22 STOREY TOWER PLANS FOR CLARENDON ROAD WITHDRAWN BY DEVELOPERS

Aga, Stephen and Marilyn pledged to fight ‘tooth and nail’ against the planning application for a 22 storey block of flats on the old RBS site in Clarendon Rd.

Developers wanted to build 103 flats over 22 storeys high – some 79 meters. It will be more than twice the height of Jury’s Inn and the YMCA building if built.

Aga Dychton said at the time the plans were submitted, “Such a tall building will have a detrimental effect on Watford Palace Theatre and Beechen Grove Baptist Church – both nationally listed Grade II buildings totally changing the character of area with a ultra modern tall ‘finger’.

”The councillors also hit out at the failure of the developer to provide any affordable social housing on the site and slammed the scheme for just being high end luxury flats that few in Watford could afford. They would have balconies and a private crèche.

Now following strong objections and concerns raised , we understand by planning officers, the plans have been withdrawn – not even amended !

This is positive good news said Aga Dychton , Marilyn Devonish and Stephen Giles-Medhurst.No doubt the developers did not want a refusal of permission on their record!

The developers may well come back with a revised scheme for the vacant site. If so your councillors want to see a something much more in keeping with section of the road in both height and scale.

Cover image “ARTIST VIEW” of the PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT