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 742 applications which is well below the national average of 980. The approval rate was 93% (marginally above the national average of 88%) and 56% of applications were decided on time, (on par with the national average of 59%). Stats updated July 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:
Thoughtful, well-considered design is often the key to securing Planning Permission, particularly on sites where others struggle to find a way forward. Let’s discuss 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 742 applications which is well below the national average of 980. The approval rate was 93% (marginally above the national average of 88%) and 56% of applications were decided on time, (on par with the national average of 59%). Stats updated July 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:
Thoughtful, well-considered design is often the key to securing Planning Permission, particularly on sites where others struggle to find a way forward. Let’s discuss your project.
