Neighbours 'scared' if The Old Station House pub approved

The Old Station House, between the railway line and Watford Cross development in St Albans Road, has been vacant for six years but plans to convert the Grade II listed building into a boozer were submitted in August.

A small pub would provide a “pleasurable resource for people living nearby”, according to the applicant, who also said it has sought advice from another operator on running a pub surrounded by homes.

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CGI showing how the proposed extension would look. (Image: Watford Council planning portal/CESA Developments Limited/Nissen Richards.)

However, the council has since received six objection letters from households in the building opposite, Chiltern Court, and one from another Watford Cross building, Conway Court.

One said a pub would leave them feeling “extremely scared” and “unsafe” while another said it would need to be separated from the residential area by some sort of fence.

“Public houses can, unfortunately, attract antisocial behaviour, including loud and disruptive conduct, vandalism, and public intoxication,” another Chiltern Court resident said.

(Image: Watford Council planning portal/CESA Developments Limited/Nissen Richards.)

“This poses a risk to the safety and well-being of residents, especially in this residential area where families and elderly individuals reside.”

The Conway Court resident said the Watford Cross community already faces issues with “trespassers, litter, and excessive noise” and worried that a drinking venue so nearby would exacerbate the problems.

Several objectors mentioned that there are already several pubs in the area, including Dunnings Bar, The Prince George, The White Lion, Nascot Arms, O’Neill's, and the Cother Arms.

CGI showing how the pub would look. (Image: Watford Council planning portal/CESA Developments Limited/Nissen Richards.)

Failte Ventures, which has apparently expressed an interest in potentially running the venue as well as advising on it, has a reputation as being a “well-managed, good neighbour”, according to the application.

Consultant Alsop Verrill, which submitted the plan, specified in its documents that the designers have “been careful to attend to the possible implications for the residents of Watford Cross, Chiltern Court in particular”.

It added that a noise and vibration assessment was prepared, specifying extra steps the designs could include to avoid disturbing neighbours.

The relevant planning applications are currently "pending council consideration".

Update: Alsop Verrill responded to the objections, saying that it was wrong to suggest that all pubs cause anti-social behaviour and non-stop noise.

It also emphasised that the site has been derelict and unused for six years and that Watford Borough Council would be able to control how a potential pub there operates through planning conditions.