A woman who was the first child to live in Kytes Drive fears a redevelopment of the road would lose its intended ethos.

The cul-de-sac in Watford was built in 1948 from charity donations with the homes being specifically for war veterans living with disabilities.

While fewer war veterans have lived in the 56 bungalows over the years, most of its residents are people with disabilities who rent from Anchor Homes.

In May, residents were told Anchor wants to knock down the homes and build 150 new dwellings.

Anchor Homes has said the proposed plans are to replace ageing bungalows with sustainable, accessible housing for people with disabilities.  

Christina Culliton, 75, said she would be “heartbroken” if the development goes ahead.

Watford Observer: Christina CullitonChristina Culliton (Image: Christina Culliton)Mrs Culliton moved to Kytes Drive when she was two in 1949.  

Her father was shot through the arm and his spinal cord on D-Day in France, leaving him bound to a wheelchair for the rest of his life as a paraplegic.

Watford Observer: Christina, aged 2, in Kytes Drive.Christina, aged 2, in Kytes Drive. (Image: Christina Culliton)

She said: “I think the ethos of Kytes Drive is being bulldozed.

“It’s coming up to Remembrance Sunday and I feel we are trampling on the graves of the war veterans.”

Watford Observer: Only war veterans and their families could live in the road when it was first built. Only war veterans and their families could live in the road when it was first built. (Image: Christina Culliton)

The mother of three, who now lives in Abbots Langley, added that she thinks the proposed homes are not inclusive.

Anchor has confirmed that of the 150 homes, only 14 will be bungalows and 29 will be cottages, so the disabled member of the family will be able to sleep downstairs.

Watford Observer: Queen Elizabeth (now known as the Queen Mother) visited Kytes Drive in 1951.Queen Elizabeth (now known as the Queen Mother) visited Kytes Drive in 1951. (Image: Christina Culliton)Mrs Culliton said: “If this had happened when I lived there, we would have been living separate lives. My father might as well have been put in the garden shed.”

The road even attracted a visit from the then Queen Elizabeth (known as The Queen Mother) in 1951.

Mrs Culliton said: “All the people on the road met her. She was lovely, magnificent, very royal. I was only three when I met her, but I remember.”

Watford Observer: Christina (child pictured) was only three when she met the Queen.Christina (child pictured) was only three when she met the Queen. (Image: Christina Culliton)A petition has also been launched by residents to try and stop the redevelopment.

Nick Hodgskin, senior development manager for Anchor said: “Kytes estate is a unique and thriving community.

“Our proposals seek to replace ageing bungalows with fit for-purpose, energy efficient homes; and to foster intergenerational communities via much needed affordable and sustainable housing.

Watford Observer: The Queen met everyone who lived on the road. The Queen met everyone who lived on the road. (Image: Christina Culliton)

“As part of Anchor’s redevelopment proposals, every resident will have the right to return to a new property at Kytes estate and we will actively seek to prioritise future lettings for disabled people and veterans.

“All of the homes proposed in the plans will be designed to M4(3) accessibility standards under current building regulations and will therefore be suitable for people with disabilities including wheelchair users.

“A planning submission is anticipated in December 2023.

“The start of construction on the site will thereafter be determined by progress with the planning application and resident consultation.”