Plans to build a block of flats in a pub’s car park have been shot down over the “obtrusive” design.
Three Rivers District Council has refused planning permission for the demolition of an outbuilding at the back of The Western, in Rickmansworth High Street.
Under the plan, submitted on February 21, it would have made way for a three-storey block of three one-bedroom apartments, with each having a kitchen/living room, bedroom, balcony, and a bathroom.
- Flats proposed for The Western pub Rickmansworth car park
- 'Amazing' father dies after Mexico heart attack
- Animal charity founder stole nearly £20,000 to pay son's drug debts
The decision notice said: “The proposed development by reason of its scale and design would result in an obtrusive, prominent and incongruous form of development which would fail to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the streetscene and the Rickmansworth Town Centre Conservation Area.”
Two other reasons for refusal were listed - the lack of affordable housing provision and the lack of an agreement removing future residents’ ability to obtain parking permits.
The block was proposed as a “car-free” development.
Batchworth Community Council and Rickmansworth & District Residents' Association objected to the plan, describing it as “out of keeping” with its surroundings.
If the development had been approved the pub would have continued to operate as normal.
It would have been provided with a replacement storage area and retained five parking spaces.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here