Knocking down a detached three-storey house to replace it with a housing development has given the go-ahead in principle.

Two three-bedroom homes and two four-bedroom homes are targeted at the Birchville Cottage site in Heathbourne Road, Bushey Heath after Hertsmere Borough Council granted outline planning permission yesterday (March 20).

Documents specified that the four properties will be within a gated community and will range from two to three storeys, but it was only an outline application.

It included an assessment of access arrangements, scale, and layout, but further approvals will be needed in terms of appearance and landscaping before the build can go ahead.

Watford Observer: Birchville Cottage in Heathbourne Road, Bushey Heath.Birchville Cottage in Heathbourne Road, Bushey Heath. (Image: Keri Barr Architects)

In a report on the plan the council said: “Overall, officers consider that the proposed site layout and scale of built-form on site would not appear harmful to the character and appearance of the surrounding area and would not appear out of keeping with the pattern of development along the street scene.

“Officers therefore consider that the proposal would comply with the relevant policies mentioned above and raise no concerns.”

Watford Observer: Existing garden view. Existing garden view. (Image: Keri Barr Architects)

While the proposal was under consideration, five objections were raised by neighbours. These were over the loss of trees as well as general damage to ecology and wildlife, the homes being out of keeping with the area, and traffic concerns.