Hertsmere in Hertfordshire includes Borehamwood, Bushey, and Potters Bar. Approximately 78.9% of the borough is Green Belt, shaping residential and commercial growth around towns. Known for historic villages, suburban communities, and studios, planning balances urban expansion with countryside protection.
In the last year Hertsmere decided 738 applications which is well below the national average of 959. The approval rate was 89% (roughly equal to the national average of 88%) and 57% of applications were decided on time, (on par with the national average of 58%). Stats updated Sept 2026 from gov.uk sources. See how Hertsmere performs relative to other LPAs in our LPA hub.
Significantly, 78.9% of Hertsmere is within the Green Belt and proposals in these areas can be subject to high levels of scrutiny.
The Green Belt around Potters Bar and Bushey limits outward housing expansion to protect open countryside and maintain settlement separation.
In our experience, one of the top reasons poorly conceived Green Belt proposals are refused is causing 'harm to openness'. We can lower the risk of refusal with site-specific guidance. Contact us here.
You can also check whether your land is within the Green Belt using our interactive Green Belt map.
As well as acting as Planning Consultants we are ARB registered architects with over 25 years’ experience. We support clients through all stages of the planning process, offering the following services:
Creative architectural design is often what secures Planning Permission where standard approaches fall short. Tell us about your project.
Hertsmere in Hertfordshire includes Borehamwood, Bushey, and Potters Bar. Approximately 78.9% of the borough is Green Belt, shaping residential and commercial growth around towns. Known for historic villages, suburban communities, and studios, planning balances urban expansion with countryside protection.
In the last year Hertsmere decided 738 applications which is well below the national average of 959. The approval rate was 89% (roughly equal to the national average of 88%) and 57% of applications were decided on time, (on par with the national average of 58%). Stats updated Sept 2026 from gov.uk sources. See how Hertsmere performs relative to other LPAs in our LPA hub.
Significantly, 78.9% of Hertsmere is within the Green Belt and proposals in these areas can be subject to high levels of scrutiny.
The Green Belt around Potters Bar and Bushey limits outward housing expansion to protect open countryside and maintain settlement separation.
In our experience, one of the top reasons poorly conceived Green Belt proposals are refused is causing 'harm to openness'. We can lower the risk of refusal with site-specific guidance. Contact us here.
You can also check whether your land is within the Green Belt using our interactive Green Belt map.
As well as acting as Planning Consultants we are ARB registered architects with over 25 years’ experience. We support clients through all stages of the planning process, offering the following services:
Creative architectural design is often what secures Planning Permission where standard approaches fall short. Tell us about your project.
