which facilitate theestablishment of the Thames Chase and WatlingChase Community Forests and includeproposals for associated recreational facilities’.

Wat

ling

Cha

se C

om

mun

ity

Fore

stSu

pple

men

tary

Pla

nnin

g G

uida

nce Planning Policies and Guidance

Watling Chase Community Forest Plan

4.1 The first Watling Chase Community Forest Planwas adopted in 1995, and a review wasproduced in 2001,which serves as a supplementto the 1995 Plan. These Plans aim to provide the‘blueprint’ for the creation of the Forest as awell-wooded landscape for work, wildlife,education and recreation. They set out policiesand strategies needed to achieve theCommunity Forest. The Plans identify landscapezones of different characters in which differenttypes of strategy will be appropriate. They alsoset targets and outline how their vision can beimplemented, by identifying funding sources andthose who can get involved in a variety of ways.

4.2 The main objectives of the Community Forestinclude:

■ creating a visually exciting and functionallydiverse environment

■ regenerating the environment of the GreenBelt and similar areas

■ protecting sites of nature conservation valueand creating new opportunities for natureconservation

■ protecting areas of high quality landscape

■ increasing opportunities for sport andrecreation and improving access to thecountryside

■ providing new opportunities for theeducational use of the area

■ protecting the best agricultural land andincreasing opportunities for farmdiversification

■ establishing a supply of timber and otherwoodland products

■ increasing community commitment to theCommunity Forest concept andinvolvement in its implementation

■ encouraging the private sector toimplement the Forest’s aims and invest inthe area

■ creating jobs in the woodland and leisureindustries

4.3 The Forest Plan is a non-statutory documentand as such, none of its policies, strategies orproposals override statutory developmentplans. However, when it is backed up bystatutory planning policies such as local planpolicies, it can have a strong and positiveinfluence over the quality and use of thelandscape. The document aims to encouragesustainable development, in line with county,regional and national guidance on sustainability.

Watling Chase Greenways Strategy

4.4 The Watling Chase Greenways Strategy issupported by a community partnership whosevision is to develop an accessible network fornon-motorised journeys in the town andcountryside. The partnership consists ofrepresentatives from Countryside ManagementService, Hertsmere Borough Council,Hertfordshire County Council and variouslocal user groups and organisations. The focusis on providing a network for walkers, cyclistsand horse riders of all abilities to encouragesustainable commuting to school and work andto provide opportunities for leisure.

4.5 The Strategy covers the Community Forest(although the focus has predominantly beenwithin Hertsmere) and was chosen in 1998 tobe a Countryside Agency national pilot forGreenways partly because of this. It was feltthat Watling Chase Greenways could help theCommunity Forest achieve its potential(particularly in terms of sustainable access) andvice versa. Contact details for Watling ChaseGreenways are given in the ‘Other KeyContacts’ section.

Welwyn Hatfield Cycleway Strategy

4.6 Welwyn Hatfield Council published thisstrategy in 1998. The aim of the strategy is tocreate a comprehensive network of cycleroutes and facilities in the district. This willinvolve extending the existing network,improving linkages to and from key areas andimproving facilities for cyclists throughout thenetwork.

Wat

ling

Cha

se C

om

mun

ity

Fore

stSu

pple

men

tary

Pla

nnin

g G

uida

nce Other Relevant Policies and Strategies

6.1 Development proposals must comply withrelevant planning policies,and guidance, if they areto be acceptable within the Community Forest.Proposals within or close to the CommunityForest which are considered acceptable cancontribute to its vision and aims and preventharm to the Forest in a wide variety of ways. Inconsidering development proposals, the followingsteps should be taken:

■ the appropriate level of provision of openspace, sports and recreational facilities and soon necessary to meet planning policyrequirements should be established (theCouncil’s SPG on recreation provision forresidential development provides furtherguidance).

■ measures to ensure that a developmentproposal has overall a beneficial impact on theForest, for example by compensating for anyloss of amenity caused, should be built intothe development scheme.

■ other benefits to the Forest which could beachieved, for example improving public accessor public enjoyment of the Forest, and whichare relevant to the development proposal,should be considered.

■ an assessment should be made as to whetheron-site or off-site provision of open space,planting etc. would be better, depending onthe nature and scale of the development andthe location and proximity of sites availablefor off-site provision.

■ provision for the long term management ofopen space, planting etc. should be planned.

■ these requirements should either be builtinto the proposed development scheme,attached to a planning consent as conditionsor included within a legal agreement asplanning obligations.

Planning Conditions and PlanningObligations

6.2 When planning permission is granted, it is usuallysubject to conditions and sometimes to aplanning obligation.These must be relevant to theproposed development and the way in which itrelates to the Community Forest. Benefitscannot be offered as a way of obtainingplanning permission for unacceptabledevelopment which is contrary to planningpolicies. Government Circular 1/97 ‘PlanningObligations’ provides further information.

5.1 There are a wide variety of benefits for thoseliving, working and running businesses in theCommunity Forest, some of which are outlinedbelow:

■ an appealing environment with good,accessible tourist, sports and recreationalfacilities benefits local residents, attractsvisitors to the area and helps support thelocal economy.

