Batchwood: Plans for three new St Albans homes refused

Three "sustainable detached houses" had been planned for land north of 1-to-5 Batchwood Gardens, prior to a decision notice last Wednesday (December 13).

The notice read: "The proposed development would result in the loss of green space and several large trees which are valued landscaping features contributing positively to the visual amenity of the locality.

Proposed elevations and floor plans for the homes. (Image: Solidspace / St Albans City & District Council)

"The loss of green space and trees would detract from the verdant nature of the site and result in the proposed dwellings being excessively visible from Batchwood Drive to the detriment of the character and appearance of the street scene.

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"It has not been demonstrated to the satisfaction of the local planning authority that a suitable and safe form of access to the site would be provided by the proposed development.

"By reason of their height, verticality and window positions, together with their layout within a constrained site, the proposed dwellings are considered to represent a contrived design which is out of keeping with surrounding development."

The application can be viewed by using reference 5/2023/1339 on the St Albans City & District Council planning portal.