Feedback Invited on Marshcroft Garden Village Proposals

Harrow Estates is seeking feedback regarding plans for a new garden village suburb in Tring, Hertfordshire, known as Marshcroft.

Following a previous planning application and appeal which was concluded in 2024, the Marshcroft site (known as Tr03) has now been included in Dacorum Borough Council’s New Local Plan to 2041. The Plan is in the final stages before adoption and has been submitted for public examination to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities & Local Government.

Dacorum’s New Local Plan, which is expected to be adopted later next year, identifies the Marshcroft site to deliver an urban extension to the east of Tring, creating around 1,400 much-needed new homes – including a significant proportion of affordable housing, as well as a new primary school, secondary education facility, sports hub and substantial open green spaces. The New Local Plan aims for housing delivery here from 2029/2030.

630 homes will be classed as affordable as part of the proposals (45%). This goes a significant way towards meeting the needs of local people currently priced out of living or remaining in the area.

A range of properties suitable for people at many stages of life are proposed, including for individuals, couples, growing families, downsizers, and older people. Provision is made within the plans for private market, social rented, first homes, shared ownership, and self-build plots.

To foster a sense of community, the new homes would be centred around a neighbourhood centre including a parade of shops, cafes, flexible community space, and a sports hub with managed sports pitches to serve the whole community of Tring.

Significant biodiversity net gain would be achieved through retention of existing trees and hedgerow habitats and the creation of new and improved habitats within the canalside park which will be a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG), reducing recreational pressure on the Chilterns Beechwoods.

Tim Noden, Planning Director at Harrow Estates said: ‘Marshcroft is included in the New Local Plan for Dacorum which, pending adoption later next year, seeks a range of much-needed new homes including affordable, alongside community facilities and open green spaces.

‘With the New Local Plan seeking housing delivery at Marshcroft by 2029/30, we are seeking initial views now to inform further work. This will build on the very significant design work and community engagement from the previous planning application which was submitted in 2022.

‘Our aim is to deliver a scheme which aligns with the Council’s priorities for this site and serves both new and existing residents. We encourage residents to visit our website to learn more about Marshcroft’s allocation and our ongoing work, and to provide initial feedback.’

Residents can learn more about the Marshcroft plans and provide feedback by visiting www.marshcroft-tring.co.uk. Further detailed plans will be announced in due course.