A developer is seeking permission to build 95 homes in land currently containing just one.

The Island, behind the Premier Inn in Rickmansworth, could become the site of two three-storey apartment blocks of 51 and 44 apartments if a new application is successful.

The green belt land is situated between two canals and accessed via a bridge from Church Wharf. It is currently occupied by a single house which would be demolished to make way for the build.

A temporary bridge would be built for construction while the existing bridge would be increased in width and weight capacity to serve the development. A new internal road will be four metres wide.

Planning documents highlight that all of the homes would be designated as affordable, and due to a shortfall in affordable housing this would amount to the ‘very special circumstances’ to develop in the green belt.

Added to the Three Rivers District Council planning portal this week, it is only an outline application on the acceptability of the development in principle, with all other matters besides access reserved.

Block plan for the development.

Block plan for the development, showing the proposed access outlined in red. (Image: ME Architects/ Three Rivers District Council planning portal.)
This means that, even if approved, a further application with details of the design and other specifics would need to be granted permission separately.

There would be a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments in each building. Designs only include 16 parking spaces, with the developer claiming that the “sustainable location” being a short walk from a bus stop, the town centre, and the train station makes the small number acceptable.3D view of the proposed development.

3D view of the proposed development. (Image: ME Architects / Three Rivers District Council Planning Portal)

Being so close to the Grand Union Canal and River Chess presents a flood risk, but application documents say the buildings would be fully flood-proof and tests suggest the development would be safe for its lifetime.

They add that “the canals surrounding the site are considered an asset” and the design is intended to maximise views over the water and retain as much greenery as possible.

The application is currently pending district council approval.