Concerns have been raised that plans to build 43 homes on the site of a former popular pub will have a “detrimental effect” on traffic.

Applicant Eastbury Road Developments have submitted plans to knock down The Happy Hour pub, in Eastbury Road, Watford, with new homes.

Regulars were left devastated when it was announced in September last year that the much-loved watering hole was to close – despite more than 200 people signing a petition to save it.

Now the site could be replaced with 22 one-bedroom flats, 15 two-bedroom flats and six maisonettes with three bedrooms in each.

Anne Dwyer, of Hillcourt Crescent, Watford, fears there are too many homes as there will only be 30 parking spaces available for residents.

She said: “The number of parking spaces is inadequate and unrealistic as most homes will have at least one car and many will have two.

“This will create parking issues on Eastbury Road and in nearby roads such as Silk Mill Road, Longcroft and Thorpe Crescent.

“The site was previously a public house and replacing it with homes will be a loss of a local amenity. The proposed development should be amended to reduce the number of homes, increase parking provision and include an amenity for local residents such as a public house, shop or community use.”

Emma Partos, who lives in Meadowbank, Watford, called the plans “absolute madness” as new homes could worsen traffic.

She said: “Not only would a site of this size be totally out of keeping with the area more importantly will be the detrimental effect on the surrounding community.

“Parking and traffic around this area is already challenging let alone adding an additional 43 dwellings with only 30 allocated spaces.

“Local resources are already overstretched especially local schools which are already oversubscribed, as well as doctors and hospitals.”

The applicants stated in the transport statement part of their planning application that the number of parking spaces has been considered.

The application states: “The level of car parking is suitable for the local area based on a review of existing car ownership and use patterns.”

It was also highlighted that the homes will be located within walking distance of Watford Town Centre, as well as Bushey Station, Watford High Street Station and a number of bus routes including the number 8 and W20.

A spokesperson for Eastbury Road Developments responded: “The proposal has been advanced following a pre-application process undertaken with the council’s officers which took place prior to formal submission of the application. 

"The scheme represents a well-conceived, high quality form of development that will contribute to the enhancement of the overall character and appearance of the area whilst providing much needed new homes on a vacant previously developed site within a sustainable location. 

"We are aware of local resident comments to aspects of the application and we will take the opportunity to consider whether any further changes to the scheme would be appropriate in the circumstances as part of our commitment to delivering high quality residential environments.”

Watford Observer:

The building in Eastbury Road​ is currently vacant.

What do you think of the plans? Comment below or email rachel.russell@london.newsquest.co.uk