Flexible workspace redevelopment at The Wenta Business Centre Colne Way, Watford

“Committee date Tuesday 30 September 2025 Application reference Site address 25/00270/FULM - The Wenta Business Centre, Colne Way, Watford, WD24 7ND Proposal Redevelopment of the site, including demolition and erection of new buildings and refurbishment of Building B, to provide new flexible workspace, E(d) indoor sport and recreation, E(g) (i) Offices, E(g) (ii) Research and development of products or processes, and E(g) (iii) industrial process, B2 (General Industrial), B8…”

“All buildings on the site would be demolished except for building B which is to be refurbished. Building B the most recent building on the site dating from the early 2000’s. Two new buildings would be constructed to provide new flexible industrial and commercial workspace in the form of flexible workshops. The area around the buildings would be predominantly hard standing for car parking with area of soft landscaping throughout the site.”

“The subject site is within Watford’s Tudor Ward. It is comprised of large buildings which contain workshops. The workshops are let out to businesses who use them for industrial and commercial purposes. The site includes two residential dwellings, though they are vacant. The site is adjacent to and accessed from Colne Way (A41) to the northeast. The access road forms part of the site. The site is bounded by the rear gardens of dwellinghouses on Tudor Walk to the southeast.”

“The site is within the Greycaine Road, Odhams and Sandown Road Industrial Area where proposals for new industrial employment uses will be supported in principle in accordance with Local Plan Policy HO4.2. A small part of the site known as ‘the bungalow’, which is one of the residential dwellings is not within this the industrial area, though is at the edge of it on the access road.”

“A pre-application request for the redevelopment of site was submitted in May 2024 and a written response was issued in August 2024. Overall, the proposal was welcomed making good use of employment land. The layout and the scale of the buildings were considered appropriate, though it was considered the design should be reviewed by the Watford Plance Shaping Panel. Clarity was sought on the land uses and justification required for the quantity of parking proposed.”

“A second pre application was submitted in November 2024 which addressed matters raised in the previous pre application. This revised application was presented to the Place Shaping Panel in December 2024, who warmly welcomed this scheme which invests in Wenta Business Centre, strengthening its social and economic sustainability. The panel made some suggestions to improve site layout, environmental sustainability, inclusivity, and architectural expression.”

“There was a question from the members in relation to highways and if the developers had considered widening the highway.”

“Overall, the committee felt it was a very positive development that would enhance the local area, although they had some concerns around congestion.”

“The Chair stated it would enhance the area, and the building would look superb. The Chair invited the committee to vote on the officer’s recommendation.”

“On being put to the committee, the officer’s recommendation was approved.”

“That, subject to the completion of a legal agreement under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) to secure the following heads of terms, planning permission be granted subject to the conditions listed below:”

“To secure contribution of £6,000 for Travel Plan Monitoring for the implementation and monitoring of a Travel Plan.”