The news that a car dealership could be bulldozed for flats at one of the busiest junctions in Watford has generated a mixed reaction from readers.
Developer London Square wants to create 190 homes on the site of the Glyn Hopkin showroom on the corner of Lower High Street and Dalton Way.
Read more: Developer unveils plans for nearly 200 flats on site of car dealership
London Square is yet to submit a planning application to Watford Borough Council but launched a public consultation about its proposal earlier this month.
An article on the scheme led to more than 170 comments being made on the Observer’s website and social media as people reacted to the plans.
Many comments pointed towards yet another development on the cards for Watford, which has been given housing targets of around 13,000 by Government until 2038.
Concerns were also raised about what impact the homes could have on traffic and local infrastructure, while others questioned the affordability. It is currently unclear whether any homes will be designated as affordable.
Reacting to London Square’s proposal, Lisa Burke wrote on Facebook: “It's a terrible idea. There's already way too much traffic in the area, too many flats being built and the local area does just not need any more.”
Mike Taylor wrote: "190 flats....24 car parking spaces!! Let that sink in! Do these developers really think that they are attracting 'commuters' and that these people won't have cars for the weekend, left parked in side streets???”
Gill Ellis, whose comment received 43 likes, added: “’A thriving residential community’...no it will be a struggling, overcrowded, traffic congested eyesore! How much more can the town take with regards to overbuilding and overpopulation?”
Others were more receptive to the idea. Joshua Worthington said: “It's ideally situated near two train stations and lots of shops. It will provide construction jobs during the build as well. Demand for flats is high.”
People can leave official feedback to London Square by visiting www.lslowerhighstreet.co.uk.
A spokesperson for London Square said: “We are grateful to local residents for their engagement with our consultation. We agree that the local infrastructure is very important, and as part of the planning application we will be discussing with the council how we can support this.
"The site at 252-272 Lower High Street benefits from excellent access to the high street and public transport and provides an opportunity to create new homes in a highly sustainable location.”
London Square added tenancy agreements will prevent its residents using neighbouring controlled parking zones.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel