Developer intends to demolish former Arriva bus garage in Garston

Fairview New Homes has notified Watford Borough Council that it is seeking to knock down the former garage and office building in St Albans Road in Garston.

The site was previously used by bus operator Arriva before Fairview bought the site for £10.1 million at the beginning of 2019.

Fairview has unsuccessfully sought permission to turn the site into homes and currently has revised plans pending for 127 flats.

The development would involve the demolition of the vacant bus garage and Marchwood House office building.

The site when it was used by buses

The latest application submitted to the council is for the prior approval of the demolition work, which according to a site notice, is planned to take place between September and December.

The demolition does not require full planning permission because of permitted development rights.

One of the main reasons previous plans for 165 flats at this site was refused in December 2019 was because of the loss of the locally listed bus garage building.

At the time, planning committee member Cllr Mark Watkin described it as a "landmark" building, while his then colleague Cllr Iain Sharpe decided the "quality" of the proposed scheme "did not outweigh" the loss of a locally listed building.

Marchwood House which would be demolished along with the bus garage. Credit: Google Maps

Fairview New Homes unsuccessfully appealed the council's decision, although the Government planning inspector dismissed the appeal based on the design of the flats, rather than the loss of the listed buildings.

Related: Garston bus garage flats appeal lost by applicant

Neighbours oppose the redevelopment plans - in 2019, Mark Foster, who lives in nearby Codicote Drive, told the Observer he and his family would move if the plans for flats were approved.

Speaking about the latest scheme in March for 127 flats, Mark Jackson, planning director at Fairview New Homes, said: "We remain committed to delivering homes on this brownfield site, with these revised proposals acknowledging and responding to the feedback received via the previous application process."

CGI of the revised scheme for 127 flats in five buildings ranging from three to five storeys. Credit: Fairview New Homes

Related: New plans to redevelop bus garage site officially submitted

The application for prior approval can be found on the council's planning portal via reference 21/01185/DEM.

The pending plans for 127 flats can be found on the same portal via reference 21/00698/FULM.