Plans have been submitted to demolish homes that were intended for war veterans, to make way for 146 dwellings.

The application, validated today (November 7) would see 42 buildings demolished in Kytes Drive, Watford, to make way for 63 two-storey houses and an apartment building comprising of 71 dwellings.

Two dwellings would also be created within an existing building, while Kytes House would be used for an additional 10 homes.

In total, 14 of the site's existing buildings would remain following the development.

Watford Observer: An artists impression of proposed general needs housing at Kytes Drive.An artists impression of proposed general needs housing at Kytes Drive. (Image: PRP / Watford Borough Council)

Kytes Drive was built in 1948 from charity donations, with the homes intended for war veterans living with disabilities.

While fewer veterans now live in the 56 bungalows, many of its residents are people with disabilities.

Earlier this year, the landlord of the properties, Anchor Homes, told residents that it wanted to demolish the homes for 150 dwellings, and plans have now been submitted.

Watford Observer: An artist's impression of the proposed development, focussing on Kytes House.An artist's impression of the proposed development, focussing on Kytes House. (Image: PRP / Watford Borough Council)

A planning statement attached to the application reads: "Whilst Kytes Drive is a unique and thriving community, Anchor has identified significant opportunities for rejuvenation."

Reasons given for the scheme include the preservation of the Grade II listed Kytes House, improving "the accessibility and biodiversity" of the existing landscape, replacing "structurally and thermally deficient" bungalows, and providing "much-needed" affordable and sustainable retirement homes.

Watford Observer: An artist's impression of an independent living building at Kytes Drive, Watford.An artist's impression of an independent living building at Kytes Drive, Watford. (Image: PRP / Watford Borough Council)

A total of 43 of the 146 properties included in the proposed redevelopment would be accessible homes that are "socially rented".

The planning statement continues: "The development is likely to be delivered in three phases to minimise disruption to existing residents during construction, and the specific needs of each existing resident will be taken into account when considering relocation during and after the construction phases.

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"Anchors application for the Kytes Drive Estate will deliver sector leading, accessible, energy-efficient housing for retirement and family housing needs.

"The proposals will increase the number of dwellings at Kytes Drive from 55 general needs homes to 146 homes, of which 71 are retirement homes and 75 are general needs homes."

Watford Observer: Existing bungalows at Kytes Drive, Watford.Existing bungalows at Kytes Drive, Watford. (Image: PRP / Watford Borough Council)

The plans can be viewed by using reference 23/01097/FULM on the Watford Borough Council planning portal.