A 43-flat retirement living scheme has been green-lit despite existing plans already being approved after going to appeal.

Updated proposals for Beeson’s Yard in Bury Lane, Rickmansworth, were given the go-ahead by Three Rivers District Council last week.

The decision comes over a year after original plans were approved at appeal by the government planning inspector following an initial refusal by Three Rivers council.

However, planning agent Woolf Bond Planning said it decided to submit revised proposals for the site to respond to the reasons for refusal and to engage with local residents’ concerns.

According to planning documents, the site will now house a “retirement living scheme” rather than a care facility, which means it will not provide elderly care services but there will be some support to allow residents to live independently.

The developers have removed the building’s fifth floor and the number of flats has been reduced from 48 to 43.

Watford Observer: A CGI of the original plans which were rejected by Three Rivers Council due to the excessive height and bulk. A CGI of the original plans which were rejected by Three Rivers Council due to the excessive height and bulk. (Image: NL Property)

The accommodation for care home staff has been removed, the parking provision has been increased from 20 to 30 spaces, and the age restriction for residents was also lowered to 60+ down from 70+. 

The building has been moved further from the neighbouring Chesswood Court and additional trees will be planted to increase privacy.

The proposal was initially refused by the committee in February last year due to its excessive height and bulk, as well as its potential impact on nearby residents. 

Watford Observer: An overview of the proposed development site.An overview of the proposed development site. (Image: Google Maps)

Their decision was overruled by the planning inspector upon appeal in November 2022, who ruled it would not be harmful to the character and appearance of the surrounding area.

Although planning permission was granted last year, construction on the site has yet to start.

In a document attached to the latest plan, Woolf Bond Planning added: "This scheme is therefore the best application to bring forward and will provide the most benefit to the local community.

"This scheme will be implemented instead of the approved larger and higher building."

The approved planning application is available via the Three Rivers District Council planning portal with the reference number 22/1148/FUL.