Plans to knock down a “substandard” Cassiobury Estate bungalow to build a bigger home have been approved.

Developers submitted the application to replace the Woodland Drive property in Watford with a four-bedroom house with two main floors and an additional level in the roof after plans to refurbish it ran into difficulties.

The applicant said it “became apparent” that the 1950s-building had “deficient” foundations and substandard insulation which left demolition the most viable option.

How the approved home (middle) will look.How the approved home (middle) will look. (Image: Ark Planning)  In its decision published yesterday (July 23), Watford Borough Council approved the plans and ordered that windows on the northwestern and southeastern sides should be fitted with obscure glass to avoid over-looking neighbours.

The much larger replacement property will include a study, lounge, utility room, kitchen/dining room, family room, laundry room, hall, cinema/crafts room, and a reading/games room as well as the four bedrooms.

Neighbours lodged five objections to the application over concerns about the loss of bungalows, which they said are “essential to sustain the independence of an ageing population”.

One Woodland Drive resident submitted a comment in support however, saying they “welcomed” the plans as the existing bungalow was not suitable for families and a modern replacement would better serve their needs.