Work begins to turn Abbots Langley's Pin Wei unit into homes

Family-run business Pin Wei closed its doors in 2022 after 17 years of serving customers in Abbots Langley.

Planning permission was granted in 2024 for the building to be turned into six two-storey houses.

Work has begun on the six-home development. (Image: Chris Whately-Smith)

Work has now begun, with pictures shared via the Watford Observer Camera Club showing the start of the process to demolish the vacant unit.

The restaurant, which served Chinese, Japanese and Thai dishes, closed after being told by the site's owner that its contract would be ending.

The business closed in 2022. (Image: Chris Whately-Smith)

At the time of the closure, owner Choy Chan told the Watford Observer: “I’ve been so busy recently I haven’t had to think about it being closed, but I am getting more and more emotional.

Left to right: Ms Chan's mother, Ms Chan's daughter and Ms Chan, the owner of the restaurant. (Image: Pin Wei)

• Former family-run restaurant to be demolished for six homes
• Watford entrepreneur to feature on hit BBC show tonight

“It’s sad for all the staff because we have worked together for some time.”

It will now see two two-bed homes, three three-beds, and one four-bed built in its place, in rows of three terraced properties with individual gardens.

The site had initially been eyed for nine homes but this was ruled to be a “cramped form of development” by the district council.