■ a network of routes for non-motorised userscan provide opportunities for sustainablecommuting and for leisure.

■ a pleasant environmental setting for businesscan assist in recruiting and retaining staff, givea positive image to customers and helpattract inward investment to the area.

■ trees improve air quality in the locality andhelp offset the polluting effects ofdevelopment.

■ a high quality natural environment hasbenefits for individuals' health and wellbeing.

■ woodland can provide screening, act as awindbreak and reduce the costs of heatingbuildings.

■ environmental benefits incorporated into adevelopment scheme can improve the qualityof the scheme, help overcome potentialplanning objections and promote good publicrelations.

■ an attractive, wooded setting fordevelopment can increase the value of landand property. Woodland may be establishedon the parts of an already developed sitewhich are unsuitable for built development.

5.2 The range of benefits of the Forest have beenhighlighted above. It should be noted thatlandowners could contribute towards theestablishment and aims of the Forest regardlessof whether any development is planned for theirland. This might be achieved through schemesrun by the Forestry Commission, Defra orsimilar organisations (see section 11.1).Occupiers of land are advised to discuss theirplans with the landowner at an early stage.Watling Chase Community Forest objectivesmight be achieved in any of the ways listed insection 7.

Wat

ling

Cha

se C

om

mun

ity

Fore

stSu

pple

men

tary

Pla

nnin

g G

uida

nce

Development Proposals and the Community Forest

Benefits of the Watling Chase Community Forest

7.1 Contributions towards the Forest may relate toland either within the development site itself orin the local area, in both rural and urbansettings. Examples are given below:

7.2 Wildlife/habitat creation andmaintenance

a) creating new woodland or extending orforming links to existing woodland

b) helping to maintain and enhance existingwoodland areas and other wildlife habitats,including rivers and ponds

c) creating new wildlife habitats, includinghedgerows, grasslands and other priorityhabitats (as defined by the UK BiodiversityAction Plan)

d) making a commitment to protect andenhance a local nature conservation site, eg.through a long term managementagreement

7.3 Improving access

a) providing and improving access routes fromthe development site to woodland, openspace, the countryside and housing areas,whilst minimising any likely impact onwildlife of increased visitor numbers

b) providing and improving access routes thatallow shared use by different non-motorisedusers including users who have a disability

c) linking up new and existing footpaths,cyclepaths and bridleways with the existingnetwork in the area and with other forms oftransport, such as buses and trains

d) providing and improving facilities around thenetwork such as cycle storage, signage,crossings etc.

7.4 Promoting the use and enjoyment ofthe Forest

a) providing information boards and on-siteinterpretation aids to enhance a localnature facility and promote understandingof the wildlife resource

b) improving signage to and within a localnature facility

c) providing appropriate outdoor recreationand sports facilities and informal open spaceor enhancing existing facilities

d) increasing public awareness of the Forest, itsaims and importance, especially amongstthose who at present do not actively usethe Forest

e) fostering a greater sense of community andimproving community links

7.5 Ensuring that development has anacceptable impact

a) ensuring an acceptable visual impact of aproposal through the appropriate plantingand retention of trees and woodland

b) protecting existing trees, habitats andspecies from the construction process

c) undertaking to plant and manage anappropriate number of trees within theForest to help mitigate against the pollutingeffects of new development

d) providing informal open space within thedevelopment site, or making a contributiontowards off-site provision

e) where there is a potential loss of amenity inan area, provision may be made tocompensate the loss by providing openspace, planting trees, improving accessarrangements etc.

7.6 It may not always be possible or appropriatefor development proposals on certain sites tocomply fully with standards set out in LocalPlan policies and Supplementary PlanningGuidance relating to open space provision,landscaping etc. Where the development isacceptable in all other regards, there may be anopportunity for a contribution to be made tothe Community Forest, which could be physicalor, in certain circumstances, financial. TheCouncil, in association with its CommunityForest partners, will seek to identify prioritiesfor action for different areas within the Forest.Financial contributions could be used, with theagreement of the local planning authority, tofund works close to the development site,which are relevant to the development and theCommunity Forest. Such works shoulddirectly contribute towards the aims of theForest in an appropriate timescale. Off-sitecontributions may allow the development toproceed and at the same time contribute tothe aims of the Forest. This approach isparticularly relevant to urban developmentsites, which are as much a part of theCommunity Forest as rural sites are.

