PROPOSALS to convert an historic building in Bushey into a residential development housing hundreds of people have shocked and angered the community.

A planning application was lodged by Comer Homes Developers last week to transform the former International University in The Avenue into 314 residential units.

Although the developers have promised to retain all the listed buildings and not encroach further into the Green Belt, objectors are concerned about the density of the development and the amount of traffic which will be generated.

A member of the local residents association, Mrs Mary Carreras, of The Avenue, said: "I think the number of units planned at the university is outrageous.

"The traffic is terrible in the area and to have more traffic is totally unacceptable. We would need another access road to the university site.

And Mrs Ann Earl, of Grange Road, added: "I am very shocked at these plans. I think they are awful.

"I don't think the council should go along with this because of the road situation.

"There are several other new developments in Bushey and the area just can't handle the traffic."

Other residents said they would prefer the building to be used for educational purposes, as it was originally when the Royal Masonic School for Boys moved to the site in 1902.

Comer Homes, which is currently converting the old Friern Barnet Hospital into a residential development, bought the International University site in September last year.

They have since been discussing proposals for the site with planning officers at Hertsmere Borough Council who are keen to protect the Green Belt and the Listed Buildings.

Comer Home's Architect Co-Partnership, Mr Lawrie Winter, said: "The site has been predominantly unused for a number of years.

"We will be finding a new use and bringing it back up to repair.

"We hope to create a village setting within the existing landscape grounds.

"We will demolish the buildings built in the 1960's which don't fit in with the character of the listed buildings and build some new properties on the north corner.

"These big blocks currently mar the view from Aldenham Road and the new development will be more sympathetic with the existing buildings.

"Hopefully this will be a very good development which doesn't harm the environment and which will find a use for buildings which have been deteriorating."

The units in the development will range from studios to four-bedroom apartments, but they will predominantly be two-bedroom flats.

The great hall will be converted into leisure facilities for the residents including a fitness centre and the swimming pool will be refurbished.

As well as being a significant village landmark, some important history is contained within the chapel on the site relating to famous Bushey artist Hubert Herkomer.

Bushey Museum curator Mr Bryen Wood said: "Some of the surviving carvings from Herkomers' castle, Lululaund, are installed in the chapel of St Alban and I am very keen these are preserved.

"It is a beautifully dignified building and I would hate to see lace curtains and washing hanging out of the windows."

Architect Mr Winter said the chapel would be converted into one residential unit and the carvings would be left intact.

The buildings were bought by the International University in 1977 as the European campus of a private university based in San Diego, USA.

In the mid 1980's, the site was taken over by a consortium of Middle Eastern business men.

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