The initial Wheat Quarter consultation is Thursday 17 October 2024
Give them your views 3pm to 7.30pm

Location: On the site under the silos/ The Wheat Quarter Site Office, Hyde Way, Welwyn Garden City AL7 3AE

Details and updates here: https://wheatquarter-consultation.co.uk

The following are some points for residents to consider when reviewing the consultation proposals:

• building heights/ property numbers compared with the previous 2018 planning consent.
• changes to the proposed massing of the buildings.
• proposed changes to the Listed Structures/ loss of any heritage features v benefits.
• amount and quality of public green space.
• proposed community infrastructure proposals e.g. schools, GP surgeries (one was proposed in the previous proposal), highways etc.
• format of pedestrian bridge access across railway and disabled lift – when will this be delivered?
• proposed use for the Listed Silos.
• leisure proposals – pubs/ restaurants etc.
• the proposed inclusion of a hotel – target market.
• community-use areas within the development – e.g. in the hotel (understood to be none).
• any high-level public access to view the Garden City.
• car parking provision/ impact on existing highways.
• sizing of properties – ratio of bedroom sizes.
• target property purchaser – local people? institutional investors?
• development phasing – will Hyde Way be kept open during construction for public access?
• proposed timetable to obtain planning permission.
• potential timetable after planning permission granted.
• how residents can help to get an acceptable scheme built.
• the first physical commitment to delivery e.g. completing the pedestrian bridge/ access.

Note:

1. The Social and Affordable Housing provision is not on this site, it is on the South Site owned by Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing (MTVH).
2. The reduction in building heights has been influenced by the Building Safety Act of 2022. This was brought in after the Grenfell Tower tragedy. It means that most residential buildings over 5 stories need TWO fire escapes. This has made high-rise blocks less viable.