Rear extension at 10 Gade Bank, Croxley Green, Rickmansworth

The site and surroundings

The property is a semi-detached house beside woodland and the Grand Union Canal, within the Metropolitan Green Belt, with parking across the access road.

“Relevant Enforcement History 1.1 25/0109/COMP - Unauthorised Rear Extension – Pending consideration, subject to the outcome of this application. Description of Application Site 2.1 The application site contains a property situated on the west side of Gade Bank in Croxley Green. Gade Bank is a short cul-de-sac, characterised by eight pairs of semi-detached dwellings built on a uniform building line in a single row.”

“To the front of the property is a small garden enclosed by evergreen hedging to all boundaries. At the rear, there is a private garden measuring approximately 190sqm enclosed by close-boarded timber fencing and hedging. The land levels rise gradually to the rear boundary of the site. Parking associated to the properties on Gade Bank is located on the opposite side of the access road serving this row of dwellings.”

Officer report

Earlier applications and use

An enforcement investigation concerns the unauthorised extension, while the property’s HMO use and closure order were separate matters.

“Planning Analysis 8.1 Background 8.1.1 Following a report to the Council an enforcement investigation was opened regarding the construction of a single storey rear extension (ref. 25/0109/COMP). A site inspection was conducted where it was ascertained that the dwelling (at the time) had been extended to the rear.”

“The grant of planning permission retrospectively has no bearing on the decision making of the HMO licence application. Comments from local residents raise concerns of anti-social behaviour at the property. Officers note that the application property is the subject of a Closure Order granted by St Albans Magistrates Court which was is effective immediately from 17 October 2025 following complaints of anti-social behaviour.”

Officer report

What residents said

Thirteen objections and a 26-signature petition raised concerns including parking, traffic, safety, noise, overdevelopment, construction quality, Green Belt impact and anti-social behaviour.

“Extension facilitates a House of Multiple Occupation • Impact on traffic and parking • Health & Safety • Impact on neighbours • Existing pre-fabricated buildings are not soundproof • Development is contrary to Three Rivers Local Plan polices and Croxley Neighbourhood Plan policies • Additional refuse • Increased antisocial behaviour • Decrease in property value • Increase number of occupants in extended property • Damage to neighbouring properties during construction • …”

“A petition containing 26 signatures objecting to the application has also been received. The key points of the petition include: • Road safety and parking issues • Safety and character of the road • Noise and unsuitable building design • Risk of cascading effect on the street • Retrospective development and planning integrity 6 Reason for Delay 6.1 None.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A local resident spoke against the application.

What members debated

Members discussed the unfinished wall, community impact, design, parking, emergency access, amenity space and the relationship between the extension and the HMO use.

“A Committee Member drew attention to an email from a local resident setting out examples of anti-social behaviour and environmental degradation at the property and its impact on neighbours. It was queried whether the site history and community impact had been considered in the assessment of the application.”

“A Committee Member commented that as Gade Bank was accessed by a narrow, single track road the lack of parking was a concern and could result in emergency vehicles being unable to access the site. Another Committee Member noted that the plans indicated use of the extension as two bedrooms, resulting in a six-bedroomed property.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The motion to refuse was carried by nine votes to none, with two abstentions.

“Councillor Cooper moved, and Councillor Drury seconded, that the application be refused on the grounds of character, amenity and parking and being contrary to policies DM1 and DM2 of the Local Plan and policies CA2 and CA3 of the Croxley Green Neighbourhood Plan. The final wording to be circulated to the committee before the decision is issued.”

“On being put to the vote this was carried, the voting being 9 in favour, 0 against and 2 abstentions.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was refused on character, amenity and parking grounds, contrary to policies DM1 and DM2 and neighbourhood plan policies CA2 and CA3.

“RESOLVED: that that the application be refused on the grounds of character, amenity and parking and being contrary to policies DM1 and DM2 of the Local Plan and policies CA2 and CA3 of the Croxley Green Neighbourhood Plan. The final wording to be circulated to the committee before the decision is issued.”

Minutes