Bushey residents outraged over 'obscene' flats plan - Watford Observer

Bushey residents outraged over 'obscene' flats plan for The White House and Cley House in Sparrows Herne

3:10pm Wednesday 17th July 2013 in News By Kathryn Snowdon, Reporter

An application to demolish two Bushey Heath houses and replace them with blocks of flats will create a "monstrosity", according to residents.

The White House and Cley House, in Sparrows Herne, could be turned into sixteen flats, spread over four floors if a planning application is approved by Hertsmere Borough Council.

So far, of all the 11 letters received by the council from neighbours and representatives, all of them have detailed their objections to the application.

One of the residents who opposes the application, Laurence Ehmler, has hired a representative from Farnsworth Planning Consultancy to act on his behalf.

The Wren Crescent resident, who has lived in his current house since 1991, said: "The proposed redevelopment in my opinion is totally obscene.

"I think it will really affect the surrounding area, and I am especially concerned as my house backs onto The White House and the Cley House, both of which are beautiful buildings."

The 54-year-old said both properties are magnificent period houses, which add character and history to the area.

The application, submitted by Mr Craig, of Heronslea House, part of the Heronslea Group, proposes the demolition of the two houses and the erection of new buildings to provide residential units, private balconies and a communal amenity area, basement parking, cycle parking and refuse/recycling stores.

Mr Ehmler said he thinks The White House and the Cley House should be listed buildings, thereby ensuring they are preserved for future generations.

Residents talk of the buildings originally forming part of a hunting estate for King Charles II, whilst the row of lime trees at the back of the site outlined the extent of the land.

Mr Ehmler said: "These are period buildings and they shouldn't be revamped and replaced with a monstrosity such as the one they are proposing."

Another concern of the chemical engineer's is that the application proposes building balconies at the rear of the properties, which he says will look into his back garden.

He added: "The magnitude and size of the flats, as well as the added features of the balconies at the rear will mean they will sit high up, looking straight into my back garden.

"That has got to be a big no no. I really feel we've already got enough developments in Bushey."

Heronslea Group declined to comment.

Comments(9)

Andrew1963 says...
3:50pm Wed 17 Jul 13

Wren Crescent - hardly architecture that enhances the environment, but i agree both houses add character to the area. Theregfore I expect them to go the same way as the Old lazy Fox (Queen Vic) pub - Flats it will bw! Andrew1963

LSC says...
5:44pm Wed 17 Jul 13

They can't do this as it is a Conservation Area. Wouldn't it be bizarre if just as all these current ideas come up, the Council proposed removing Conservation Area status for the region? Wouldn't it be even crazier if the councillor proposing to remove conservation status had a personal interest in building structures in said region? LSC

info21 says...
6:43pm Wed 17 Jul 13

LCS - The conservation area does not cover this site or part of Bushey so that should put your conspiracy theories to bed .... Great imagination you have though The existing buildings are far from worthy of being listed and in a substantial state of disrepair! Lets get real developments like this ensure we do not have to look to build in the greenbelt within our borough and are a welcome addition. The country is under extreme pressure to meet housing targets. info21

LSC says...
11:27pm Wed 17 Jul 13

[quote][p][bold]info21[/bold] wrote: LCS - The conservation area does not cover this site or part of Bushey so that should put your conspiracy theories to bed .... Great imagination you have though The existing buildings are far from worthy of being listed and in a substantial state of disrepair! Lets get real developments like this ensure we do not have to look to build in the greenbelt within our borough and are a welcome addition. The country is under extreme pressure to meet housing targets.[/p][/quote]Well, that is quite a strong stance. I'm sure you are just a casual observer making a comment, but it is unusual for casual observers to welcome blocks of flats in place of what are nice looking buildings. I wasn't aware they were in disrepair, and I've lived in Bushey all my life. You must walk past them more often than I do, because they look fine to me from the road. Perhaps you have seen them closer up, but I can't imagine why you did and were able to give me a condition report quite so quickly of this story being reported. Me and my silly conspiracies! LSC

Andrew1963 says...
11:39pm Wed 17 Jul 13

The building was repainted 12 months ago (externally) but only the owner, occupier or their visitors would know what state they are in internally. Andrew1963

LSC says...
11:59pm Wed 17 Jul 13

Let me take a wild punt here. I don't want to be sued, so I admit I have this wrong in advance. This is PURE FICTION. A story I made up for entertainment, a book I might write. The owners of a property developers, (who sued their own father) belong to the same synagogue as a councilor who then attempts to relax the building laws in an area, just as the property developers make some applications. At the same time, the synagogue makes applications of it's own, totally and independant of the other two to turn the area into an eruv, an area which will suddenly be in need of extra housing for the jewish people who want to live there. It would be more than ridiculous to suggest money or favours changed hands at any point in time. I do NOT suggest that, and perhaps my book is a bad idea all round. LSC

smalon says...
12:43am Thu 18 Jul 13

As a postman who has often delivered to said buildings, they don't appear to be in too bad condition. Maybe there is internal work that needs doing but certainly from the outside they are attractive and seemingly in good shape. smalon

LSC says...
1:09am Thu 18 Jul 13

[quote][p][bold]Andrew1963[/bold] wrote: The building was repainted 12 months ago (externally) but only the owner, occupier or their visitors would know what state they are in internally.[/p][/quote]Or, perhaps, a developer? LSC

LSC says...
1:22am Thu 18 Jul 13

"The country is under extreme pressure to meet housing targets" Have you seen the Yorkshire Moors? Empty. Welsh villages? Empty. Dartmoor, the Scottish Highlands, Devon, Wiltshire, Somerset, Dorset, Bedfordshire and so many many more. Don't try to kid me you want housing; you want Postcode. Please don't insult my intelligence, it's rather rude. LSC

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