Plans to add floors to two blocks of flats have been shot down over the space to put new bins.

Separate plans to construct an additional storey at 103 to 114 and 73 to 84 Courtlands Close, in North Watford, were proposed in November to Watford Borough Council.

Each block would have gained four one-bedroom flats.

The proposal for 103 to 114 received 35 objections while the 73 to 84 plan received 17. Neighbours who were against the plan felt that it would be too large and overbearing for the area.

Some thought that it would block out daylight for neighbours and communal areas as well as exacerbate difficulty parking in and driving to Courtlands Close.

However, yesterday (January 8), the council gave the same two reasons for refusal for each plan.

Watford Observer: The flats in Courtlands Close.The flats in Courtlands Close. (Image: Google Street View/Maps)

Officers felt that the cycle and refuse storage area that was proposed alongside the extra flats, because the development is classed as car-free and would result in more bins needing collection, would be difficult to access due to being right next to the car park.

They judged that if the nearest bays were occupied, access would be “compromised” both for residents and for collection vehicles.

They also felt that the refuse and cycle store would harm outlook and daylight for the nearest flat and “could give rise to unwanted odour”.