Plans to build flats in Stratford Road withdrawn

A proposal had been submitted to demolish a detached home in Stratford Road in Watford and replace it with a block of nine one-and-two bed flats.

Locals opposed the scheme, firstly due the site's proximity to a "hazardous junction", and secondly because they don't want to see a family home lost.

But Watford Borough Council were recently informed by applicants Smart Build Homes that the scheme on the corner of Stratford Road and Langley Road had been withdrawn.

The house proposed for demolition. The current driveway is accessed off Stratford Road. Credit: Cllr Mark Hofman

Among those concerned about the application was Claire Miller, who lives nearby.

She said: "Adding additional homes at the crossroads of an existing busy junction will present a dangerous risk for cars entering and exiting the site.

"Growing the number of homes within the area will add pressure to amenities such as local schools, parks, doctors and transport links."

Nascot Liberal Democrat ward councillor Mark Hofman said future residents of the flats would have been expected to join Langley Road on a "blind bend" from a new rear car park.

Cllr Mark Hofman says drivers of the new flats would have been faced with this view when exiting onto Langley Road

Cllr Hofman added: "Building flats so close to the road at this location would have been an accident waiting to happen. The Langley Road bend has seen several collisions in recent years, it has anti-skid surfacing for good reason.

"Although the current family home is not listed, residents tell me that it is still deeply regrettable that the Nascot area may have lost another family home. Hundreds of similar sized flats have been built within a stone throw of this site.

"The community fear this emerging precedent in the area, to replace family homes for small flats, will make it harder for locals to stay in the area and raise their families here.”

The listed planning agent for the application was approached for comment on any future plans for the site and for an opportunity respond to concerns raised by neighbours.