A recently submitted application to build 103 flats over 22 floors in Watford town centre is causing concerns amongst residents and councilors.
The plans involve demolishing the former RSB bank and building 22 storeys of one, two and three bedroom flats on the corner of Clarendon Road and the Ring Road. The application was submitted by IDA London Holding on June 9.
Councillor Aga Dychton, Watford’s Deputy Mayor, said: “The lack of any affordable housing is totally unacceptable. We met with the developers and explained our concerns especially over the height. We were shocked to learn that these will be high end luxury apartments with a creche and all with balconies. This does nothing to help Watford’s families and young people to have homes in our town centre.”
Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst said: “Whilst clearly in order to meet the government’s housing targets this site was always likely to be developed, the developer is asking for too much and too high. This is more than twice the height and will overshadow over other residents living here next to the site.”
One resident objected to the plans, commenting: “A 22 storey eyesore monstrosity, full no doubt of pokey rabbit hutches, is completely out of character, Should this get the go-ahead, this will for sure set a precedent for further, numerous eyesores to be built in and around Watford.”
Iceni Projects, agent for IDA London Holding said in the planning documentation: “There is a pressing need for housing, and a pressing need to utilise suitable brownfield land to meet increasing future demand.
“The existing building presents an opportunity to redevelop a vacant, brownfield site in a highly sustainable area with access to good public transport links, and to utilise a site for its maximum potential in line with national and local policy.”
To find out more on the plans visit the councils planning portal and search 21/00887/FULM.
Iceni Projects declined to comment but said they are contributing to affordable housing in the town.
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