96 homes and community space at Oxhey Lane, Carpenders Park, Watford

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing existing structures and building 96 homes, community space, access roads, parking, landscaping and drainage works.

“25/1055/FUL - Demolition of existing structures and construction of 96 residential dwellings (Use Class C3), flexible community floorspace (Use Class F), with the provision of an access, vehicle and cycle parking, landscaping, sustainable urban drainage systems and other associated works at LAND TO THE REAR OF WOODLANDS COTTAGE, OXHEY LANE, CARPENDERS PARK, WATFORD, HERTFORDSHIRE, WD19 5RF.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The 3.4-hectare Green Belt site was mainly open grazing land, with woodland, a pond, protected trees, a brick wall and no vehicle access.

“Relevant Planning History 1.1 No relevant planning history. Description of Application Site 2.1 The site is approximately 3.4 hectares in area and sited within the Metropolitan Green Belt located between the settlements of Watford Heath/Oxhey Village and Carpenders Park. The site subject to this application predominantly consists of open grazing land. A wooded area with a pond forms the south western part of the site adjacent to Oxhey Lane.”

“These properties are sited on higher ground. The north east boundary adjoins open fields; a dense vegetation screen which is interspersed with Oak trees forms the north eastern boundary. The southern and south east and west boundaries adjoins Mayfair and Brickfield Farm which the planning history indicates have residential and commercial uses and appear to be occupied by varied but sporadic low level built form and hard surfacing.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval subject to a S106 agreement and conditions, finding the proposal acceptable overall despite limited policy conflicts.

“Recommendation: That authority is delegated to the Head of Regulatory Services to grant planning permission, following completion of a S106 Agreement (securing the Heads of Term set out at 7.21 below including affordable housing provision, travel plan, contributions to infrastructure including education, healthcare and waste infrastructure and monitoring fees) subject to conditions AND to make any minor amendments to the Heads of Terms and Planning Conditions in consultation…”

“The assessment has considered all relevant material planning considerations, including the provisions of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and The Three Rivers Local Development Plan. The responses from consultees have also been considered, and a list of all consultees is included at section 4 of the report with their full comments provided in Appendix 1. The consultees raised no objection subject to conditions and/or S106 agreement.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Most consultees raised no objection subject to conditions or legal obligations, while Watford Rural Parish Council and Watford Borough Council objected.

“Watford Rural Parish Council 1.1.1 Objection Three Rivers District Council – Tree and Landscape Officer 1.1.2 No objection Three Rivers District Council - Conservation Officer 1.1.3 No objection Herts County Council Highways Authority 1.1.4 No objection Herts County Council Lead Local Flood Authority 1.1.5 No objection Herts County Council Archaeology 1.1.6 No objection Herts County Council Minerals and Waste 1.1.7 No objection Herts County Council Water Officer 1.1.8 No…”

“Transport for London 1.1.9 No comment Network Rail 1.1.10 No objection National Grid 1.1.11 No objection British Pipeline Agency 1.1.12 No objection Active Travel England 1.1.13 No comment Thames Water 1.1.14 No objection Affinity Water 1.1.15 No Objection Environment Agency 1.1.16 No objection TRDC Local Plans Team 1.1.17 No objection TRDC Housing 1.1.18 Comments Herts Constabulary Safety Design Officer 1.1.19 No objection Herts County Council Growth and Infrastructure…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A residents’ association representative spoke against the application, and the applicant spoke in favour.

The vote

The approval motion received four votes in favour, four against and two abstentions, so the Chair used a casting vote.

“Councillor Whately-Smith moved, and Councillor Gazzard seconded, that the application be approved subject to conditions, amendment to conditions 25 and 27 as outlined above, and with an additional condition requiring details of the internal arrangement of the community building to be provided prior to its construction.”

“On being put to the vote this was carried, the voting being 4 in favour, 4 against and 2 abstentions. The Chair’s casting vote was used.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was approved subject to conditions, changes to two conditions and an additional condition about the community building’s internal arrangement.

“RESOLVED: that the application be approved subject to conditions, amendment to conditions 25 and 27 as outlined above, and with an additional condition requiring details of the internal arrangement of the community building to be provided prior to its construction.”

Minutes