‘Transformative’ development plans for Bushey United shul
Hertfordshire community's proposed expansion includes a larger two-storey synagogue building, nursery, mikveh and visitor's flat
Bushey United and District’s synagogue’s expansion plans will undergo a period of consultation after the application was validated.
Led by Rabbi Elchonon and Rebbetzen Jacqueline Feldman since 2016, the Hertfordshire-based shul serving one of the largest Jewish communities in the UK has a membership of more than 2,000.
Its original request, submitted to Hertsmere Borough Council in April 2026 following stakeholder consultation with shul’s membership, included planning permission for the demolition of the existing 40-year-old building to construct a new synagogue prayer hall with a community hall, administrative offices, nursery, mikveh and flat.
Additional requests include the reconfiguration of the “existing parking, yard arrangement and landscaping”.
In practical administrative terms, the validation means Hertsmere local authority will now invite public views on the proposal, advertise in local media and write to neighbours, before providing recommendations ahead of any final decision.
Writing in the application, shul chairman Paul Belsman said: “This building will be transformative for our thriving community of over 2,500 people. Together we can build a home that reflects our strength and secures Jewish life here for generations.”
The application concludes that the proposals for Bushey Synagogue “have been developed in close collaboration with the community, responding to their brief and requirements for a new building that provides a secure and welcoming home to all members of the community.”
Rabbi Feldman said: “There is no more sacred a task nor anything more rewarding than building a kehillah – community. This is the eternal call to each generation: Will you partner with the Divine to create a Jewish future. In Bushey we have answered with a resounding yes.”
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
