The site falls within the Elstree Way Corridor (EWC), which was identified within the 2013 Core Strategy (Policy CS23) and the subsequent EWC Area Action Plan (EWC AAP). Core Strategy Policy CS23 sought to support the continued development and refurbishment of Employment,

Civic and Community uses as well as residential development on appropriate sites. Within the EWC AAP, an Opportunity Area was identified to deliver up to 800 residential units. This Opportunity Area covers land fronting Elstree Way, and land immediately to the rear of this

frontage to the north and south. The Council’s preference was for the sites to be brought forward together, and whilst some have, this is not realistic for the entire area, due to the different land

holding interests. This has however not prevented significant residential development being bought forward, with the 2024 draft LP reporting that 895 homes have been delivered within the EWC so far, with potential for a further 685 homes still to be delivered within this area, the Former

Police Station being one of these such sites. The site is the subject of an extant planning permission, securing outline consent for 96 flats

(application ref: 20/0057/OUT). These proposals include one seven storey and one eight storey building, with 35% affordable homes, 23 car parking spaces, and 122 bicycle parking spaces. All matters are reserved. Adopted policy supports the redevelopment of the site for residential at a significantly greater density than the current land use. Whilst the proposals exceeded guidelines set within the EWC AAP in terms of building height and density, and reduced car parking justified

by the sustainable location, it was concluded by the Officer in the Committee Report that the provision of new homes, including 35% affordable, in a sustainable town centre location on a

brownfield site, using sustainable technologies and encouraging model shift were all positive planning considerations that weighed in favour of the proposals, in line with the NPPF sustainable development objectives, and conserving valuable Green Belt. The application was granted in

October 2023 following the signing of the S106 agreement