Planning consent secured for highly sustainable logistics scheme
Harleyford Capital and Fiera Real Estate have secured planning consent for a 55,000 sq ft single-let warehouse development in Borehamwood, within the London commuter belt.
The site is strategically located with direct access to Junction 23 of the M25 and Junction 4 of the M1, placing more than 9 million people within a 30km radius. This connectivity makes Bolt an ideal location for distribution and last-mile logistics operators.
For this new logistics development, our role centred on providing a robust Transport Statement and a BREEAM-compliant Framework Travel Plan that promotes active and sustainable travel. A key priority was ensuring the site’s design supported sustainable transport modes while accurately modelling the net impact of the development on the surrounding area. To ensure the site functioned safely and efficiently for heavy goods vehicles, we used a swept path analysis to refine the layout and managed the practicalities of the existing network, including the necessary suspension of on-street parking bays nearby.
The real value we brought to the project was in our clear, evidence-based approach and stakeholder management. By conducting detailed parking surveys, we demonstrated that parking provision met the needs of the local area, citing both off-site capacity within an acceptable walking distance and planning precedence to justify why the number of bays falls short of local parking standards. This technical justification, combined with engaging Hertfordshire Council’s Highways Department early, meant we were able to navigate potential hurdles and secure a practical, compliant outcome for Harleyford Capital.
Furthermore, given the site’s proximity to the Barnet Air Quality Management Area (AQMA), our air quality team integrated specialist assessments covering both construction dust and operational traffic emissions. By aligning our strategy with industry guidance and local policy, we ensured the project can remain viable and environmentally responsible from planning through to operation.
Sustainability is central to the design of Bolt Borehamwood with the development targeting an EPC A rating and BREEAM ‘Excellent’ as well as providing photovoltaic panels and EV charging points to meet the increasingly demanding ESG requirements of occupiers.
With a gross development value (GDV) of £25 million, the scheme’s being funded by the Fiera Real Estate Logistics Development Fund.
