MAGNUS STRÖM, FOUNDER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR AT STRÖM ARCHITECTS.

The article focuses on a residential development project within the grounds of Hartsbourne Country Club in Bushey Heath, Hertfordshire, led by developer ACRE. The project involved purchasing the freehold to release approximately 2 hectares of previously developed land for 15 new homes, including bungalows and flats, while returning about 59 hectares to the golf club to secure its ownership and fund facility reinvestment. Situated entirely within the Metropolitan Green Belt and subject to tree preservation orders and local heritage considerations, the scheme overcame challenges by emphasizing a landscape-led design, adhering to planning policy paragraph I54(g) of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), and engaging with the community to gain support. The development replaced redundant structures on degraded land, safeguarded the green belt, and ensured the club’s long-term viability, illustrating the importance of strategic land acquisition and collaborative planning in sensitive environments. [Extracted from the article]