Croxley Green: Plan for six new homes on green land refused

Nova Planning had earmarked the land adjacent to 62-84 and 99-121 Sycamore Road for housebuilding, only for a raft of objections to pour in from neighbouring residents who frequently use the open space.

This is not the first time the site has been eyed for development, with a separate plan for nine new homes on the land rejected last April.

After the wave of dissent from residents, planning officers had recommended that the plans be rejected at a meeting of Three Rivers District Council's Planning Committee on Thursday night (September 12).

At the meeting they did exactly that, refusing planning permission due to the 'loss of green character' that the proposals would cause.

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In a notice published to explain its decision, the council said: "The residential use and amount of development proposed would erode and result in the loss of the verdant green character of the site, resulting in demonstrable harm to the 1960s character and appearance of the area and locality, including the canal.

"The loss of verdant character would diminish the value and positive contribution the existing site provides as a neighbourhood community outdoor space."

In all, more than 60 residents registered their objections to the proposal, as well as the Croxley Green Parish Council.

Around 30 residents attended Thursday's meeting, highlighting the recreational and environmental value of the open space, which they say has been maintained and used by residents for decades.

Councillor Cheryl Stungo (Green Party, Dickinsons Ward) reacted to the verdict, saying: “This decision reflects our ongoing commitment to preserving Croxley Green’s local character and ensuring developments meet the needs and values of our residents.

"Sadly, the district council’s inability to demonstrate a five-year housing supply continues to leave our open spaces at risk from speculative development proposals”.

The site has been subject to five planning applications in the last 16 months, making a further bid for development appear likely.