Failed plans to turn an office space into 120 flats could be revived after an appeal was lodged against the decision to deny planning permission.

Under the original plans, a unit at the Reach Free School in Wolsey Business Park, Tolpits Lane, would be transformed 66 studio apartments and 54 single bedroom flats across two multi-storey blocks.

Watford Observer:

In March, Three Rivers District Council refused planning permission on the grounds that the proposed external alterations to the building constituted operational development, which would not be permitted.

However an appeal has now been lodged with the Secretary of State for the Environment by appellant Shamir Budhdeo in a bid to overturn the decision.

The Reach Free School, which holds a current leasehold interest in the entire building until August 2018, registered “strong objections” to the plans for 120 new homes as they would “undermine the school’s ability to viably operate at this location”.

It also said the building’s change of use would increase visitor pressure on the Croxley Common Moor Site of Special Scientific Interest, which would in turn have a detrimental impact on the flora and fauna found in this “sensitive site”.

Camelot – the operators of the UK National Lottery also based in the business park – registered its opposition to the project, stating that the site is allocated exclusively for employment use and that a mix of use is not deemed acceptable under the current development plan.

It also argued that the “significant loss” of office floorspace would negatively impact upon the supply of office space in the district and the business park.

“The loss of such a significant amount of employment generating floorspace in a key site is sufficient grounds to refuse the application,” it added.

The appeal will be decided by way of an informal hearing, a date for which has not yet been arranged.