Plans for 129 flats in five-storey blocks in Carpenders Park

Housebuilder Kebbell Development has applied to demolish the existing office buildings west of Delta Gain to build four new apartment blocks, as well as 518 square metres of new office space.

The proposals for 129 flats, which were validated earlier this month, represent an “opportunity for significant housing delivery in a highly sustainable location”, according to the developer.

If approved, Kebbell would build 54 one-bed flats, 56 two-bedroom apartments and 19 with three bedrooms.

How the redevelopment could look. (Image: Kebbell Development) Homes on the ground floor units would feature private gardens, while the units on the upper levels would have their own balconies.

The redevelopment would also provide 1115 sqm of open space, including a playground for children up to age 11 and communal gardens.

Kebbell claimed the plans would bring “significant improvements” to the area’s character including a “welcoming approach” to the Carpenders Park London Overground station south of the plot.

The developer pointed to the 514-home South Oxhey Initiative and the conversion of the nearby Hartcran House office building into 21 flats as precedents for building higher-density housing in the area.

It had previously applied to build 60 new homes across two buildings in 2011 which was blocked by Three Rivers District Council.

A basement-level car park with 126 spaces would accompany the new homes, while 11 more spaces would be added to the “informal” parking in Gibbs Couch.

How the proposed apartment blocks could look. (Image: Kebbell Development) Founded in 1953, Kebbell built much of Carpenders Park estate, including its former head office in Delta Gain.

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The plans have received five objections and no comments in support so far, as residents raised concerns over the development’s size and increased demand on local services.

One neighbour in Gibbs Couch said: “This proposed development is too big and the influx of this many new residents would put too large a strain on an already oversubscribed local infrastructure. 

“The local primary schools are already oversubscribed with waiting lists and this proposed development will affect current residents by increasing demand for places.”

Carpenders Park residents have until July 30 to submit their views on the development on the Three Rivers District Council website.