Wat

ling

Cha

se C

om

mun

ity

Fore

stSu

pple

men

tary

Pla

nnin

g G

uida

nce Contributions by Development Proposals towards the Forest

Wat

ling

Cha

se C

om

mun

ity

Fore

stSu

pple

men

tary

Pla

nnin

g G

uida

nce

8.1 All of the rural areas within the CommunityForest are designated as Green Belt andproposals within these areas must comply withnational Green Belt policy as set out inPlanning Policy Guidance Note 2 (PPG2):'Green Belts'. Certain types of developmentwhich are in accordance with the aims of theCommunity Forests can also play a role indelivering the objectives of Green Belt land.Development proposals which may beacceptable in rural areas, subject to other localplan policies and their impact on the Green

Belt, include:

■ commercial forestry

■ farm diversification

■ re-use of existing rural buildings

■ outdoor sport, recreation and leisurefacilities

■ education centres/learning facilities relatedto the Forest

■ public access/Greenways proposals

■ mineral extraction

9.1 The Forest Plan approved in 1995 proposesForest Gateway sites which are intended toprovide principal points of entry to thenetwork of paths and routes through theForest and to be a focus for informationprovision, and appropriate activities and visitorattractions close to the urban fringe. These areshown on the maps in Appendices 1 and 2.

9.2 It is important that these sites maintain theirrural character and that any developmentcontributes to, or enhances, the landscape andrural or woodland character of the area.However, there may be opportunity to take

pressure off other parts of the countryside byconcentrating facilities at these sites whereaccess is good and there are suitable areas fortemporary structures and for events to takeplace without having an unacceptable impacton the appearance of the countryside. Inconsidering development proposals for thesesites, it may be appropriate to requiremeasures to be taken to improve theiraccessibility by passenger transport.

9.3 Further information on Gateway sites iscontained within Appendix 3.

Design

10.1 Well planned woodland and other habitats canhelp to enhance or restore the character andidentity of an area, which can make it moreattractive for the community and businessesalike. If good planning and design are used topromote access to the Forest, includingthrough the provision of Gateway sites, thiswill encourage people to use and care for theForest and will help raise awareness of it withinthe community. Developers and their designteams should explore how their developmentmight contribute to achieving the Forestobjectives, and they are encouraged toapproach the planning authority concerned todiscuss proposals at an early stage. Examplesof good design and practice might include:

■ planting native, locally present species oftrees and other vegetation in the vicinity ofancient semi-natural woodland andimportant broadleaved settings

■ ensuring a diversity of species and ageswithin woodlands

■ creating a balance of woodland and openspace, including wildlife-rich grassland

■ ensuring that new woodland habitat is notcreated at the expense of existing habitatthat is valuable to wildlife such as coarsegrassland, tall herb and scrub

■ ensuring the scale of woodland reflects thescale of the landscape

■ maintaining, framing or enhancing views toand from significant viewpoints

■ not planting trees where archaeologicalheritage will be compromised

■ ensuring any newly planted trees or newlycreated habitats become established byplanning and implementing a maintenanceprogramme

Development Opportunities in Rural Areas

Gateway Sites

Good Practice

■ discouraging development whichdiminishes the quality of the Forestenvironment such as the fragmentation ofrural landscapes by fencing and othermeasures

■ taking into account landscape characterassessments

■ incorporating 'planning out crime' featureswhich will help increase community safetyand reduce and prevent crime and disorder,for example in the creation of new routes

Community links

10.2 One of the aims of the Watling ChaseCommunity Forest is to promote linksbetween the urban, rural, farming and businesscommunities. Establishing community links canincrease community support for newdevelopment and improve relationshipsbetween different communities. Involving thecommunity in planning for and implementingnew planting, woodland management andgreenspace can also help raise awareness ofthe Forest and may help prevent futureproblems such as neglect and vandalism.

11.1 The Community Forest is based on apartnership between the private, public andvoluntary sectors and the local community, andis financed from a number of sources. TheCountryside Management Service can provideadvice regarding funding opportunitiesavailable. The main source of public funding isthe Forestry Commission’s Woodland GrantScheme which can help with the costs ofestablishing new woodlands and improving themanagement of existing woodlands. Fundingmay also be available from the Department of

the Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs(Defra) through agri-environment schemes.Contact details are included at the end of thisguidance.

11.2 Many benefits to the Forest will be achievedthrough planning conditions and planningobligations associated with planningpermissions, which will be funded bydevelopers. Paragraph 6.2 discusses this infurther detail.

12.1 Set out below are recent examples of goodpractice within the Community Forest, most ofwhich are also located within the Green Belt.It should be noted that although contributionstowards the Community Forest formed a keypart of these schemes, in most casesdevelopers otherwise demonstrated 'veryspecial circumstances' for development in theGreen Belt. Once the principle ofdevelopment had been determined to beappropriate or acceptable in light of the veryspecial circumstances demonstrated, the localplanning authority sought to secure aproportionate contribution towards Forestobjectives.

12.2 International University,The Avenue,Bushey (Hertsmere Borough)

Planning permission was granted in 2001 for amajor development involving the provision of307 new residential units, offices andassociated works on a 26 hectare site.Extensive new landscaping and tree plantingwithin the site was incorporated into thescheme. In addition, a new public open spaceis to be provided on land adjacent to the main

site with three public access points. Thetransfer of the land and payment by thedeveloper of a one-off sum for itsmaintenance, are to be secured by a legalagreement, and a trust will be formed toimplement and manage the open spaces.

