Concerned neighbours in Oxhey have issued an impassioned plea: “Save our conservation area from the threat of inappropriate developments”.

A number of people living within the Oxhey Village Conservation Area are worried that several planned housing projects will set a dangerous precedent to allow back garden developments in the future.

A particular concern for them is the proposal to build homes described as “futuristic monstrosities” in Lower Paddock Road, which is characterised by Victorian houses with long back gardens.

They say Watford Borough Council is ignoring its own planning policies and the objections of the community.

Watford Observer:

Kim Baxter said: “We are absolutely incredulous. We feel these developments are damaging the integrity of Oxhey village, and the community is not being listened to.

“Why isn’t Watford Borough Council listening to its communities? If they can make a decision without consulting the community, it makes a mockery and a travesty of the system.

“This important historic environment is under increasing threat from inappropriate development, in particular the piecemeal development of back gardens which will destroy the integrity and verdant nature of the village. We have a duty to protect this area for future generations.”

The Oxhey Village Environment Group is now looking to create a neighbourhood plan for the village to identify sites for appropriate development while protecting the environment from what is describes as inappropriate development.

Mayor of Watford Dorothy Thornhill said the conservation area had been created by the council and was “close to their hearts” as a result.

However she added that the authority was under increasing pressure from central Government to meet housing quotas.  

She said: “I completely understand the issues about the character of the neighbourhood and precedent. We are up against national pressures all the time.”

Cllr Iain Sharpe, responsible for regeneration and development, added: “Watford is a popular town with a growing population, and we need more quality homes.

“The Government has set national criteria for the number of homes that need to be built. We will take into account all these different considerations and provide a balanced decision.

“We will consider each application on its own merits, weighing up its feasibility, quality of design and materials, impact on the environment, and all opinions.

“Applications will be refused that do not meet our policy requirements and cause demonstrable harm to the area.”