Council chambers echoed with cheers of delight as proposals for “inappropriate” new homes were unanimously rejected at a planning meeting.

Crowds gathered last night to hear the verdict on developers Iceni Project’s proposals to build upon the conservation area of 4-6 Lower Paddock Road, in Oxhey Village.

Committee members at Watford Borough Council refused the application to build three new homes with 13 parking spaces over concerns the buildings were “unacceptable” and would look out of character with the area – despite a petition signed by 551 objectors not being accepted by the council.

Kim Baxter, environment officer at Oxhey Village Environment Group, spoke during the meeting and said: “The development is inappropriate and would have a cumulative effect on other back garden developments ruining the character of the area.

“They will be two metres higher than nearby houses in Rowley Close and will clearly be visible from the houses.

“We hope we have demonstrated that this development is wholly unacceptable. We need to protect the area – not just for this generation but the generations to come.”

Charlotte Hutchinson, of Iceni Projects, argued the amount of new parking spaces would not cause cars to block neighbouring properties.

She said: “It cannot be described as an over development and would not look out of place with other properties.

“There will be 13 parking spaces, which exceeds the maximum guidance of 11 the council usually permits.

“As a result, there would be no over-spill of parking on people’s properties and it would sit comfortably within the homes.

“It would contribute to the character of the conservation area and would not cause harm and the use of the land would protect the council from future encroachment within greenbelt land.”

Peter Taylor, deputy mayor of Watford who also represents the Oxhey Ward, disagreed that the design would “enhance the area”.

He said: “There has been a lot of tears and people stopping me in the street over this.

“It is all about preserving and enhancing the area but does this really do that? Developments like this are unacceptable.”

Mr Taylor also handed a petition signed by hundreds of people, but this was not accepted by the council as the committee team did not have enough time to look over the objections.

However, councillors on the planning committee still all voted against the plans.

Cllr Iain Sharp, who also represents Oxhey, said: “The outcome of the building is not a successful one. Lower Paddock Road is the heart of the conservation area and it will be visible.”

Cllr Nigel Bell added during the meeting: “We should not support this. It does not enhance the area and could be placed elsewhere.”

Cllr Asif Khan said: “It is a conservation area and this will be harmful to it. I cannot support it.”

Cllr Stephen Johnson admitted the development had “positives”.

He said: “The amount of car parking spaces for each unit is interesting but overall it is inappropriate.”

Speaking after the meeting, Ms Baxter said: “We are delighted that the committee voted to refuse the development.

“It was clearly incongruous to the character of the area and would have set a dangerous precedent of future developments on the village.”

Watford Observer:

An artist's impression of the proposed homes in Oxhey