12.3 Crossoaks Farm,Well End, Herts(Hertsmere Borough)

Planning permission was granted in 2002 for anew grain and general storage barn at theabove site within the Green Belt and aLandscape Conservation Area. A condition ofthe planning consent required the submissionand approval of a scheme of enhancement andmanagement of woodlands and wildlife at thefarm, including new tree planting, landscapingand screening in the vicinity of the newbuilding. The Countryside ManagementService (CMS) worked with the applicants inpreparing a suitable scheme involving theplanting of new trees, shrubs and mixed nativehedging, designed to provide an appropriatelandscaped context and effective screening forthe new development.

Wat

ling

Cha

se C

om

mun

ity

Fore

stSu

pple

men

tary

Pla

nnin

g G

uida

nce

Funding Opportunities

Recent Examples of Good Practice

12.4 Arsenal Football Club Training Ground,Bell Lane, London Colney (HertsmereBorough)

Planning permission was granted in 1998 for atraining ground for the Football Clubincorporating training pitches, a new building,car parking, an access road and extensivelandscaping. A section 106 legal agreement wasput in place and a financial contribution of£40,000 was secured to improve rights of wayin the area around the training ground. Thisincluded improving sections of the TimberlandTrail, a 17 km route through the CommunityForest which caters mainly for walkers butwith some multi-use sections, and whichopened in May 2002. In addition, a 3.5 kmstretch of the Hawkshead link was establishedwhich links the Great North Cycle Route tothe Timberland Trail near London Colney. Anew bridleway was also provided as a link inthe H25 London Orbital Bridleway Route.

12.5 Hatfield Aerodrome site, Hatfield(Welwyn Hatfield District and St AlbansCity and District)

The majority of this 322 hectare site ofredundant industrial land lies within WelwynHatfield District, but 56 hectares falls within StAlbans City and District. A masterplan wasadopted in 1999 for the development of thesite for mixed uses including employment,housing, education, leisure and social andcommunity uses. As part of the developmentof the site, it is intended to create areas ofwoodland, interspersed with grassland andwatercourses and to extend existinghedgerows and woodlands.

12.6 The Highfield Development, St Albans(St Albans City and District)

Outline planning permission was granted in1996 for the redevelopment of 2 formerhospital sites in the Green Belt for residential,retail, business and community uses. Over 700dwellings will be built on the site. Benefits tothe countryside of the scheme include thecreation of a 24 hectare park with substantialnew tree planting, the provision of new publicaccess, the creation of play areas and externalrecreation facilities, and provision for the longterm management of the park.

12.7 Cuckmans Farm, Ragged Hall Lane,Chiswell Green (St Albans City andDistrict)

In 2003, the Council granted planningpermission for the part demolition and partconversion of farm buildings and the erectionof three dwellings. The floorspace of theproposed dwellings was less than that of theexisting buildings. The Council concluded thatvery special circumstances existed thatjustified permitting this ‘inappropriatedevelopment’ in the Green Belt, because theapplication proposed a major contribution tothe Community Forest, covered by a Section106 Legal Agreement. This included planting a4 hectare woodland, planting a number oforchards in the surrounding area, re-establishing a pond and providing additionalpublic footpath routes.

12.8 Examples of Typical Contributions

Examples of typical contributions towards theCommunity Forest which could be expectedfor different types of development are set outin Appendix 4.

13.1 From an early stage, you should consider theimplications of your development proposalalongside the objectives of the CommunityForest. Follow the steps below:

■ Consider what positive contribution yourproposal could make towards theCommunity Forest (see section 7).

■ Think about whether your proposal couldharm any of the objectives of the Forestand, if so, what steps could be taken tomitigate against such harm.

■ Take into account the contents of this SPG.

■ Contact the local planning authority earlyon to discuss your proposals and seekadvice from other relevant contacts.

Wat

ling

Cha

se C

om

mun

ity

Fore

stSu

pple

men

tary

Pla

nnin

g G

uida

nce

What Should You Do Now?

■ Planning,Transport and Building Control Unit,Hertsmere Borough Council, Civic Offices,Elstree Way, Borehamwood, Herts,WD6 1WA.Tel: 020 8207 2277, Fax: 020 8207 7444. Or e-mail planning@hertsmere.gov.uk

■ Planning Department, London Borough of Barnet,Barnet House, 1255 High Road,Whetstone,London, N20 0EJ,Tel: 020 8359 4623, Fax: 0208359 4616.

■ Planning Department, London Borough ofHarrow, Department of Environmental Services,Civic Centre, Station Road, Harrow, HA1 2UY,Tel: 020 8424 1457, Fax: 020 8424 1551

■ Planning Department, St Albans City and DistrictCouncil, Civic Centre, St Peter’s Street, St Albans,Herts,AL1 3JE. Tel: 01727 866100.

■ Department of Planning and Leisure,Three RiversDistrict Council,Three Rivers House, Northway,Rickmansworth, Herts,WD3 1RL,Tel: 01923776611, Fax: 01923 896119,www.threerivers.gov.uk

■ Town Planning: Strategy,Watford Council,TownHall,Watford, Herts,WD17 3EX,Tel: 01923226400, Fax: 01923 278562, Email:strategy@watford.gov.uk

■ Planning Department,Welwyn Hatfield DistrictCouncil, Council Offices,The Campus,WelwynGarden City, Herts,AL8 6AE.Tel: 01707 357000.

