A general election is likely this year, so in our new monthly feature the Watford Observer will be asking the candidates for the three main parties standing to be the town’s MP a question of topical concern and publishing their answers.

Our second question is regarding planning.

Readers are outspoken about planning issues, particularly around high-rise housing developments and the impact they have on their communities including pressure on local services. Does the planning system need reform and how?

Watford Observer:

Watford's Conservative MP Dean Russell

“Local Plans set the blueprint for planning decisions for the town for decades to come; locking in housing targets and where new homes will be built. I live in Watford and have family links going back a century, so along with many residents, planning decisions feel deeply personal. MP’s have no say in local planning, however I am unapologetic in raising concerns on the unnecessarily tall towers that risk overshadowing Watford, even if I get attacked for doing so.

“Back in 2021 I received public confirmation from the Secretary of State for Housing that 'Housing needs targets are a starting point for negotiation'. Disappointingly, I was accused of ‘sabotaging’ the LibDem Local Plan when I rightly raised that the ‘targets’ were not challenged by the council through their Local Plan. Despite this information, the Local Plan was voted for by LibDem Councillors with no opposition from Labour Councillors.

“Sadly, the seeds of that decision are now taking root; not just the tall towers but the closure of Pryzm nightclub (identified as a site suitable for housing) and the ‘war against cars’. The planning document states, “Provision of car parking will be highly limited, effectively removing in-built car dependence.” I.e. the new towers won’t have car parking spaces.

“Along with protecting the Green Belt, the Government’s planning reforms include new flexibilities for Local Plans and neighbourhood plans so local communities have a greater say. With no Conservative Councillors in Watford I will continue to stand up for residents on local matters because I believe passionately that your voice matters.”

Watford Observer: Cllr Matt Turmaine is Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Watford

Labour's Parliamentary candidate for Watford Matt Turmaine

“Turning Watford, historically a market town, into a mini-Manhattan metropolis with tower blocks, springing up casting shadows across town isn’t the way forward.

“But after 14 years of the Conservatives’ failure to reform the planning system, that’s where we are.

“Getting on the housing ladder is harder and harder for today's twenty-somethings, especially when you can’t save for your deposit because you’re paying sky-high rents. Even when my partner and I were first-time buyers, it was still possible to save up a deposit and afford a mortgage.

“Now, for many that’s an impossible dream. Some can call upon help from the ‘bank of mum and dad.’ However, certainly not all parents are able to assist. Whatever happened to the Tories’ promise of a property-owning democracy? That, like countless others, has been broken.

“On the doorsteps, people rightly point out that presently with housing developments there is either no infrastructure, insufficient infrastructure, or infrastructure that lags for decades.

“The system as it is has surely had its day.

“That’s why, the first of Labour’s five missions is to get Britain building again. We’ll do this by reforming planning laws to kick-start 1.5million new homes, with first-time buyers getting first dibs.

“This is one part of our plan to energise the economy, including transport, clean energy and new industries in all parts of the country.

“Everyone recognises that new towns could meet the need for new homes, without harming existing communities. Things have to got to change, only Labour can deliver it.”

Watford Observer: Ian Stotesbury outside Watford General Hospital A&E

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate for Watford Ian Stotesbury

"The housing crisis needs to be addressed - house prices are too high and too few people can afford their own home. The current arbitrary and unfair housing targets are not the solution and need urgent reform. The Conservative government is foisting development on areas like Watford to prevent any in their rural heartlands. This is also done while the government fails to invest in much-needed infrastructure – schools, healthcare, or transport.

“This is unfair on us living in Watford and places an unsustainable burden on our services. We are being punished for not meeting Conservative housing targets and not given the funding to support essential improvements either.

“Watford Liberal Democrats have long opposed the Government’s housing targets and called for more investment in infrastructure. These targets are at the root of the increasing number of tall buildings we are seeing.

“The planning system needs to be reformed to make housing more evenly spread across the country. Government needs to give councils more powers to deliver the infrastructure we must make sure houses are built to high energy standards, to tackle bills and the cost-of-living crisis.

“Watford is a fantastic place to live and work, so it is no wonder there is such high demand for housing here. We have set out clearly in our award-winning Local Plan how we will deliver homes - prioritising sustainability, quality and affordability while protecting the character of the town.

“As Watford’s MP I would fight for the fundamental changes that our planning system needs."