The developers behind an application for 40 retirement homes in Kings Langley will be appealing after district planners threw out their application at the end of last year.
There had been a public outcry against the proposal from McCarthy and Stone and a petition signed by over 1,000 residents was given to Sir Mike Penning, Kings Langley MP.
Villagers in Kings Langley thought they had been given an early Christmas present when Dacorum Borough Council rejected the application in December but the developers lodged an appeal at the end of January with the Planning Inspectorate.
Cllr Bob McLean sits on Kings Langley Parish Council and said he is not surprised that the developers appealed.
He said: “Although the opposition was structured and put forward a good case, personally I felt that there was no material planning issue to turn it down so it was a bit of a surprise. We felt they would have an appeal in their back pocket. The parish council felt it was right to support residents because they felt so strongly.
“Although there was a dilemma over a material objection, we were strongly in favour of supporting opposition. The Parish Council hopes the inspectorate looks at it objectively and sees strong case for opposition.”
Kings Langley resident and campaigner Paul Rees has been leading the objections to the proposals.
He said: “By making their appeal against the decision of Dacorum borough council, McCarthy and Stone are trying to drive a juggernaut through the democratic process.
“Their controversial planning application to cram in 40 retirement flats right adjacent to the lower common conservation area, has been rejected twice by democratically elected representatives on Kings Langley parish council and once by representatives on Dacorum Council.
“But, being a large firm of developers they think that they can automatically overturn the view of the local residents and councillors.
“We will fight this inappropriate proposal – which would damage our lower common conservation area – until the end, and we will continue to strive to keep Kings Langley beautiful.”
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