Built Environment - Looking back
As reported previously the number of planning applications for residential extension and alteration has been at a lower volume than last year. On the commercial side, whilst a few shops have ceased trading we have seen the arrival of some new businesses, namely Majestic Wine and Specsavers, both in the High Street. A new Nail Bar in Southdown has opened and another proposed for Station Road. The owners of 6 High Street (former M & Co) were refused planning consent to turn the premises into a pub/restaurant and have submitted an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. A decision is expected in the next few months.
During the last year a number of significant planning applications have been submitted but the District Council are taking a long time to make any decisions. It is perhaps unsurprising that in March 2024 the Housing Minister blasted the LibDem controlled Council for failings in its planning process and ordered that any applications for “non-major” developments can now be made directly to the Planning Inspectorate.
The Council are still proceeding with the preparation of a new Local District Plan which is not expected to be approved until at least 2025.
Due to a lack of resources at local level, responsibility for Planning Enforcement by the St Albans District Council has now been transferred to Watford Borough Council.
After some years of indecision by the District Council, rather than undertake the redevelopment of the Public Halls in Southdown Road themselves as originally planned, they have now appointed agents to sell the site by way of Informal Tender. The closing date was the 14th March, so we are awaiting to learn what progress has been made. We understand that a number of developers have expressed interest in purchasing the site and at present the Council are evaluating the individual proposals.
Looking forward
A public consultation was undertaken earlier this year by Solum, a joint venture company owned by Network Rail and Kier Construction, for the redevelopment of the eastern car park at the Station. The proposals include building an extra storey for car parking and the provision of 100 flats with under croft parking. Surprisingly this would involve reducing the number of parking spaces available for the public. The sole access would still be from Station Road although enhancements would be undertaken. Whilst the Society welcomed the prospect of new homes, we expressed a number of reservations about the design of the scheme including the lack of any apparent temporary parking whilst the development was being undertaken. We understand that Solum are now reviewing their development proposals.
As is apparent, the town continues to be threatened by a number of large housing developments. Although the Society is aware of the need for more housing and will support appropriate schemes, the potential impact of major developments on the town will be significant not least by erosion of the Green Belt. The Society hopes the District Council will start to make progress in resolving these issues and produce an acceptable plan that will safeguard the character of the town.
After many months of waiting, the Council has now granted planning consent for a 75 bed Care Home on the former Pan-Auto site in Grove Road, despite attracting many objections, mainly concerning the large size and bulk of the proposed buildings. The Society was surprised that the decision was made by a Delegated Officer rather than being considered fully by the planning committee, given the number of objections received. If it does go ahead, then it will mean the loss of the previously approved scheme for much needed lower cost housing
John Lowe
