Complex given go-ahead despite 'ghetto' fears

Included in the designs were affordable houses, in accordance with Watford Council's policy.

However councillors expressed alarm because these homes were grouped together in one corner of the development, on the the former Watford fields pumping station, in Muriel Avenue.

Liberal Democrat councillor Rabi Martins, said it gave the impression of trying to marginalise those needing social housing.

He said: "It should not be shoved in a corner as though it were a prison.

"We must see social housing is not ghettoised in that way."

His calls were backed by the Labour's Rashid Choudhrey. He said mixing social and expensive housing was part of Government policy.

He criticised the developers for trying to maximise their profit, rather than ensure a mixed and balanced community.

He said: "I cannot accept segregation at any cost."

Labour councillor Andy Head said he supported the idea of "pepper-potting" social housing throughout the area.

He said: "I don't think we should be treating social housing as second class."

The council's development control committee, which discussed the matter on Wednesday, October 10, debated the issue for more than an hour.

Council officers said they could not force developers to provide a mix.

The plans were also criticised by Liberal Democrat group leader Iain Sharp.

He was concerned about the height of the buildings.

He said: "These are three storey houses with a ground floor and three other floors. The buildings are too high."

But because on a previous occasion when the developers sought planning permission this was not mentioned by the council committee, it cannot be used to reject the plans.

Despite deep dissatisfaction among committee members, the houses were given the go ahead.

A "wish list", suggesting making the buildings smaller and mixing different types of houses, was attached to the permission.

But the developer, Laing Homes, has the right to ignore this.

October 15, 2001 21:08

Philip Sands