PLANNING COMMENT FOR APPLICATION REF:  5/2025/1875

80 Eagle Way

80 Eagle Way, St Albans, AL4 0LN

Support the Proposal

I am a resident of Eagle Way at Oaklands Grange. Whilst I fully support the development, I have some concerns and hope that consideration is given to the following. 
As part of our development, a pedestrian footpath linking Oaklands Grange and Oakwood Drive was agreed as a planning requirement; however, this infrastructure has not been delivered. The absence of this footpath undermines the objectives of the original permission, particularly in relation to sustainable transport, highway safety and active travel for the local area. The lack of a direct pedestrian route discourages walking to local schools and amenities, increases reliance on private vehicles, and results in additional traffic on surrounding roads. The provision of this footpath would promote walking, reduce vehicle movements at peak times, and provide a safer and more direct route for children and families travelling to Oakwood and Beaumont schools. This isn't just important for us as a community, it also  has a direct impact on those who will be living at Oaklands Blossom. 
Failure to deliver agreed planning obligations risks undermining public confidence in the planning process and the Council’s ability to secure and enforce commitments made as part of development approvals. The footpath should therefore be delivered as originally agreed, and if this particular application is approved, I request a condition and/or Section 106 obligation that secures delivery and full funding of the Oakwood Drive connection, including whether this is secured through planning obligation and/or condition, the trigger points, funding amounts, and a delivery timetable. 
I would also like to request that the planning application include an increased planting and wildlife buffer between our properties on Eagle Way and the proposed development. A wider, well-designed buffer with native trees, shrubs, and ground cover would help protect existing habitats, support local biodiversity, and maintain ecological connectivity in the area. This buffer would also mitigate the impact of the development on wildlife by providing shelter, foraging opportunities, and movement corridors, while helping to preserve the rural character and environmental quality of the site for both wildlife and residents. It is critical that this is implemented – at present, the quality and density of planting in front of our home and what will be adjacent to the new development are poor, with the few planted trees having already died. This makes an enhanced buffer particularly important.
Finally, it is noted that the entire area covered by the proposed development is covered by an area Tree Preservation Order (TPO). We seek a commitment that no substantial trees are removed from the western belt adjacent to the existing Oaklands Grange housing without preliminary local consultation. The density of this belt should be substantially enhanced. Trees were removed and not replaced in the Oaklands Grange phase of the construction with gaps left in the central area that was formerly wooded.