On 24 May our clients, TT Group, were granted consent in their appeal against the decision of Watford Borough Council made on 17 May 2023.

 

TTG proposed to build a five-eight storey building of 89 self-contained flats on the site at Wellstones, Watford, currently a grade car park.

 

The main reasons for the original refusal included heritage matters and the living conditions of the occupiers of the flats on the opposite side of Wellstones known as the Clockhouse.

 

Consil's evidence utilised the mirror massing approach recommended by Appendix F of BRE Report 209, meaning that a developer should be able to build to the same height as existing neighbouring buildings where the neighbours building is built close to the boundary and takes more than a fair share of this light from over a development site.

 

The Inspector agreed with Consil that that the impact on the Clockhouse was acceptable and reference was made to the supplemental spatial daylight autonomy ("SDA") assessment which Consil also undertook which, according to the Inspector's report was [provides] 

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"A more comprehensive modelling technique shows a far better daylight scenario"

 

TT Group were also advised by Newsteer on planning, Christopher Boyle KC from Landmark Chambers and Chris Griffiths of HCUK Group on heritage matters.