Highways objections have been dropped in a major boost for a 363-flat proposal by Watford Junction.
The developer behind the 16-storey co-living space project, which would replace Apex House in Bridle Path, said it was “shocked” when designs were recommended for refusal in September over transport concerns.
At the time it confirmed it would be continuing discussions and making changes when needed and, on Wednesday (November 6), Herts Highways submitted new feedback stating that it now “does not wish to restrict the grant of permission” subject to conditions.
Kosy Living proposes just six disabled parking spaces for the hundreds of two-person flats but says that its town centre location by the train station means the walking and cycling accessibility is “excellent”.
However, the council transport body had fears about access for construction vehicles, a lack of service bays for deliveries, limited information on proposed parking control nearby, narrow footpaths which would be partly obstructed by new cycle stands and bollards, and other issues.
It also sought an agreement on transport impact mitigations as well as for private refuse collection to be guaranteed.
Since the objections were raised, bollards that were a source of concern have been removed from the plan, footways now meet standards, and cycle stands have been moved to prevent obstruction.
A payment to fund amending parking and waiting restrictions has also been proposed to mitigate the scheme’s impacts.
- Highways recommends 363-flats by Watford Junction be refused
- Apex House in Watford could make way for 363-flat building
- Developer responds to Watford Junction tower criticism
Although the developer has now demonstrated it can use a private route that can accommodate larger vehicles, Highways is still highlighting that it would fail to meet these standards if this permission was ever removed.
The developer also wants to ensure no vehicles longer than 10 metres will visit the site, but this apparently falls outside what could be enforced at this stage.
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A separate proposal for another tower with hundreds of homes in the same road was also submitted this week. Read more here.
Watford Borough Council will be informed to make the final decision on how to protect access rights.
Highways improvement contributions are also being sought, since the development is car-free, including upgrades to nearby bus stops.
Now that the objections has been removed, if it considers the conditions acceptable, Kosy Living will be hoping its application will soon head to Watford Borough Council's planning committee for a final decision.
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