■ Forward Planning Unit, Environment Department,Hertfordshire County Council, County Hall,Hertford, SG13 8DN. Tel: 01992 556297.(Structure Plan enquiries)

■ County Development Unit, EnvironmentDepartment, Hertfordshire County Council,County Hall, Hertford, SG13 8DN. Tel: 01992556229. (Minerals Local Plan enquiries)

■ County Development Unit, EnvironmentDepartment, Hertfordshire County Council,County Hall, Hertford, SG13 8DN. Tel: 01992556229. (Waste Local Plan enquiries)

■ Rights of Way Unit, Environment Department,Hertfordshire County Council, County Hall,Hertford, SG13 8DN. Tel: 01992 555262, Fax:01992 555251 (Rights of Way enquiries)

■ Architectural Liaison Service, County CommunitySafety and Partnership Unit, HertfordshireConstabulary,The Campus,Welwyn Garden City,Herts,AL8 6AF,Tel: 01707 638033.

■ Countryside Management Service, BarnetCountryside Centre, Byng Road, Barnet, Herts,EN5 4NP,Tel: 020 8447 5466, Fax: 020 8447 5465,email: south.cms@hertscc.gov.uk.

■ Watling Chase Greenways Officer, HertsmereBorough Council, Civic Offices, Elstree Way,Borehamwood, Herts,WD6 1WA.Tel: 020 8207 7566.

■ The Countryside Agency, East of England Region,City House, 2nd Floor, 126-128 Hills Road,Cambridge, CB2 1PT,Tel: 01223 354462.

Wat

ling

Cha

se C

om

mun

ity

Fore

stSu

pple

men

tary

Pla

nnin

g G

uida

nce Local Authority Contacts

Other Key Contacts

■ The Arboricultural Association,Ampfield House,Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 9PA,Tel: 01794368717, Fax: 01794 368978, www.trees.org.uk,email: admin@trees.org.uk. (Website provideslists of tree consultants and surgeons and otheruseful information).

■ Biodiversity Policy Unit, Zone 110B,Temple QuayHouse, 2 The Square,Temple Quay, Bristol, BS16EB,Tel: 0117 3728974, Fax: 0117 3728182,Email: ukbg@jncc.gov.uk

■ British Association of Landscape Industries(BALI), Landscape House, Stoneleigh Park,National Agricultural Centre,Warwickshire, CV82LG,Tel: 02476 690333, Fax: 02476 690077,www.bali.org.uk.

■ Defra Helpline, Department for Environment,Food and Rural Affairs, Ergon House, 17 SmithSquare, London, SW1P 3JR,Tel: 0845 9335577,Fax: 020 7238 3329.

■ English Nature, Essex, Hertfordshire and LondonTeam, Harbour House, Hythe Quay, Colchester,Essex, CO2 8JF,Tel: 01206 796666,Fax: 01206 794466,Email: essex.herts@english-nature.org.uk,www.english-nature.org.uk (Essex andHertfordshire)

■ English Nature, Essex, Hertfordshire and LondonTeam, Devon House, 12-15 Dartmouth Street,Queen Anne's Gate, St James's, London, SW1H9BL,Tel: 020 7340 4870, Fax: 020 7340 4880,Email: london@english-nature.org.uk,www.english-nature.org.uk (London)

■ Environment Agency,Apollo Court, 2 BishopsSquare Business Park, St Albans Road West,Hatfield, Herts,AL10 9EX,Tel: 01707 632300, Fax:01707 632498

■ The Forestry Commission, East of EnglandConservancy, Santon Downham, Brandon, Suffolk,IP27 0TJ,Tel: 01842 815544,www.forestry.gov.uk.

■ Greater London Authority, City Hall,The Queen'sWalk, London, SE1 2AA,Tel: 020 7983 4100,www.london.gov.uk

■ Mayor of London and London Assembly, CityHall,The Queen's Walk, London, SE1 2AA,Tel:020 7983 4000, Fax: 020 7983 4057,Email: mayor@london.gov.uk, www.london.gov.uk

■ Groundwork Hertfordshire, Mill Green, Hatfield,Herts,AL9 5PE,Tel: 01707 260129,Fax: 01707 270867.

■ Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, Grebe House,St Michaels Street, St Albans, Herts,AL3 4SN,Tel:01727 858901, Fax: 01727 854542.

■ Herts Biological Records Centre (HBRC), c/oEnvironment Department, Hertfordshire CountyCouncil, County Hall, Pegs Lane, Hertford, Herts,SG13 8DN,Tel: 01992 555220, Fax: 01992556152, Email: biorec.info@hertscc.gov.uk.

■ London Wildlife Trust, Harling House, 47-51Great Suffolk Street, London, SE1 0BS,Tel: 0207261 0447, Fax: 020 7261 0538,Email: enquiries@wildlondon.org.uk,www.wildlifetrusts.org

■ National Farmers’ Union, 164 ShaftesburyAvenue, London,WC2H 8HL,Tel: 020 7331 7200,Fax: 020 7331 7313.

