A new housing development is being proposed just south-east of Hitchin, on land off the A602 Stevenage Road, by developer Bugler Homes. The site, called "Beck Close" in the Ashbrook area, would deliver up to 51 new homes, with 50% of them designated as affordable housing. 

What's being proposed

The development would cover a single field of around 4 hectares, located adjacent to Kingshott School playing fields and the Ash Brook watercourse, with the Stevenage Road to the south.  

Housing mix: a blend of 2-, 3- and 4-bed family houses. All homes will include gardens, parking spaces and will be "tenure-blind" (meaning affordable and market-homes designed to look similar).  

The scheme emphasises sustainability: solar panels on homes, EV charging points, high-quality insulation, plus a design approach based around "Circular Economy and Whole Life Cycle Carbon principles".  

Green infrastructure: retention of existing hedgerows, creation of wildflower meadows, ponds, habitat piles, bat and bird boxes, and a "biodiversity net gain of at least 10%".  

Transport and access: The plan proposes improved links for walking and cycling between Hitchin and Stevenage, access from the Stevenage Road via the existing entrance by Kingshott School, and improved flow for school-related traffic.  

Policy context: The land is currently within the Green Belt, but the developer argues it meets the criteria for release under the Government's "Grey Belt" policy because the site "makes only a limited contribution to Green Belt purposes" and "does not risk merging towns".  

Why the developer says this is needed

According to the consultation document, there is an "urgent need" for affordable housing in the area:

The Local Authority area currently has a housing land supply of 3.7 years, under the five-year target.  

Over 1,900 households are reported to be living in unsuitable accommodation and unable to afford a home of their own.  

The Council's evidence shows a need for around 354 new affordable homes per year — yet only 98 were delivered in 2022/23. 

Given this context, the developer highlights that providing 50% affordable homes (above the local policy target of 40%) would provide a "significant contribution to meeting local needs".  

Community feedback and next steps

Bugler Homes is currently in the pre-application consultation stage, inviting local residents and stakeholders to give feedback on the proposals ahead of a formal planning application. 

The consultation invites views on the overall scheme, the 50% affordable housing target, the walking/cycling connections and any other local issues people believe should be taken into account. 

With the site adjacent to a school and on the main Stevenage Road, traffic flow, school drop-off / pick-up, parking, and vehicle access will be key issues for local neighbours.