Developers will be allowed to build 65 flats on the site of West Herts College in Kings Langley, after an inspector overruled the district council.

Bellway Homes will now be allowed to demolish the existing college building and build the new flats, despite concerns about the plans being “overly dominant” and without sufficient parking.

In a decision published on February 28, the inspector dismissed the council’s concerns and said he didn’t agree that the proposal would be an overdevelopment of the site.

Three Rivers District Council granted outline planning permission to the development in 2019, but rejected the developers’ final plans in February 2021.

At the time councillors voted 8-3 to refuse permission, saying it would be an “overly dominant and prominent addition” to the street scene, and failed to provide enough parking.

Council officers recommended the reserved matters application for approval, but acknowledged the 72 parking spaces provided would have been a shortfall of 53 spaces.

However, the Planning Inspectorate has now overturned the decision on appeal, and will allow the Bellway to build the flats as proposed.

The development will include 20 one-bedroom units, and two-bedroom units, but none of the units will be earmarked for affordable housing.

Inspector William Cooper said the building’s design would fit in acceptably with the built form of the business park’s edge and was similar to the completed Concept House and Pinnacle House.

In his decision, Mr Cooper also claimed that the development would also improve the neighbouring waterway, which could bring visual and therapeutic value for the residents.

He wrote: “I therefore cannot agree that the proposal would appear as an overdeveloped, overly dominant and prominent addition to the street scene and locality.

“Furthermore, the proposal would deculvert a noticeably increased proportion of the millstream on the site. This newly opened up stretch of stream would be a positive focus for the on-site waterside outdoor amenity space (OAS), with seating and a mix of naturalistic and formal planting for residents to enjoy.”

In regards to parking, the inspector said he did not “underestimate local residents’ concerns” but was satisfied with the amount offered by the developers, noting that Hertfordshire County Council had not objected to the proposals.

Mr Cooper also said Kings Langley railway station is a short walk from the site providing connections to Watford and London Euston, along with bus connections to Aylesbury and Hemel Hempstead.

He wrote: “I therefore conclude that the proposal would provide adequate on-site parking provision, and would not harm parking capacity and highway safety in the area.”

In granting planning permission, Mr Cooper said the plans do meet the council’s plan for the area.

He wrote: “The proposed development would adhere to the development plan as a whole and there are no other considerations which outweigh this finding. Accordingly, for the reasons given, the appeal succeeds.”

Bellway Homes has made an application for an award of costs from the district council following the appeal, but this will be subject to a separate decision which has not yet been published.