New builds refused in Gallows Hill Lane, Abbots Langley

Developers had requested to build three, four-bed detached houses on 78 Gallows Lane in Abbots Langley.

The ‘arts and crafts-style’ property currently there was built around 1921 and in June 2021 it was not deemed applicable for listing by Three Rivers District Council.

The current house at 78 Gallows Hill Lane, Abbots Langley (Image: Google Street View)

But the recent application was refused on July 3 by the council’s Local Planning Authority on grounds that the existing dwelling “positively contributed to the street scene given its architectural and local historical interest”.

It was also decided that the proposed development would not justify the loss of the current house and the new builds would be cramped on site.

The application was also refused due to a lack of information on biodiversity and protected species on site.  

In addition, the development was found to fail in providing adequate requirement for emergency and waste vehicles to leave, enter and exit the site in forward gear.

A CGI of the proposed new builds. (Image: Render by FCVIZ)

Since the application was validated in March 14, it received 17 objections, and no-one offered their support.

Several people said they were against the build because they wanted to keep the original house.

One person said: “This is a tragic loss of a historic arts and craft house; we understand it is the last of its kind.”

Another objector said: “My children deserve the right to see properties like this, not just new builds.”

• Warrant issued for woman accused of assaulting Asda staff
• Dogs die in M25 lorry crash as woman airlifted to hospital

People who live near the site said the builds would disrupt their “right of light” due to the height of the new development.

An objector who lives next door said the plans look as though plot two is “hanging over my property”.

When the Watford Observer contacted the landowner and developer Jon Gomme, he declined to comment.

However, in March, he told the Observer said the proposed builds have been designed to take into consideration the current house’s aesthetics.

He added: “Living in this house now and heating it would not be cost effective and it would not be viable to fix it up.”

Mr Gomme said he lives in the village, is invested in the area, and hires local trades people.