These are the updates to the five major planning applications in the Watford area in February.

Significant decisions ranged from the High Court's rejection of the latest bid to build 310 homes in Bushey to plans approved for revamping the iconic Watford Colosseum ahead of its autumn reopening.

With so many developments popping up every week, check out some of the biggest changes below that you may have missed.

Nando's

The peri-peri chain confirmed that it plans to open its third branch at the Woodside Leisure Park after an application was submitted to Watford Borough Council on February 5.

An earlier planning application to split the former Chiquito unit at the site into two was approved, with Starbucks taking over the smaller part and Nando’s the larger space.

Watford Observer: The application revealed that Nando's plans to open its third unit later this year.The application revealed that Nando's plans to open its third unit later this year. (Image: PA)

 

High Court appeal for Harts Farm development

On February 12, the High Court shot down the latest attempt to build 310 homes on the Harts Farm site in Little Bushey Lane, Bushey, after the initial application and appeal were rejected last year.

Developer Redrow Homes Limited brought the case to the High Court of Justice’s planning court, believing the planning inspector for the appeal had made errors around flood risk rules, who rejected all the grounds of challenge.

Watford Observer: The latest bid to push through plans for 310 homes was rejected this month.The latest bid to push through plans for 310 homes was rejected this month.

The residents' group Little Bushey Community chairman Daren Nathan described the ruling as “seismic” and “an absolutely massive win in the battle to protect the green belt”.

Watford Observer: The ruling was described as seismic by the Little Bushey Community group.The ruling was described as seismic by the Little Bushey Community group. (Image: Little Bushey Community)

Rickmansworth Road factory

Plans for nearly 100 homes t the Fleet Laboratories site, in Rickmansworth Road have received final approval 17 months after they were submitted in August 2022.

Under the proposal officially green-lit on February 20, two commercial buildings will be demolished to make way for three blocks totalling 94 flats.

Watford Observer: The plans received the final approval after 17 months.The plans received the final approval after 17 months. (Image: Wakelin Associates)

The redevelopment will see towers each measuring five-storeys-high, alongside a new community garden, play area, 46 car parking spaces and 159 cycle spaces.

Watford Observer: A CGI of the proposal to build flats on a factory site in Rickmansworth Road. A CGI of the proposal to build flats on a factory site in Rickmansworth Road. (Image: Wakelin Associates)

Watford Colosseum

Plans submitted by AEG, which runs the 02 Arena, to bring Watford Colosseum back into the use were approved on February 23.

Watford Observer: How Watford Colosseum is planned to look after the refurbishments.How Watford Colosseum is planned to look after the refurbishments. (Image: Watford Borough Council)

The refurbishments will include the installation of a box office, mobile counters, reconfigured bar layouts, a cloak room, and forum hall on the ground floor, reworking of the circle bar layout on the first floor, and the addition of guardrail above the ground floor office.

Watford Observer: The Colosseum is due to reopen in the autumn.The Colosseum is due to reopen in the autumn. The 85-year-old site, which is set to reopen in the autumn, will also be decorated with a 1930s art deco theme.

Sixth bid for Market Street flats in Watford town centre

Proposals to turn 41 Market Street, formerly Computer Software And Peripherals, into eight flats have gone in again after being refused five times.

The fifth attempt for nine flats in the same location was rejected on January 31 by Watford Borough Council over national floor space standards and a lack of daylight for potential residents.

Watford Observer: The fifth bid for flats at 41 Market Street was refused on January 31.The fifth bid for flats at 41 Market Street was refused on January 31. (Image: Google Street View)Similar plans were refused after being proposed in September 2021, April 2022, August 2022, and February 2023 respectively.

The latest plan, for six studio flats and two two-bedrooms, is currently “pending consideration”.