Campaign continues to stop flats on old police station in Elstree Way

In November, Hertsmere Borough Council granted outline permission to knock down the former police station in Elstree Way and replace it with 96 flats in two buildings of seven and eight storeys.

The Bullhead Road Action Group had campaigned against the plans, which includes 35 per cent of affordable housing, saying the development will lead to a loss of daylight and privacy in neighbouring homes and gardens.

They also argue that the approval has "disregarded" the council's 2015 Elstree Way Corridor Area Action Plan that states no buildings in this area should be taller than six storeys.

In the council officer’s planning report, the officer "acknowledges" the Elstree Way plan, but says there are examples of taller buildings in the "immediate area", such as Foster House.

They concluded that it is considered the scheme would be accommodated "satisfactorily" on this site and would have an "acceptable impact on the locality in terms of size and scale".

Another view of how the 96 flats could look. Credit: Michael Dyson Associates

Elaine Elliman, from the Bullhead Road Action Group, said: "What is the point of having a publicly consulted, legal document, such as the Elstree Way Action Plan, if councillors can disregard its contents at will?

"There were over 100 objections from residents who will be directly affected by this development. At this rate Borehamwood is in danger of becoming an ugly town of tower blocks."

See more: Plans for 96 flats in Elstree Way approved

In light of the approval from the council's planning committee, the action group submitted a complaint to the council over the permission awarded for the site, which is owned by the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire.

The council has investigated the complaint but found there were "no grounds for upholding the complaint".

The action group, which has the support of several cross-party borough and town councillors, says it is "stunned" the council has decided not to take forward an internal review into the planning permission - and are now set to take their case to the Ombudsman; a person who is appointed to look into complaints about companies and organisations.

They have also secured a meeting with Hertsmere MP Oliver Dowden on April 29 to discuss their concerns with him.

Bullhead Road Action Group created their own CGI showcasing how they think the flats would look (by size) looking from Bullhead Road

Action group co-leader Alex Jacobs said: “I hope by going to the Ombudsman, we get the full external independent review we deserve, without avoidance of answering key questions.

"This exposure would show the council has not acted in the interest of local residents whose lives will be seriously affected by this development."

Dr Dan Ozarow, speaking on behalf of Elstree & Borehamwood Residents' Association, added: “Residents need to have confidence that at the very least local planning processes and policies are being followed correctly.

"We support the action group and the Bullhead Road residents and hope that their campaign can become a model for how local people can oppose unjust developments across Hertsmere.”

The derelict police station builidng pictured last year

A council spokesperson said: "We received a complaint in February from members of the Bullhead Road Action Group in respect to the handling of the application for the former police station at Elstree Way in Borehamwood.

"The concerns raised were thoroughly considered and scrutinised by three separate officers, including those at the most senior level in the council.

"It was decided there were no grounds for upholding the complaint and that an internal investigation is not necessary, as the decision to approve this application, subject to completion of a satisfactory Section 106 agreement, was made in line with legislation and guidance."