Watford Mencap: Plans for 'next stage of development'

The application was submitted on Friday, February 16, and will see "a wonderful garden filled with activity", sensory planting and soft play building created.

Watford Mencap is a charity that supports those with learning disabilities in south west Hertfordshire.

The organisation's Hub currently features a playroom, a chill out room, a large soft-play area, a large sensory room, an accessible kitchen and an outdoor play area.

The proposed new soft-play building at Watford Mencap's Hub. (Image: Good Architecture / Watford Borough Council)

The new plans would see a quiet space, allotments, story telling zone "and more" added to the site.

A new soft-play building, included within the plans, would see an interior space of 6 x 6 metres created.

This would replace the soft-play location that Watford Mencap lost when the organisation moved from St Albans Road to Langley Road.

Four garden zones would also be created for particular activities. These include developing horticultural skills, environmental projects,  water and sand play and a story corner and fire pit for camp fires and experiencing outdoor activities.

Proposed elevations for Watford Mencap's garden building. (Image: Good Architecture / Watford Borough Council)

According to a design and access statement included within the plans, Watford Mencap's vision is to "create a garden as accessible and inviting as the interior of their main building".

The charity also wish to "break down barriers by having people with learning disabilities and their families enjoying the garden alongside the local community – learning, volunteering and having fun together."

The application has been received favourably by the community, with 18 comments made to the plans.

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One Langley Road resident wrote: "As a neighbour, it looks to me like a great amenity which blends in and with no impact on any neighbouring properties and no significant impact on the existing garden area, trees, flora or fauna. I am in favour."

Another added: "This will make such a huge impact and difference to so many families with disabilities and special needs within the local community."

The proposed site of the new garden building. (Image: Good Architecture / Watford Borough Council)

The application can be viewed online by using reference 24/00128/FUL on the Watford Borough Council planning portal.