Residents are outraged by proposals to build 4 modern, 3 bedroom, 3 story detached style town houses in the back gardens of 4-6 Lower Paddock Road.
Back gardens were designated greenfield sites in 2010 and the national government wants to deter councils from granting planning permission on these valuable private amenity spaces. This policy is especially pertinent in a conservation area. Tandem back garden development is especially discouraged.
This type of development, if approved, will set a dangerous precedent that will pave the way for future back garden development in the village.
Watford Borough Council has a history of refusing back garden development outside of the conservation area. A single dwelling was refused in the back gardens of no. 10 Cedar Road and no. 7 Sherwoods Road. Both applications were dismissed on appeal. The inspectorate agreed with the residents and WBC that these developments were inappropriate.
OVEG are supporting local residents to fight this proposal. OVEG have spoken to the case officer Mr Paul Baxter, unfortunately he is considering recommending this for approval. He hasn’t visited the site yet.
We urge residents to make their objections on the WBC website HERE.
Key areas of concern pertinent to planning policy are:
– This proposal contravenes NPPF and WBC policies. It is a green field site within a conservation area. All development is considered harmful.
– All development must seek to maintain or enhance the character of the area. The proposed design is incongruous with the predominant 19th century terraced dwellings in the conservation area.
– This proposal will set a dangerous precedent, paving the way for future back garden development in the conservation area.
– The proposed private amenity space for the new dwellings contravenes WBC policy as they are below 11m to the rear boundary. The garden space of number 6 Lower Paddock Road will be virtually non existent.
A petition has also been started by local residents and can be found HERE.
We urge residents to make their personal feelings known to WBC as soon as possible.
The mayor and local councillors are aware of this proposal.
Should you have any questions/queries please contact our Planning & Environment Officer, Kim on 07775 844244 or at planning@oveg.org
click on plan to enlarge
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