Despite loud opposition from residents, Anchor Hanover has formally submitted an application to demolish all 44 bungalows on Kytes Drive, Garston, to make way for 146 dwellings.
On November 29, Watford Borough Council (WBC) received an application for full planning permission to erect 63 cottages and a three-floor apartment block comprising 71 homes. Kytes House would be converted into ten housing units and two further dwellings would be made available in an existing building.
Ever since Anchor started airing its plans to redevelop Kytes Estate, residents have come out in force to represent the needs of veterans and disabled people, for whom the estate was originally built after the Second World War.
Anchor, the not-for-profit special housing provider keen to redevelop the site, has acknowledged that only 43 of the new 146 properties would be socially rented. Only 14 of the new homes would be bungalows, meaning that many residents reliant on wheelchairs would be rehomed in cottages with stairs.
Between the time Anchor submitted its proposal and the time of writing, thirty objections from residents have been uploaded to the council website.
William Elliott, who lives on Kytes Drive, wrote: “The developers are going to ruin this beautiful, unique estate. Why are they trying to build cottages knowing full well most of the residents are disabled? Also, why does Anchor Housing want to sell flats? Why not keep this estate as all bungalows [which] were built for a reason [and] are still needed now and beyond?”
Meanwhile, Amy Fife from Watford wrote: “I object to the demolition of all the bungalows which accommodate families who are specifically living in those bungalows to cater for their disabilities.
“It is morally wrong that taking their adapted homes away from them has even been considered. Please just leave them be. Do not destroy lives who already have enough to deal with as it is.”
In response, Nick Hodgskin, Senior Development Manager for Anchor, said: “As a not-for-profit specialist provider of older people’s housing and care we routinely review all our locations and services to ensure we continue to meet the needs of both current and future residents.
“The proposal to regenerate the Kytes Drive estate is driven by a need to create more and better affordable housing for the local community, including for older people. We have met with residents to discuss the regeneration of Kytes Drive, sharing our design plans, and held individual meetings with them to discuss their specific needs. Following their feedback, we have submitted a planning application to redevelop the estate.
“Our proposals include 16 bungalows and 27 cottages, which will be designed to M4(3) accessibility standards under current building regulations and will therefore be suitable for people with disabilities including wheelchair users. The cottages are designed with a bedroom and ensuite bathroom on the ground floor and we would also ensure that all aids, adaptations, and equipment is moved and installed for residents in their new homes.”
The redevelopment plans can be viewed on the WBC website by entering reference 23/01097/FULM into the planning portal.
Profit before people again, well done!!!
How do you expect veterans/civilians to cope in a cottage with stairs, no wheel chair access ect.
Just leave them be to live out their lives comfortably. The stress it’s causing and will continue to cause is unforgiveable.