Applicant loses appeal for four-storey flats in town centre

In January this year, a planning officer at Hertsmere Borough Council turned down an application to redevelop a site in Shenley Road.

The plans would have seen a rear building near Elstree & Borehamwood station demolished and replaced with eight one-bedroom flats over four floors.

However, the application was turned down because of its size and the impact it had on neighbouring buildings.

A concern was also raised about waste and recycling provision.

The applicant, John Behrman, appealed the council's decision but a report published on August 24 revealed the appeal had been unsuccessful.

In the inspector's decision letter, they said the proposed development would "harm the character and appearance of the surrounding area".

A rough outline of the application site. Credit: Google Maps

Responding to the applicant highlighting the size of nearby Vision House and Majestic House, the inspector described Mr Behrman's proposal as "more dominant" than Vision House, adding it has a "greater impact" on the character of the area than Majestic House.

An appeal planning officer recommended the appeal be dismissed and this was agreed by the Government-appointed planning inspector.

This Google Street view image shows Vision House. It is the building with the pink board. The application site is just behind.

The appeal site - 6a to 8 Shenley Road - is occupied by two three-storey buildings set within a row of retail units on Shenley Road, with a number of extensions to the rear comprising various uses including retail, residential and office space.

It is a rear building, which the applicants described in their planning statement as in "poor condition", that would have been taken down under this proposed scheme.

But this building could still be taken down because there is planning permission - granted in August last year - to demolish it and replace it with a three-storey building containing six flats.

Hertsmere Borough Council has confirmed to the Times this permission still stands.

The planning inspectorate report can be read here.