Plans for six homes that were blocked by Watford Borough Council have gone to appeal as the appellant hit back.

Extending 35 Bucks Avenue upwards, sideways and to the rear for a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom flats was shot down in June over fears it would harm the property's character.

WBC also cited issues with the “overprovision of car parking” which could strain the road network, impact on neighbours' privacy, and potential to harm the appearance of the area.

In its grounds for appeal, the developer highlighted that it had a previous plan to convert the property into flats and extend it to a lesser extent approved, and claimed that the only significant change is for one part to the south east.

In its initial report, the council had seen the additional extensions as adding additional “bulk and massing to the consented additions which are already quite substantial”. It also mentioned that the approved plan, parts of which have already commenced, came before the adoption of Watford’s Local Plan.

However, the appeal grounds state: “This ground for rejection is absolutely not accepted.”

The home, in Bucks Avenue, Watford. (Image: Watford Borough Council planning portal/Eurohaus)

The documents also challenge how far the home’s side windows would allow overlook into neighbouring properties, and claim it is “a relatively minor issue” which the council could have worked out by amending the window requirements.

As it raised the parking concern, Watford Borough Council stated that an access path to the side of the building “would likely be used as a driveway”. However, the developer branded this "nonsense" and argued it would be too small for this – at 1.6 metres wide.

“The appellant believes that the council has been inconsistent with their decisions for this site,” it concluded.

“Finally, the appellant believes that the council could have made a number of matters subject to condition, just as they had on earlier applications.”

The formal appeal start date is today (August 27) and it will be determined by the written representations procedure. The inspector will visit the site before making a decision.

Final comments from both sides must be made by October 15.

The home, in Bucks Avenue, Watford. (Image: Watford Borough Council planning portal/Eurohaus)