Further information on funding available through theDepartment of the Environment, Farming and RuralAffairs (Defra) Countryside Stewardship Scheme and

the Forestry Commission’s Woodland Grant Schemeis available on the Defra website www.defra.gov.uk.Further contact details are shown above.

Wat

ling

Cha

se C

om

mun

ity

Fore

stSu

pple

men

tary

Pla

nnin

g G

uida

nce Additional Contacts

Further Funding Information

Note: On 12 June 2003 the Council’s RegulatoryCommittee resolved to adopt this guidancewith immediate effect.The Council’s Statementof Consultation and the Schedule of responsesto public consultation can be obtainedseparately from the Council.

Appendix 1: Map (To view the map, please click on the link)

Appendix 2: Map (To view the map, please click on the link)

Wat

ling

Cha

se C

om

mun

ity

Fore

stSu

pple

men

tary

Pla

nnin

g G

uida

nce

■ Department for the Environment,Transport andthe Regions. RPG3: Strategic Guidance forLondon Planning Authorities, 1996.

■ Department for the Environment,Transport andthe Regions. Planning for SustainableDevelopment:Towards Better Practice, 1998.

■ Department for the Environment,Transport andthe Regions. A Better Quality of Life:A Strategyfor Sustainable Development for the UnitedKingdom, 1999.

■ Department for Transport, Local Governmentand the Regions. Planning Policy Guidance Note2: PPG2 Green Belts, 1995.

■ Department for Transport, Local Governmentand the Regions. Planning Policy Guidance Note7: PPG 7 The Countryside: Environmental Qualityand Economic and Social Development, 2001.

■ Department of the Environment. Biodiversity:The UK Action Plan, HMSO, 1994

■ English Partnerships and the Urban VillagesForum. Making Places:A Guide to Good Practicein Undertaking Mixed Development Schemes,English Partnerships and the Urban VillagesForum, 1998.

■ Forest of Marston Vale. Invest in the success ofthe Forest of Marston Vale, Forest of MarstonVale, 2002. (www.marstonvale.org.uk)

■ The Forestry Authority. Lowland LandscapeDesign Guidelines, HMSO, 1992.

■ The Forestry Authority. Forests and WaterGuidelines, HMSO, 1993.

■ The Forestry Authority. Forests and NatureConservation Guidelines, HMSO, 1994.

■ The Forestry Authority. Forests and RecreationGuidelines, HMSO, 1994.

■ The Forestry Authority. Forests andArchaeology Guidelines, HMSO, 1995.

■ The Forestry Authority. Community WoodlandDesign Guidelines, HMSO, 1996.

■ The Forestry Commission, Department for theEnvironment,Transport and the Regions,Government Office for the Eastern Region,Countryside Commission, et al, England ForestryStrategy - A New Focus for England's Woodlands:Strategic Priorities and Programmes, 1998.

■ Hertfordshire County Council Rights of WayUnit. Good Practice Guide: OperationalProcedures and Standards for Rights of Way inHertfordshire, 2001.

■ Hertsmere Borough Council. SupplementaryPlanning Guidance: Recreational Provision ForResidential Development, 2001.

■ Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. RPG9:Regional Planning Guidance for the South East,2001.

■ Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. PlanningPolicy Guidance Note 9: PPG 9 NatureConservation, 2002.

■ Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. PlanningPolicy Guidance Note 17: PPG 17 Planning forOpen Space, Sport and Recreation, 2002.

■ The Watling Chase Team. Watling ChaseCommunity Forest – Forest Plan, 1995.

■ The Watling Chase Team. Watling ChaseCommunity Forest Plan Review, 2001.

■ The Watling Chase Team. Watling ChaseCommunity Forest Landscape Supplement, 2001.

Relevant Policy Documents and Guidance

Each Borough or District Council withinHertfordshire has a Local Plan which covers theirindividual area. The Hertfordshire Structure PlanReview 1991-2011, the Hertfordshire Minerals LocalPlan Review 2002-2016 and the Hertfordshire WasteLocal Plan 1995-2005 cover the whole ofHertfordshire. For each of the local Councils, thepolicies in their Local Plan and in the HertfordshireCounty Council Plans are used in the determinationof planning applications. In determining planningapplications within the London Boroughs, decisionswill be made in accordance with each Borough'sUnitary Development Plan and the draft London Planof the Mayor of London.

The policies from the Hertfordshire County CouncilPlans, the Local Plans and the Unitary DevelopmentPlans most relevant to the Watling Chase CommunityForest are set out below. Other policies within theseplans will also be relevant to particular proposals, andadvice can be sought from the local planningauthorities.

■ Hertfordshire County Council

Hertfordshire Structure Plan Review 1991-2011

Policy 5: Green Belt

“…Throughout the Green Belt priorities forthe use of land are to:

i) provide opportunities for access to theopen countryside for the urban population;

ii) provide opportunities for outdoor sport,and outdoor recreation near urban areas;

iii) retain attractive landscapes, and enhancelandscapes near to where people live;

iv) improve damaged and derelict land;

v) secure the nature conservation interest;

vi) retain land in agricultural, forestry andrelated uses; and

vii) support the objectives of Watling ChaseCommunity Forest

Development which is permitted in the Green Belt,and management of land and activities within it, shouldaim to contribute to these priorities.”

