Two flats at The Western, 205 High Street, Rickmansworth

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing an outbuilding and building two flats, with alterations to the existing pub car park.

“Description of Application Site 2.1 The application site contains The Western Public House (a detached three storey building), and its associated parking area located on the southern side of the High Street, directly adjacent to the junction with Wensum Way. The site is located within the Rickmansworth Town Centre Conservation Area which is characterised by a mix of residential and commercial properties of varied architectural design.”

“To the east of the outbuilding and outside of the application site is the Marks and Spencer Foodhall, a commercial building with large flat roofed projection to the rear. To the west of the site, on the opposite side of the road is Wensum Court which is three storey sheltered accommodation. The building is located on the opposite side of the High Street are predominately residential in use.”

Officer report

Earlier application

A previous three-storey scheme for three flats was refused because of conservation-area harm, affordable housing and parking issues, and its appeal was dismissed.

“Relevant Planning History 1.1 23/0678/RSP: Retrospective: Installation of parcel locker facility with bollards. Application permitted. Application permitted. 1.2 24/0237/FUL: Demolition of existing outbuilding and construction of three storey detached building to create 3no. x 1 bed flats (Use Class C3) with associated parking and landscaping works; boundary treatments including metal railings.”

“The proposed development would not contribute to the provision of affordable housing, and it has not been demonstrated that such provision would not be viable. The development therefore fails to meet the requirements of Policy CP4 of the Core Strategy (adopted October 2011) and the Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document (approved June 2011).”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended permission after concluding the reduced scale, traditional design and materials would preserve the conservation area, subject to legal agreements.

“Consequently, the applicant has amended the design of the bin store doors such that they would appear as more ancillary features. The Conservation Officer was re-consulted and notes the amendments are minor, and that whilst the degree of harm would be slightly reduced, that the amendments would not fully overcome the original concerns raised. However, the Conservation Officer has confirmed that the level of harm would be low level.”

“In addition, it is considered that the revised design would better respect the character of the existing public house, a non designated heritage asset and would appear as an ancillary addition which would not dominate its setting. A condition would be added to any permission requiring full details of the proposed external materials including physical samples to be submitted prior to above building work.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A parish councillor spoke about the application and the agent spoke in support.

Members’ discussion

Members considered the revised scheme a significant improvement, suitable for development, and unlikely to cause harmful noise impacts for future residents.

“Committee Members agreed that the new scheme was a significant improvement, and the proposed development would preserve and enhance the character of the Conservation Area.”

“Triple glazing was proposed, to mitigate any impact arising from noise from the pub. The site location was in an area of existing residential development, and it was not considered that there would be any detrimental impact on future residents arising from noise.”

Minutes

The vote

Members unanimously supported granting permission subject to conditions and completion of the proposed legal agreement.

“Councillor Morris moved, and Councillor Lloyd seconded, that planning permission be granted subject to conditions following the completion of a S106 agreement to secure a financial contribution towards affordable housing and amendments to the Traffic Regulation Order. On being put to the vote this was carried, the voting being unanimous.”

Minutes

The decision

Permission was granted subject to conditions and a legal agreement securing affordable housing funding and amendments to the Traffic Regulation Order.

“RESOLVED: that planning permission be granted subject to conditions following the completion of a S106 agreement to secure a financial contribution towards affordable housing and amendments to the Traffic Regulation Order.”

Minutes