Updates to six major planning applications in March

We have rounded-up updates to six major planning applications that you may have missed.

The list includes the refusal of a 20-metre telecoms pole in South Oxhey, as well as the approval of a new budget supermarket in Watford despite fears over the road layout.

Read the full list below:

Clarendon Road tower changes

On March 5, Watford Borough Council "reluctantly" approved alterations to the 24-storey tower on the former TJX site in Clarendon Road.

After permission was granted on appeal in September 2023, the applicant asked to change its designs to add second staircase, which will soon be required by law.

This would reduce the overall number of dwellings as 15 two-bedroom apartments would be replaced with one-bed flats.

CGI of the tower including the 24 storey element. (Image: Vedose Limited)Committee chair Cllr Peter Jeffree said he found it “very hard” to find any grounds to refuse the application for the changes despite having reservations about the plan as a whole.

CGI of the proposal, as seen from St Johns Road. (Image: Vedose Ltd) He “reluctantly” put planning officers’ recommendation to approve permission to a vote and, as councillors voted it through unanimously, he said he saw “lots of reluctant hands” in the room.

Hunton Bridge Lidl 

The application for a 1,457-square-metre Lidl in Hunton Bridge was green-lit on March 14 despite access fears.

World of Water Aquatics, which would be demolished if plans go ahead. (Image: Google Maps)

Concerns were raised that the right-turn across the busy A41 dual carriageway could cause accidents, but plans were approved even though the supermarket did not make any changes to the final road arrangement after it was asked to by Three Rivers District Council.

The World of Water site, roundabout, and A41 from above. (Image: Google Maps)

The budget supermarket will be 17 per cent larger than the existing building and have a 98-space car park for staff and customers, with solar panels installed on the flat roof.

South Oxhey school pole

Designs for a 20-metre tower 50 metres from St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in South Oxhey were again blocked after 265 people signed a petition to the council.

The second application by Waldon Telecom, on behalf of Vodafone, was moved to Gosforth Lane, away from the school buildings but still within proximity to the playground.

The second application proposed a different site for the monopole in Gosforth Lane. (Image: Google Maps/Canva)The petition and 21 individual objections focussed on health fears related to 5G technology, despite the UK Government and WHO view that there should be no consequences for public health when 5G is installed in an area.

Bushey Heath gated community

A detached three-storey house in Bushey Heath could be demolished and replaced with a four-property gated community after outline plans were approved by Hertsmere Borough Council on March 20.

The application suggests in theory constructing two three-bedroom homes and two four-bedroom homes on the Birchville Cottage site in Heathbourne Road.

Outline designs for the proposed scheme. (Image: Keri Barr Architects)

Five objections were raised by neighbours over the loss of trees, damage to ecology, traffic concerns and the homes being out of keeping with the area.

Birchville Cottage in Heathbourne Road, Bushey Heath. (Image: Keri Barr Architects)

Sky Studios Elstree north expansion

The proposed north extension to the Sky Studios Elstree was blocked by councillors on March 21 over green belt concerns.

Although Sky claimed the site would create 4,300 full-time jobs throughout the UK of which 1,580 would be in Hertsmere, councillors said the expansion would have encroached onto the nearby village Well End.

A CGI of the rejected expansion plans.

After the decision, the TV production company said it was “committed” to expanding the site despite the refusal.

Watford Colosseum refurbishment

Construction firm Morgan Sindall confirmed last month that works have started on the second part of the combined £20 million Watford Town Hall and Colosseum project.

CGI showing how the Colosseum is set to look. (Image: Watford Borough Council)

The firm was appointed by Watford Borough Council to refurbish the town hall and upgrade the venue after its closure in 2020.

It will see a new stage and lighting rigs, reopening the original grand entrance which had been closed for over a decade, and adding a new café.