A petition has been launched calling for a housing provider to stop the “destruction of people’s homes”.

It comes as proposals have been made, but not formally submitted, to replace 56 Anchor-owned bungalows with approximately 150 dwellings in Kytes Drive, Watford.

Bob Sparkes, 70, who lives with his blind wife in one of the road’s bungalows, has launched the petition after residents were recently made aware of suggestions for the redevelopment.

Mr Sparkes said: “These homes were never put here to make money. The thought of moving home at my age is scary. We are at the end of our life and we don’t need this.

“Sign the petition and tell Anchor to leave us alone and stop the destruction of people’s homes. Keep Kytes Drive for the disabled.”

Mr Sparkes' petition is here https://tinyurl.com/59mvc2jm. 

Watford Observer: Mr Sparkes is worried about moving home Mr Sparkes is worried about moving home (Image: Mr Sparkes)

Anchor has confirmed it is looking to replace the 56 bungalows with seven bungalows, 37 cottages, a trio of three-storey apartment blocks containing 84 one or two-bedroom flats, as well as 23 houses.

The bungalows and cottages will be designed for families with a household member who has a disability and will be suitable for wheelchair users.

The cottages will be constructed so the disabled member of the family will be able to sleep downstairs, which Mr Sparks has described as “wrong”.

While currently all the homes on the site are rented, Anchor has confirmed that some of the suggested three and four-bedroom houses will be put up for sale and will not be age restricted.

There will be homes that are specifically for people over the age of 55.

Mr Sparkes said: “This estate was meant to be for war veterans. It was paid for with donations, it was never meant to be for a money-making organisation.”

Emma Martin, operations manager at Kytes Drive, said: “We appreciate this is an unsettling and upsetting time for residents and we will continue to work closely with them to understand their specific needs and how we best meet those.

“We will do everything we can to support residents throughout this process.”

She added the proposals are still being developed and Anchor is in the process of modifying them following residents’ feedback.