Residents object to Langleybury Film Hub unit plans

Ralph Trustees, which owns The Grove hotel, wants to transform part of the Langleybury Estate near Watford into a hub for units available for long-term hire to the film industry.

The potential development would be 39,314sqm. If approved, it will include several units such as, an on-site café, sound stages, a craft zone, and an educational building.

Langleybury Mansion would also undergo sensitive restoration repair work.

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A CGI of part of the film hub planned for the Langleybury Estate near Watford. (Image: If_Do / Secchi Smith)

However, the Chandlers Cross Residents’ Association (CCRA), which represents residents in Chandlers Cross, Bucks Hill, Commonwood and Sarratt, has called on Three Rivers District Council to reject the planning application.

David Zerny, speaking on behalf of the CCRA, told the Watford Observer it does not have an issue with the brownfield site being built on, but it “objects strongly” to the latest amendments to the plan, despite it being smaller than the original proposal.

Mr Zerny said: “The height and visual impact of the proposed development on the green belt along Langleybury Lane would be considerable.

David Zerney is speaking on behalf of the Chandlers Cross Residents Association. (Image: David Zerney)

“Their location and height – 17 metres tall – would utterly transform what is now a green field with mature trees, into an industrial space.

“No exceptional circumstances are presented which would justify the loss of green belt for this purpose.”

In addition, the CCRA said it is concerned about an increase in traffic, while construction is taking place and afterwards.

Hub CGI Image (Image: If_Do / Secchi Smith)

Mr Zerny said: “If allowed, there is nothing to prevent subsequent planning applications here in the future.

“A covenant might address this; but the overriding issue for residents is that, if allowed, the proposed green belt development will destroy a precious part of our environment."

To date, the application, which was submitted on October 19 last year, and its revised schemes have so far received 16 objections and 22 offers of support.   

Neil Westwick, senior director at planning consultancy firm Lichfields, which is representing the developer, said the amended plan includes several reductions including the removal of two sound stages from the proposal and several other buildings have been reduced in scale.

With regards to concerns over green belt he said the scheme presents several very special circumstances, including “heritage benefits, benefits to natural capital and sustainability, public benefits, and significant economic benefits”.