As well as being a heated issue in national politics, planning is often controversial with the public.
These planning applications have their supporters and their detractors but have all faced a significant number of objections from neighbours since going in at some point this year.
Each plan is currently under considerations from Watford Borough Council, Three Rivers District Council, or Hertsmere Borough Council.
Cassiobury Park gates homes
A plan to build four homes where one stands in Coningesby Drive, proposed on May 10, has created controversy because neighbours say it flies in the face of the local covenant for the Cassiobury Estate, which stipulates “one dwelling house is allowed per single plot”.
Watford Borough Council has previously stated that private covenants are not material planning issues when considering previous plans for the area.
The applicant says the plot currently occupied by one house by an entrance to Cassiobury Park is “exceptionally generous” and so well suited to a development that will harmonise with neighbouring properties while creating more housing.
So far, there have been 94 objections.
Site near Chiltern Hills Golf Club
Chorleywood Parish Council is among 586 objections to a proposal for 675 homes and a two-form entry primary school that was submitted for land off Green Street, Chorleywood, in April.
In the parish council letter, it said no exceptional circumstances exist to allow the “major development” within the green belt and Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which are afforded extra protection in national planning guidelines.
The land is owned by Chiltern Hills Golf Club which has defended the proposals as a “an unrivalled opportunity to deliver housing in a highly accessible and sustainable location”.
The Island, Rickmansworth
Although plans for 95-homes between two canals behind the Premier Inn in Rickmansworth were only added to the planning portal last week, they have gathered nine objections including one from the Rickmansworth Waterways Trust.
People are particularly worried about the impact on wildlife and flood risk at the site, which is currently occupied by just one home which would have to be demolished.
However, the developer says it sees the setting with canals surrounding the site as “an asset” and said the development would be flood-proof while maintain as much greenery as possible.
Bushey Heath Care Home
A proposal for a 98-bedroom care homes was added to the Hertsmere Borough Council planning portal in January.
It would see a house with two-acre grounds in Heathbourne Road, Bushey Heath knocked down for a facility that would take up a much wider area.
There have been 34 objections from neighbours, with residents slamming the scheme’s appearance, labelling it over-development, and raising traffic fears for the area.
On the other hand, planning documents said: “The proposed development seeks to make the most efficient use of the site whilst providing much needed care accommodation for the elderly and vulnerable.”
McDonald’s Rickmansworth
McDonald’s has asked for fans’ help to push through a plan for a Rickmansworth High Street location where M&Co used to be as 21 objections have gone in since its proposal to change the unit’s use was made on May 24.
Dissenters raised concerns that it could take trade away from existing local businesses and hurt the look of the high street. Some also said they would prefer a healthier dining option to move in.
However, 26 positive comments have been made so far, with support for bringing empty units back into use to help the high street.
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