The Abbots Langley community has rejoiced after Three Rivers District Council (TRDC) refused the latest application to demolish a building with local historical importance.
In last month’s ABBOTSnews, we reported that parish and district councillor Elinor Gazzard had led protests against the plan to demolish the building. The house was built by John Innett Ward for his daughter, and is one of the last Arts and Crafts-style buildings in the area.
The application – which was the fourth of its kind submitted for the house at 78 Gallows Hill Lane – proposed to construct four two-storey semi-detached dwellings on the site.
However, TRDC officers have now refused the application.
ABBOTSnews spoke to an ecstatic cllr Gazzard after the decision was announced, who was impressed with the local response to the plan.
She said: “I am really delighted. We’ve had a lot of feedback from people to say they’re delighted about it; it’s been a real community effort.”
The plan, according to cllr Gazzard, was flawed in several areas, which was picked up on by officers.
She said: “The biodiversity effect of the project was ridiculous. It had an uncharacteristic layout and it was overlooking neighbours. They would have been very much overlooked.”
For cllr Gazzard, the aim now is to ensure the building can have stronger protection against any future planning applications.
She said: “It doesn’t guarantee the safety of the house unfortunately. We want to make it locally listed. Even if the current owner sells the house, someone else may try to submit a plan.”
SLG Designs Limited, who applied for the plan, and the plan’s agent, TAS Architects, have been contacted for comment.
Photo credit: Stephen Danzig
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