Each side’s statements are in as plans to demolish a house for 18 flats have gone to appeal.

The demolition of Cedar House in Sandy Lane, near the junction with The Woods between South Oxhey and Northwood, was shot down by Three Rivers District Council in August last year.

An appeal was then launched, officially starting on March 18, and statements from each side as well as interested party comments were due on Monday (April 22).

The existing detached house would make way for a building divided into 11 one-bedroom flats, four two-bedrooms, and three three-bedrooms if the designs are realised.

Refusing permission, the council took issue with the “excessive” scale and “poor” design, as well as privacy, tree cover, affordable housing, drainage, turning space, and light concerns.

In its statement, the applicant claims it has addressed all seven reasons for refusal and the benefits of the proposed housing “would outweigh any potential harm to the character and appearance of the area”.

Watford Observer: The rough boundaries of the site (outlined in white).The rough boundaries of the site (outlined in white). (Image: Google Maps)

The appellant now has until May 6 to send in its final comments, which cannot include new evidence.

The planning inspectorate has decided that written representations and a site visit will be sufficient to determine the appeal.

A decision date has not yet been confirmed.

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