Plans to build up to 45 new homes in a tranquil corner of Watford risk fundamental change to the green and pleasant characteristics of the area, it has been warned.

A developer has lodged an outline application with Watford Borough Council to build the homes on land between Nascot Wood Road and Bay Tree Walk – a site currently occupied by just three properties.

The application, details of which were published yesterday by the Pegasus Planning Group, gives limited details of the kind of development proposed.

It does, however, stress that the proposed development, which drivers will reach via Nascot Wood Road, will not adversely the local area or overload its road network.

The company also points out that the site has long been earmarked as a potential development site (appearing in the council’s current local development plan) and has previously (in 1972 and 1973) been approved for the building 41 and 48 houses.

But neighbouring residents have, in more recent years, expressed concerns about the pace and nature of housing development in the area – including the more than 200 homes currently under construction at the former West Herts College site in Langley Road.

Jane Slatter, of The Ridge Residents’ Association, warned of an intolerable strain on local infrastructure. She said: “The pressure on local services, combined with the new Cassio college campus development will have a huge impact on the area. The schools already can’t cope with the numbers [of children] they are getting and things will only get worse.

“The problem with Watford is that the Planning Inspectorate [and planning density rules] is that they view it all as one place when it is not. Areas like Nascot Wood are different to the town entre and people should realise that.

“Most people chose to move here because it still has green areas and fresh air to breathe. I worry that this application could change that.”

The application will be judged by a committee of councillors later in the year.

If approved, at least 35 per cent of the development would have to be “affordable” – units made available by housing associations key workers and social tenants.

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