Plans to demolish an industrial yard to make room for new assisted accommodation in Rickmansworth will be decided next week.

However dozens of neighbours have lodged objections to the scheme to build the 48 unit extra care facility at Beesons Yard in Bury Lane.

The scheme by NL Care Property Ltd is aimed at providing independent living for elderly people, with day-to-day care tailored to each resident’s needs, but neighbours fear the new building is too big for the former industrial space.

Two buildings inside the yard will be demolished, including Enterprise House and a warehouse building towards the west of the site, to allow for the new development.

The accommodation will include completely separate flats, including one or two bedrooms, bathroom and kitchen, as well as communal facilities including a bistro and hairdressers.

Watford Observer: A CGI shows how the new development would look from the road Credit: NL Care Property Ltd A CGI shows how the new development would look from the road Credit: NL Care Property Ltd (Image: NL Property)

The plans have been opposed with concerns raised about the size of the development on the site, which will be up to five storeys high in places.

In total, Three Rivers District Council has received 56 objections to the scheme, with 41 submitted in regards to the inital plans and 15 registered during a second consultation period.  

The neighbours have raised concerns about the impact on the privacy of residents, the impact of construction noise and a loss of commercial space.

In response to the objections, the developers said they had taken on-board feedback from two consultations to ensure the design was policy compliant.

The changes include a reduction in height of buildings opposite Chesswood Court and obscured glass privacy panels on balconies facing towards the apartments.

An NL Care Property Spokesperson said: "NL Care Property has worked with the Three Rivers planning department to ensure this scheme is policy compliant.

"Through multiple stages of engagement, we have listened to the comments from neighbours and in response have reduced the height of the building, removed balconies opposite Chesswood Court, included privacy screens and made amendments to the internal layout of the scheme.  

"Throughout this process we have considered the privacy of the neighbours, and will continue to work with the local planning authority to ensure that construction is effectively managed to reduce any disturbance to local residents."

Watford Observer: Beeson's yard entrance currently. Credit: Google MapsBeeson's yard entrance currently. Credit: Google Maps (Image: Google Street View)

The company added: "We believe this is an exciting development which has been refined through resident engagement and will provide the highest quality care and support for elderly residents, and in turn, this will help to secure jobs and economic opportunities in the local area."

The scheme will also include 20 car parking spaces, with the developers noting that the development will be in a sustainable location for staff.

Despite the objections from neighbours, district council officers are recommending the scheme for approval.

The report also noted care provision for older residents such as this could reduce the strain on GPs and hospital services in the area, as well as freeing up under occupied family housing.