Watford’s mayor has made a fresh appeal for housing targets to be cut saying the town is in a “unique” situation.
Peter Taylor wrote to Michael Gove, the Housing Secretary, on May 30 asking for the borough's housing target of just over 13,000 by 2038 to be reviewed.
He says being just eight square miles, it is “impossible” to get anywhere near meeting the target without building high-rises.
Watford Borough Council has come under-fire for the level of development approved in the town since 2016, with buildings of 28, 25, 24, and 22 storeys accepted under the Liberal Democrat administration.
The council says its new local plan, which is due to be adopted later this year, will include "tougher" policy requirements for taller buildings, with a guideline of around ten storeys.
The Government says its Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill means local plans will “hold more weight in law” and make it harder for councils or planning inspectors to make decisions “contrary” to it.
But with continued uncertainty over how planning reform proposals in the bill might impact housing targets, Mr Taylor has written once again to Government calling for a reduction for Watford.
He has also offered to meet with Conservative member Mr Gove to discuss how a solution could be reached to “benefit residents”.
Read more: Candidates clash over development at Watford mayoral hustings
Mr Taylor, who secured a comfortable victory at the recent mayoral election despite criticism from his political rivals over the level of building in Watford, said: “It is so important for the future of Watford that national planning rules change.
“Many people are worried about the number of high-rise buildings we are seeing here, including me.
“Housing targets must take into account how densely populated an area already is and the amount of land available.”
The mayor, who recently took on planning responsibilities at the council, added: “We must see our unfair housing target cut and more power for local people to decide what is best for Watford."
A target was reduced from just under 15,000 homes to 13,328 after the council's draft local plan was scrutinised by Government.
Read more: Watford has housing target reduced
Read more: Watford mayor to oversee planning department for first time
However, it still leaves around 60 sites in the town threatened by development including land at retail parks, car parks, and commercial buildings.
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