Plans to build 40 flats in Bushey fiercely opposed by residents

Residents are objecting to a new proposal to build the flats and a car park on The Paddock, Elstree Road, Bushey Heath.

The Bushey Heath Residents Association are spearheading a campaigning, saying that not only is it one of few green spaces in Bushey, the space is an important part of Bushey history and is a haven for wildlife.

The plans, submitted by Banner Homes Central, propose to build five blocks with a gap of two meters inbetween each unit. The flats will be a mixture of homes and affordable housing.

There is also a proposal to build a semi-underground car park, with 80 parking spaces, below the flats. Access to the car park will be via Caldecote Gardens.

The residents are arguing that if the plans do go ahead it will have a huge impact on the environment and the wildlife.

The residents association describe the Paddock as a corridor for biodiversity with many species of plants, birds and rare bats. It is also home to some of the oldest oak and silver birch trees, which are now protected.

Elaine Sin'hidge, technical advisor for the association said: "Many residents, who have been living in Bushey for a long time now already think it is over developed. If these plans go through, there will be havoc caused by the additional traffic and parking.

"The development will also result in Bushey losing part of its cultural history."

The Paddock is part of Reveley Lodge, a Grade II listed building, that is owned by the Bushey Museum Property Trust, who bequeathed the place in 2003.

Previously the estate belonged to Eila Chewitt.

Linda Rauch, Chairwoman of the Bushey Heath Residents Association, said: "The Revely Lodge estate, including The Paddock, was left to the people of Bushey. Eila Chewitt, in her will stated that it should be used for charitable purposes for the people of Bushey.

"The Chewitt household originally bought the Paddock land to preserve the view from their home, and this is precisely what we want to continue to do.

"It is the only green space that has never been built on."

This is not the first time residents in Bushey Heath have objected to building proposals on the Paddock.

In 2012 they successfully gathered more than 1,500 signatures to prevent another developer building a care home on the site.

Ms Rauch added: "We are going round asking people to write in letters to the council. This is about preserving a part of Bushey history.

"The Paddock has also been put on the list as a recommened Local Green Space, part of Hertsmere Council's core strategy, but it is still waiting to be approved."

Councillor Paul Morris is backing the campaign against the proposal. He said: "For me it's a very worrying application. I did the advocacy for the previous application with the belief that it was out of keeping with Bushey, and this is the same.

"I attended a pre-application meeting with the developers, and I am disappointed that after having that meeting, they have actually disregarded the point of view of the councillors, officers and the community."

Duncan Klitgaard, Land and Planning Director at CALA Homes Chiltern, who acquired Banner Homes Central in March, said: "CALA’s proposals for a high quality development at the site would provide 40 much needed private and affordable homes, as well as offer significant financial benefits for the local community." 

He said CALA's investment would secure funds to help maintain and preserve Reveley Lodge and its grounds.