Regeneration of John Barker Place
We’re planning an exciting redevelopment of John Barker Place on the Westmill estate in Hitchin.
It will include new homes, shops and a new play area. The first 2 phases will include new homes for residents in Freemans Close and the nearby Westmill Lawns retirement complex, enabling them to continue living safely and comfortably in the area they’re familiar with.
Take a look at an artists impression:
Progress so far
We have submitted two planning applications for this redevelopment – one for the new homes and shops on John Barker and a separate planning application for a new children's play area on the edge of Swinburne playing fields.
The application for the children’s play area was reviewed first, at the NHDC Planning Control Committee meeting on 14 November and deferred for further consideration. We expect this planning application to be heard again in public, along with the application for the shops and homes. Members of the public will be able to attend and provide feedback on both. We will update this page when we know the date.
Questions and answers
In this document we’ve included answers covering the themes of the questions we have recently been asked about the development and contact details for settle if you'd like to find out more information.
John Barker Place Q&A [PDF] 79KB
Having your say
The NHDC website provides some further information about planning meetings and how to have your say.
- Information about NHDC council and committee meetings
- Having your say on planning applications at planning control committee meetings [PDF]
Previous updates
November 2019 Planning application for play area to be reviewed
October 2019 Update following public meeting on 21 October
October 2019 Invitation to public meeting on Monday 21 October
August 2019 Children's play area proposed for Swinburne playing fields
August 2019 Have your say on the John Barker Place redevelopment
June 2019 Redevelopment of Hitchin's Westmill estate moves step forward
April 2019 Our redevelopment plans for John Barker Place, Hitchin
April 2019 Redevelopment of John Barker Place, Hitchin
Contact us
For more information about our redevelopment plans for John Barker Place, please contact Penny Metcalf or Shenaz Virji.