Plans to build 14 new flats in the High Street were thrown out by councillors last night, who declared “Rickmansworth can do better.”
Developers KMN Limited had hoped to build the flats on a site near Caravan Lane – just metres from a busy railway line.
Three Rivers District Council, however, had other ideas and rejected the proposals - its Development Control Committee bemoaning a shoddy design and ugly exterior.
Councillor Leonard Spencer branded the plan “unfit for Rickmansworth” and said the town “could do better”.
He added: “It is not council policy to sanction the building of inadequate accommodation even if people want to buy it. This site is where people enter the town. Their first impression will be one of disappointment – and that’s putting it politely.”
Conservative Party colleague Paula Hiscocks expressed concerns about the lack of play space for children living in the mainly two bedroom units.
She said: “If these flats are built then surely children will end up living there. But where are they going to play? As far as I can see the only amenity space is on the roof.”
Council Leader Ann Shaw noted the advice of council officers to grant the application but said she simply could not vote for the application in its current form.
She said: “What is this going to look like in ten years’ time? It’s not that I’m opposed to modern buildings but this just looks fussy. It looks like it’s just been cobbled together and I can’t vote for it.”
Of the ten member committee, six councillors voted against the plans and four abstained.
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