Watford: Hempstead Road house to be demolished for new home

A decision notice was published on Monday (January 29), which will see the demolition of  93 Hempstead Road and the construction of a three-storey home permitted.

A gym, games room, TV room and drawing room are all included in the plans.

A design and access statement reads: "Consideration has been taken into account of the design and external appearance of the proposed new build.  

The current front of the property in Hempstead Road. (Image: JL Architecture / Watford Borough Council)

"The design intent is to create a modern looking home whilst incorporating sustainable elements to harness the natural energy to supply power to the property.  

"Solar panels have been added to the roof of the property and a generous amount of glazing has been added to the front and rear of the property to maximise the natural light into the property.   

"Externally, the front elevation of the property has been designed to be in keeping with the original property and the surrounding areas.  

The proposed front of the Hempstead Road property. (Image: JL Architecture / Watford Borough Council)

"Materially, the whole new build will be finished in brickwork to reflect the current build and also those in the close vicinity of the property."

Three public comments were made to the application, detailing concerns of light and the height of the new build.

One objection, from a resident of Hempstead Road, reads: "In our view, the overall proposal to 93 Hempstead Road to demolish and rebuild a new four-story property (three storeys and a basement floor) seems excessive and does not keep in character with any other property within close proximity to 93 Hempstead Rd."

The rear of the property, prior to the development. (Image: JL Architecture / Watford Borough Council)

Another comment adds: "Our concern is about the height of the new building, in particular the rear elevation where the loft extension and the four large windows will overlook Woodland Drive.

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"Given the height and scale of the development, and the fact that Hempstead Road sits considerably higher than Woodland Drive, and all the trees on the boundary are to be removed, there will be a direct line of sight from this loft window into our garden and bedrooms, causing us loss of privacy and impacting our right to family life."

Plans for the rear of the property in Hempstead Road. (Image: JL Architecture / Watford Borough Council)

The plans can be viewed by using reference 23/01091/FUL on the Watford Borough Council planning portal.