An approved scheme to build 345 new homes and a Lidl store is expected to start later this year subject to government rules on the coronavirus pandemic.

Countryside says it will not begin work on phase 3 of its development in South Oxhey until it is "safe to do so" and "in line with government advice".

Construction at the £218 million South Oxhey Central redevelopment is currently on hold after Countryside took the decision in March to temporarily close down its sites for the safety of its workers.

Last month, planning permission was granted by Three Rivers District Council for 345 new homes, commercial space, and a Lidl supermarket.

The new homes will be built in the square of Prestwick Road, St Andrews Road, Bridlington Road, and Oxhey Drive.

The existing buildings, including Pennard House and the shops in Prestwick Road, will be demolished and replaced with two buildings ranging from three to seven storeys.

Residents in these buildings have been rehoused, Three Rivers District Council leader Cllr Sara Bedford says.

Watford Observer:

This image has been released which shows a square to sit in between the new buildings

Watford Observer:

The road between Buildings 'A' and 'B'

The 18,800 sq ft Lidl supermarket will be on the ground floor of one of the two buildings, on the corner of Prestwick Road and Oxhey Drive.

The budget store will come with a car park with a capacity of 79 spaces.

The whole Phase 3 development, near opposite to Carpenders Park station, will include 371 spaces including 268 dedicated residential spaces.

Watford Observer:

The parade of shops and flats off Prestwick Road which will be demolished. Credit: Google Street View

In total, South Oxhey Central will consist of 659 homes - and not the 514 that was approved back in 2016 - because an extra 145 homes have been added into phase 3.

Of these 659, 182 are affordable, Countryside says.

The latest scheme was discussed back in January but Three Rivers planning committee members were concerned about the level of affordable housing and number of homes for social rent.

They also stated that further Section 106 money was required to improve GP and school infrastructure in the area.

Fast-forward to March and the approved phase 3 plans include 65 additional affordable units, as well as nearly £250,000 towards GP provision and a further £175,000 towards primary and secondary education.

This is on top of around £1million already agreed in Section 106 monies.

Watford Observer:

Another view of Phase 3 on the corner of Prestwick Road and Fairfield Avenue

The first homes in phase 3, alongside Lidl, are scheduled to be completed in 2022.

Daniel King, managing director, partnerships West London and Thames Valley, Countryside, said: "Phase 3 will deliver a varied mix of new homes, ideal for both local residents and those looking to find their perfect home here, as well as building on the resurgent retail offering that we have established already. We can’t wait to get started on the next stage of South Oxhey’s transformation."

Cllr Bedford added: "Councils have an important role to play in getting more homes built for the future. We continue to increase the number of affordable homes within the South Oxhey development and I am delighted that we will be able to provide housing for more residents who desperately need a secure home."

So far, the South Oxhey redevelopment has seen 188 new homes built, including 96 homes for social rent.

Station Approach by the station has also been regenerated.

Watford Observer:

The regenerated Station Approach

Watford Observer:

One of the new blocks of flats which have been built and moved into