Policy 51:Watling Chase Community Forest

“The creation of Watling Chase CommunityForest will be supported in the south of theCounty, in the area shown on the Key Diagram,for the purposes of landscape improvement,recreation, nature conservation, forestry andfarming.

Relevant local plans should show the boundaryof Watling Chase on proposals maps, and takethe approved Forest Plan into account in theformulation of policies and proposals fordevelopment and the use of land in the Forestarea.”

Hertfordshire Structure Plan Alterations 2001-2016

The deposit draft of this document was published inFebruary 2003.

Policy 51:Watling Chase Community Forest

“The objectives of the Watling ChaseCommunity Forest (WCCF) will be supportedin the area indicated on the Key Diagram, forthe purposes of landscape improvement,recreation, nature conservation, forestry andfarming.

Relevant local plans should show the boundaryof WCCF on proposals maps, and take theapproved WCCF Forest Plan into account inthe formulation of policies and proposals fordevelopment and the use of land in the Forestarea”.

Wat

ling

Cha

se C

om

mun

ity

Fore

stSu

pple

men

tary

Pla

nnin

g G

uida

nce APPENDIX 3 Development Plan Policies

Hertfordshire Minerals Local Plan Review 2002-2016(First Deposit Draft, September 2002)

Minerals Policy 8 – Contribution to Bio-Diversity

“Proposals for mineral development should,where appropriate, provide opportunities tocontribute to the delivery of the UK, EasternRegion and local biodiversity action plantargets. Additionally, proposals that prejudicethe delivery of these targets or would result inthe loss of, or damage to habitats, and/orspecies will not be supported. Whereappropriate, the minerals planning authoritywill seek long-term overall enhancement tolocal biodiversity through restoration or byother means such as by the attachment ofconditions or planning obligations.”

Supplementary Planning Guidance for Mineral Extractionin Hertfordshire, First Deposit Draft, September 2002 alsocontains relevant guidance.

Hertfordshire Waste Local Plan 1995-2005

Various policies within this plan are relevant,particularly policies 33, 34 and 35. These policies aimto ensure that proposals for waste disposal, transfer,processing and recycling operations have anacceptable impact on significant landscape features,the landscape in general and nature conservationsites. The policies encourage landscaping, tree plantingand other measures to protect and enhance theimportant features of sites, where appropriate.

■ Hertsmere Borough Council

Hertsmere Local Plan 2003

Policy C7 – Watling Chase Community Forest

“The Watling Chase Community Forest Plan andany supplementary planning guidance to developits themes will be a material consideration in thedetermination of planning applications in theForest area when the principal aims of the ForestPlan will be taken into account. It will alsoprovide the framework for formulating andimplementing projects in partnership with otherorganisations such as the CountrysideManagement Service and GroundworkHertfordshire.”

Policy C8 – Watling Chase Community ForestGateway Sites

“At the sites noted on the Proposals Map asGateway sites the provision of facilities for thosearriving by passenger transport, cycle, horse and

on foot and appropriately surfaced and screenedcar parking will be permitted. Recreation /information facilities may be developed at anappropriate scale all in accordance with a sitebrief which has been agreed by the appropriateauthorities after public consultation.

Note: At South Mimms (Bignell’s Corner), no events areanticipated but this is included as a Gateway Site since itprovides information and interpretation of theCommunity Forest, allows use of the existing naturalarea at Wash Lane Common and is a rest andrefreshment facility for those using non-motorisedtransport on the adjacent off-road network.”

Four Gateway sites are identified on the Local PlanProposals Map:

1 Aldenham Country Park

2 The Willows (previously known asBowmansgreen Open Farm)

3 Shenley Park

4 Bignell’s Corner, South Mimms

■ Welwyn Hatfield District Council

Welwyn Hatfield District Plan Alterations No. 1 – adopted 2March 1998

Policy CR7 – Community Forest

“Within the boundary of the Community Forestdefined on the Proposals Map the establishmentof the Forest for purposes of landscapeconservation, recreation, wildlife conservationand timber production will be encouraged.”

Welwyn Hatfield District Plan Review – Revised DepositVersion – June 2002

Policy RA12 – Watling Chase Community Forest

“The Watling Chase Community Forest isdefined on the Proposals Map. Within theboundaries of the forest, the Council will seek toachieve the objectives of the Forest Plan in termsof planting, leisure and landscape improvement,where this accords with Green Belt policies. TheCouncil will treat the Forest Plan as a materialconsideration in determining planningapplications within its boundaries. Proposals forthe provision of improved access to the forestand appropriate outdoor leisure and small scalerecreational facilities will be permitted and will berequired to be accompanied by substantiallandscaping, including, where appropriate,woodland planting.”

