Plans to demolish a house and build 18 flats have been shot down by a council after “overdevelopment” objections.

The demolition of Cedar House in Sandy Lane, near the junction with The Woods, between South Oxhey and Northwood, will not go ahead after Three Rivers District Council refused planning permission on Wednesday (August 2).

The existing detached house, which is set within 2,714 square metre grounds (12 times the the house's footprint), would have made way for a building divided into 11 one-bedroom flats, four two-bedrooms, and three three-bedrooms.

The council took issue with the “excessive” scale and “poor” design, as well as privacy, tree cover, affordable housing, drainage, turning space and light concerns.

Eight public comments were submitted objecting to the plan.

Plans for 20 flats at the same site were rejected in 2020 and 2021.

Watford Observer: The rough boundaries of the site (outlined in white)The rough boundaries of the site (outlined in white) (Image: Google Maps)

The £2.5 million mansion next door is also the subject of a planned demolition for flats. The plan for Wildacre is still pending consideration and includes eight two-bedroom flats.

The architecture practice that submitted the plan has been contacted to find out whether amended plans will be submitted in future.