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Symondshyde
Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, in its Pre Submission Local Plan published in 2016, proposed the allocation of a large area of Green Belt land at Symondshyde for the development of circa 1130 dwellings.
Symondshyde is a lovely and quiet rural area along the western boundary of the district, far from any infrastructure, facilities or services, and only accessible via narrow country lanes. Ancient woodlands are present, and the various bridleways and public footpaths running through the area make it a popular recreation spot.
We campaigned against the Symondshyde allocation right from the outset. We made representations in 2016 and again throughout the subsequent iterations of the Local Plan. We advised the local campaign group ‘Save Symondshyde’. And we continued our advocacy to protect Symondshyde throughout the nearly six years during which the Local Plan was under examination by the Planning Inspectorate.
So we are pleased that, with the adoption in October 2023 of the new Welwyn Hatfield Local Plan, Symondshyde has not been allocated for development and remains in the Green Belt.