Wat

ling

Cha

se C

om

mun

ity

Fore

stSu

pple

men

tary

Pla

nnin

g G

uida

nce

■ St Albans City and District Council

St Albans City and District Local Plan Review 1994

Policy 143A:Watling Chase Community Forest

“The District Council will support theestablishment of the Watling Chase CommunityForest in the general location indicated on Figure21A. Within the Community Forest, the Councilwill welcome detailed proposals for the purposesof landscape conservation, recreation, natureconservation and timber production. Proposalsshould be consistent with Green Belt policy(Policy 1) and the other policies in this Plan,particularly Policies 91, 96, 103 and 106.”

St Albans City and District Local Plan Second Review

The Council has published a preliminary documentcalled “What Issues Should Be Considered In TheReview?” which includes two issues relating to theCommunity Forest. The pre-deposit consultationdocument on the Second Review is due to be publishedin September 2003, followed by the Deposit Draft inSeptember 2004.

■ Watford Borough Council

Watford District Local Plan 1993

Policy SE4: Green Belt Character/Use

"The Council will seek to protect and enhancethe character and improve the use of landwithin the Green Belt by:-

c) encouraging the establishment of WatlingChase Community Forest as identified onthe Proposals Map whilst seekingadequate public access and natureconservation measures."

Watford District Plan 2000 Proposed Modifications

The Proposed Modifications to the Watford DistrictPlan 2000 were placed on deposit August toSeptember 2003, with the adoption of the Plan duelate 2003. As such, the content of this policy may beslightly amended prior to adoption.

Policy SE27:Watling Chase CommunityForest

"Within the defined area of the Watling ChaseCommunity Forest, as shown on the ProposalsMap, development proposals should contributeto the objectives of the Forest Plan."

■ Three Rivers District Council

Three Rivers Local Plan 1996-2011 (adopted 2002)

Paragraph 2.77:Watling Chase CommunityForest

"The Watling Chase Community Forestborders on the extreme south-east of theDistrict. Although the decision has been takennot to extend the Forest into this District, thisCouncil supports the concept and principles ofthe Community Forest, and will encourage thedevelopment of pedestrian and cyclist links tothe Forest."

■ London Borough of Barnet

Unitary Development Plan for the Borough of Barnet(adopted 1991)

No reference to Watling Chase Community Forest

Barnet Unitary Development Plan - Revised Deposit2001

A public enquiry for this plan is currently scheduledfor early 2004.

Policy O18

"The council will require that developmentproposals in the Watling Community ForestArea have regard to the objectives of theforest plan"

■ London Borough of Harrow

Harrow Unitary Development Plan (adopted 1994)

No reference to Watling Chase Community Forest

Harrow Unitary Development Plan - Revised DepositDraft 2002

A public enquiry took place in April 2003.The Councilexpect to adopt the Plan in early 2004.

Policy EP41A:Watling Chase CommunityForest

"The Council supports the aims of the WatlingChase Community Forest and will encourageproposals that secure its effectiveimplementation, provided they are consistentwith Green Belt objectives and Areas of SpecialCharacter."

Wat

ling

Cha

se C

om

mun

ity

Fore

stSu

pple

men

tary

Pla

nnin

g G

uida

nce

Set out below are hypothetical examples designed toindicate what type of contributions towards theCommunity Forest could be expected for differenttypes of development. It should be noted that eachdevelopment proposal will be assessed on its ownmerits. Sometimes, contributions towards the Forestcan be used directly to overcome related planningobjections to development proposals, to makeproposals acceptable in planning terms. Benefitscannot be offered as a way of obtaining planning

permission for development which is contrary toplanning policies, where planning objections cannot beovercome by contributions being made towards theForest.

Developers are advised to contact the local planningauthority at an early stage to discuss appropriatecontributions. The Countryside Management Servicemay be asked to advise on contributions for majorschemes.

Wat

ling

Cha

se C

om

mun

ity

Fore

stSu

pple

men

tary

Pla

nnin

g G

uida

nce APPENDIX 4 Contributions towards the Community Forest

Development Typical contribution whichcould be secured

Means of securingcontributions

Demolition of one house andreplacement with a larger houseinvolving loss of one mature treeand three small trees.

Planting of two semi-mature treesand six small trees within groundsof house, appropriate to the site.

Planning condition requiringsubmission, approval andimplementation of landscapingscheme.

Demolition of three redundantcommercial buildings anderection of eight detachedhouses.

Planting of row of ten appropriatetrees to screen developmentfrom adjacent highway. Formingpublic footpath throughdevelopment to form linkbetween public footpath to frontof site and park to rear of site.

Tree planting secured throughplanning condition. Public pathformation secured throughsection 106 agreement and/orhighway agreement.

Demolition of two pairs of semi-detached houses and erection oftwo blocks of twelve flats.

£40,000 to create new wildlifehabitat on local authority ownedopen space opposite siteincluding signage, interpretationboard and contribution towardslong-term management costs.

Section 106 agreement.

Major extension to hotel andrestaurant.

Establishment of 2 hectareextension to existing woodlandadjacent to site and £20,000contribution towards improvingpublic rights of way in the vicinityof the site.

Section 106 agreement.

TheCountrysideAgency