Knocking down a green belt home to build two four-bedroom houses has been blocked for even more reasons the second time around.

On March 18, Watford Borough Council refused planning permission for two new homes at a Hempstead Road site, currently occupied by one three-bedroom property.

It said the proposal would be “inappropriate” within the green belt and added there are “no very special circumstances to justify otherwise”.

In May, the developer came back with a new-look plan that still sought to build two four-bedroom homes but reworked how they would look.

Documents also included more details stating how the “carefully designed” buildings would not significantly alter the character or quality of the area, “particularly given the sensitive nature of green belt land”.

The home, opposite the existing pair of semi-detached houses, set back from Hempstead Road.The home, opposite the existing pair of semi-detached houses, set back from Hempstead Road. (Image: Google Maps)

The applicant added: “Following a comprehensive review of the previously refused planning application, this submission aims to address the concerns raised while meticulously adhering to pertinent national and local planning policies.”

However, yesterday (September 4), the council published its decision notice which again refused permission over green belt concerns, but also raised three more reasons.

It said the homes would be cramped and therefore poor-quality accommodations, the number of parking spaces would put more pressure on the road networks, and the plan does not show the necessary 10 per cent biodiversity net gain.