Commercial unit and 24 flats at 7 Station Road, Watford

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing the vacant bank and building a commercial ground floor with 24 flats above.

“The immediate area around Station Road contains a variety of commercial and residential buildings. The adjoining site known as Junction Court (9 Station Road), contains an eight storey mixed use building. On the opposite side of Verulam Passage are the headquarters of TJX. To the rear of the site facing Verulam Passage are a single storey dwelling and a commercial unit, beyond these are the dwellings on the east side of Westland Road.”

“This application seeks to demolish the existing building and erect a six storey building comprising a commercial unit on the ground floor (Use Class E) and 24 flats above (Use Class C3).”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site fronts Station Road at Verulam Passage, near commercial and residential buildings, Watford Junction Station and a listed public house.

“Office Location, a Local Centre and a Transport Improvement Area. The site is not within a conservation area; however, it is close to the Nascot Conservation area and the Estcourt Conservation area. The site does not contain any listed buildings. The nearest heritage asset is the Benskin’s House, a nationally listed building which is on the opposite side of Station Road. Parking restrictions operate within the vicinity.”

Officer report

Earlier design discussions

The proposal was reviewed twice by the Place Shaping Panel, which first suggested changes and later viewed the revised design favourably.

“A pre-application request was submitted in May 2025 (application reference: 25/00200/PREAP3). Watford’s Place Shaping Panel (PSP) reviewed this proposal on 27 th May 2025. The panel response was overall positive; however, it was suggested that the layout, massing and the servicing should be reconsidered and architectural details developed.”

“The design was developed and the proposal was presented to the PSP again on 28 th October 2025. The panel commended the changes and was pleased that the of the comments raised had been taken on board. Overall, the design of the proposal was considered favourably.”

Officer report

Responses from local people

Two neutral responses suggested swift bricks, which officers supported but did not require.

“Letters were sent to 51 properties in the surrounding area, the application was publicised in the Watford Observer and a site notice was erected outside the site.”

“Two neutral response suggested suggesting inclusion of swift bricks. The inclusion of swift bricks would be supported however they are not a policy requirement. Given that the bricks would be constructed in panels this would be difficult to achieve.”

Officer report

What officers told members

The Principal Planning Officer explained the design, family housing, viability, effects on neighbours and why servicing did not justify refusal.

The committee vote

The Chair put the recommendation to grant permission to a vote, and the application was approved.

“The Chair asked the committee to vote on the officer’s recommendation to grant the application, subject to a section 106 agreement and the conditions as set out in the report and the update sheet…”

“On being put to the committee, the application was approved.”

Minutes