Plans have been approved for two additional storeys to be added above an existing garage block in Rickmansworth.
Three Rivers District Council (TRDC) approved the proposal, which will add four residential flats to the site at Ashleigh Court on Solomons Hill, on Tuesday, September 9.
This is despite the plans receiving 30 objections, with residents criticising the decrease in car parking capacity, the reduction in sunlight for flats on the first and second floors, and a potential increase in noise.
Locals have also pointed out that some of the existing flats are allegedly being rented out on Airbnb, causing disruption to permanent residents.
Two floors will be added over the existing garage block, allowing for the creation of four one-bedroom flats while maintaining the existing garages.
The original building at Ashleigh Court was four storeys high, but a fifth storey adding five new residential units was added in 2023.
A TRDC spokesperson said: “The planning application for the construction of two additional storeys above an existing garage block to create four residential flats (24/0759/FUL) was approved in accordance with planning policy.”
A spokesperson for Archplan Designs Ltd said: “The planning application for the additional flats was based on the great demand for small residential properties as conveyed by local estate agents and private individuals. It is common knowledge that the central government has in recent years promoted legislation, guidelines and incentives to promote new housing to address the dire nationwide shortage of affordable housing, especially for first time buyers.
“The proposal at Ashleigh Court is modest in scale and has been carefully designed to complement the local setting. In view that the planning consultations were commenced in May 2024 and have taken over a year to conclude is indicative that there was a thorough assessment of the design and greater consideration was given to the comments from the local residents. We also note that the resultant density is less than those of the recent residential developments at Swan Field House, George Field House and Penn Place which surround Ashleigh Court. Furthermore the proposals do not encroach onto undeveloped land nor entail demolition of existing units and will be serviced by the existing urban infrastructure. Moving forward to construction work, the Planning Permission Notice includes conditions to be satisfied for mitigating potential disturbance to neighbouring residents and to maintain accessibility.
“We understand the current Freeholders of Ashleigh Court have put a stop to the Airbnb subletting activity.”
Photo credit: Archplan Designs Ltd
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