'We are committed to preserving best in Watford's heritage' (From Watford Observer)

Oxhey Village given conservation area status

3:10pm Thursday 21st February 2013 in News By Rebecca Perring, Reporter

A new conservation area in Oxhey has been designated to preserve the best in Watford’s heritage.

This week, Oxhey Village was granted conservation area status to provide Watford Borough Council with greater control over developments and guidelines for future improvement work.

Councillor Iain Sharpe said the outcome was something dear to his heart after years of residents and the Oxhey Village Environment Group (OVEG) calling for a designated area.

He said: "It is an excellent example of late Victorian residential development, with many buildings of distinctive local character and an interesting street layout.

"Importantly, it has retained many of its original features.

"This is part of our commitment to preserving the best in Watford’s heritage."

Following OVEG’s request for additional heritage protection, the council identified Oxhey as suitable for conservation area status through research for the Watford character of area study in 2011.

The proposed boundary of the area has also altered to include additional parts of Lower Paddock Road and Oxhey Green.

Councillor Sharpe added: "While it does not mean there can be no change in the area, it does elevate the criteria for new development in the future."

A management plan and character appraisal for the new conservation area will be discussed later in the year.

Further details including a map of the area can be viewed online and for more information visit www.watford.gov.uk/conservationareas .