Homes plan near Strangeways, Watford, blocked by government

MBL Architecture had appealed to the planning inspectorate after their application to build five homes on top of train tunnels behind 32 Strangeways was refused by Watford Borough Council in April 2023.

If approved, it would have seen three three-bed semi-detached homes, one three-bed terraced house, and one five-bed semi-detached house built in a garden to the rear of the property.

Plans for five family homes have been blocked by the government. (Image: MBL Architecture) In its decision published today (July 23), a planning inspector dismissed the appeal on the basis that the scheme’s potential harm would “significantly and demonstrably” outweigh any benefits.

Although the homes were previously branded “cramped” by Watford Borough Council, the government concluded that they would receive adequate levels of sunlight and would be in close proximity to shops and services. 

They also pointed to the scheme's “moderate” social benefits of contributing to local housing supply.

A CGI of the proposed homes to the rear of 32 Strangeways, Watford. (Image: MBL Architecture)

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However, the planning inspectorate ruled the units would cause “substantial harm” to the area and neighbouring properties as they would “dominate” the view from some Courtlands Drive homes, resulting in a “restricted and uninviting” appearance.

They would be located closer than the minimum 11 metres separation distance to other Strangeways properties, causing “unacceptable level of visual intrusion”.

Thirty six neighbours objected to the plans when they were first submitted in February last year, including one who said she would “feel like I am looking onto a prison” if it was approved.

Others warned that the scheme could increase traffic in the area and that the new units were not in keeping with the local character.

The site would have been accessed off Goodwood Avenue. (Image: Google Street View) The new five homes, which would have been accessed off Goodwood Avenue, would have had a designated parking space and two bike spaces for residents, and four more bike areas for visitors.

Concerns were also raised about the access road being in poor condition and some people were worried that the public’s access to the nearby recreation ground would not be as easy if the build goes ahead.