Community centre and eight flats at British Red Cross, Croxley Green, Rickmansworth

What was proposed

The proposal would demolish the existing building and provide a three-storey community centre with eight flats, landscaping, access and parking changes.

“Development within the area is predominantly two-storeys in height, however, there are existing single storey buildings (including the application building) and three-storey buildings within the vicinity fronting New Road, including opposite the junction with Barton Way.”

“Parking for the residential units and landscaping would be provided to the north and east (fronting Barton Way and Community Way). Parking for the community use would be provided to the west (rear of the building) with a vehicle access barrier set back from Community Way. A total of 9 spaces are proposed to serve the residential units (1 per units plus 1 visitor) and 7 to serve the community use.”

Officer report

The site and its history

The corner site contains a single-storey community building and car park, sits among residential, retail and community uses, and has no relevant planning history.

“Relevant Planning History 1.1 No relevant planning history. Description of Application Site 2.1 The application site is located on the corner of Barton Way and Community Way in Croxley Green. The site is currently occupied by a single storey flat roofed building that is currently in a community use. The building adjoins the Library to the south, the Library being sited on the corner of Barton Way and New Road.”

Officer report

What residents said

Residents objected to the height, character, privacy, noise, parking, overdevelopment, construction impacts and reduced community space.

“Number consulted: 11 4.1.10 No of responses received: 71 objections. Site Notice: 05.09.2025 Press Notice: 13.09.2025 4.1.12 Summary of Responses: • Out of character • Too high • Loss of privacy/overlooking • Noise and disruption • Overbearing • Parking issues • Overdevelopment…”

“Community facility too small for the events • Asset of community value only removed to facilitate demolition. Existing structure could be refurbished • Housing prioritised over community use • Damage from construction • Request for replacement fencing. • Conflict of uses-noise from community use impact flats.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Councillor Narinder Sian supported the community hub, modern hall, parish offices and affordable homes, and said residents strongly supported the proposal.

What members discussed

Members discussed design reservations and whether local residents should receive priority for the affordable homes; officers explained district-wide allocation rules.

“Another Committee Member recommended that priority for the housing units should be given to local Croxley Green residents, rather than those from across the district as a whole. The Planning Officer confirmed that the affordable housing condition as written in the report did not contain and reference to Croxley Green residents specially, but rather it would be for those in housing need / on the housing register across the district as a whole.”

“(Note: subsequent to the meeting the Council’s Housing Team advised that properties advertised via the Council’s Housing Register are allocated strictly in accordance with the Council’s Housing Allocations Policy. Preferential treatment to residents from any particular area could not be offered / specified, as the local connection test applies district wide).”

Minutes

The vote

Councillor Drury moved approval, Councillor Lloyd seconded it, and the committee agreed unanimously.

“Councillor Drury moved, and Councillor Lloyd seconded, that the application be approved subject to conditions, amendment to condition 19 as outlined above, and the addition of an informative relating to occupancy.”

“On being put to the vote this was agreed unanimously.”

Minutes