The Three Rivers Council Planning Committee was scheduled to meet on 11 September 2025 to discuss several planning and listed building consent applications, as well as a preliminary report on a large residential development. The meeting was also scheduled to confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 14 August 2025¹.

Here's a summary of the key items on the agenda:

Land at Woodside Road, Abbots Langley

A preliminary report regarding application 25/0896/FUL concerning the construction of 192 dwellings (Use Class C3²), public open space, landscaping, and associated infrastructure at Land At Woodside Road, Abbots Langley, was included in the report pack.

The report pack noted that three members of the Planning Committee had requested that the application be brought to the committee due to the size of the development, its location on the edge of the green belt, and its proximity to busy, narrow roads near schools and West Herts Crematorium.

The report pack included a recommendation that the committee agree to arrange a site visit before the application is presented to the Planning Committee for a decision. The committee was also invited to make general comments regarding the planning issues raised by the application.

The applicant, according to the report pack, was proposing 192 residential dwellings, with 96 for private sale and 96 for affordable housing. The development was scheduled to be accessed via a new vehicular access from Woodside Road. The existing pedestrian footpath from Fraser Crescent was scheduled to be retained, with a new pedestrian link to 'The Lanes' area. Enhancement works were proposed for the pedestrian crossing from the existing Bridle Way across High Elms Lane, and a new uncontrolled pedestrian crossing was proposed across Woodside Road.

The report pack noted that Abbots Langley Parish Council, the Environment Agency, Hertfordshire Highways and the Lead Local Flood Authority had objected to the application. National Highways had issued a holding objection.

Denewood, Chorleywood Road, Rickmansworth

The committee was scheduled to consider application 25/0428/FUL for the demolition of an existing bungalow and the erection of a replacement two-storey self-build dwelling at Denewood, Chorleywood Road, Rickmansworth. The report pack included a recommendation that planning permission be granted.

The report pack noted that the application had been called to committee by three members, citing concerns about the impact on neighbouring privacy and the character of the area. Chorleywood Parish Council had also called in the application.

The report pack stated that the application had been deferred by members for a site visit at the July Planning Committee. Members also sought clarification regarding the use of the established access for construction traffic, and the possibility of a temporary access off Chorleywood Road directly to the application site. The current vehicular access to the site is via the driveway of the adjoining neighbour, Sunnyside.

The applicant submitted a Construction Management Plan (CMP) for consideration, which included a temporary works access, directly off Chorleywood Road. Hertfordshire County Council as Highway Authority (HCC) were consulted on the details and did not support a temporary vehicular access. An updated CMP was therefore submitted which includes construction access via the existing established vehicular access. HCC confirmed that the most up-to-date CMP submitted was acceptable on highway grounds and therefore raised no objection.

The report pack noted that Chorleywood Parish Council had objected to the application, raising concerns about access to the property, the use of obscured glass for flank windows, and the potential for a front projection to cause an echo chamber effect. Neighbours had also raised concerns about the height and overbearing appearance of the proposed dwelling, loss of privacy, and road traffic safety during construction.

The report pack stated that the proposed dwelling would have a relatively modern and contemporary appearance, with significant areas of curved glazing. The proposed dwelling would also include a first-floor rear balcony. The submitted detail indicates that the dwelling would have a facing brick exterior and a tiled roof.

The report pack noted that the application site contains a significant, mature Turkey Oak tree which is positioned on the front boundary of the site, which is a covered by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO400).

Solesbridge House, Solesbridge Lane, Chorleywood, Rickmansworth

The committee was scheduled to consider two applications relating to Solesbridge House, Solesbridge Lane, Chorleywood, Rickmansworth:

• 25/0919/FUL: Construction of pitched roof single storey side extension and sedum roof over the link.
• 25/0920/LBC: Listed Building Consent for the above.

The report pack included a recommendation that both planning permission and listed building consent be granted.

The report pack noted that the applications were brought to committee because the agent is a Three Rivers District Councillor.

The report pack stated that the proposed extension would be set to the north side of the host dwelling, adjacent to the northeastern corner of the site and boundary with the Chess Valley Walk. The extension would link to main house by adjoining the existing early 20th century single storey extension, requiring the demolition of the rear elevation of that extension.

The proposed extension has an approximate ridge height of 4.3m, eaves height of 2.7m, width 9.6m and depth 4.5m. The proposed extension has a gable ended pitched roof finished in clay tiles to match the existing dwelling.

The report pack noted that Chorleywood Parish Council had expressed concerns about the materials used for the proposed extension and deferred to the judgement of the Conservation Officer.

The Conservation Officer initially objected to the application, raising concerns about the scale of the proposed extension and the use of large rooflights. However, following amendments to the plans, the Conservation Officer withdrew their objection, stating that the revised proposal had overcome their previous concerns.

One neighbour had responded to the consultation, expressing support for the application.

57 - 59 High Street, Abbots Langley

The committee was scheduled to consider application 25/1012/RSP for retrospective planning permission for the installation of a parcel locker facility at 57 - 59 High Street, Abbots Langley. The report pack included a recommendation that, subject to no new material planning considerations being raised during the open consultation period, retrospective planning permission be granted subject to conditions.

The report pack noted that the application site is located within the Abbots Langley Conservation Area.

The parcel locker structure is located to the north west of the application building. It is set back from the shop frontage by 1.5m. The structure is 2.6m wide and 0.9m deep, set off the wall by 0.1m. The main unit has a height of 2.3m. There is a canopy with a maximum height of 2.5m, which projects 0.8m forward of the lockers. The structure is metal in construction, finished in white, yellow and black with an integrated LED screen. There are two CCTV cameras on the front canopy projection, with metal-clad down lights located in the canopy.

The report pack noted that Abbots Langley Parish Council had objected to the application, raising concerns about the visual impact, placement, and the risk of illegal short-term parking. The Conservation Officer had also objected, stating that the location, scale, and design of the lockers are excessively prominent and detract from the character of the Conservation Area.

Two neighbours had also objected to the application, raising concerns about the impact on the character of the Conservation Area and the lack of public consultation.

12 Westbury Road, Northwood

The committee was scheduled to consider application 25/1140/FUL for the construction of a two-storey side extension, single-storey front extension, loft conversion, extension to driveway and access, and alterations to fenestration and external materials at 12 Westbury Road, Northwood. The report pack included a recommendation that planning permission be granted subject to conditions.

The report pack noted that the application had been called in by three councillors due to concerns about the bulk and massing of the proposed extensions, the impact on the street scene, and potential overlooking of neighbouring properties.

The proposed side extension would have a width of 1.2m and a depth of 7.7m at first floor level, and a depth of 10.5m at ground floor level. The existing ridge line would be extended across to accommodate the two-storey extension. A loft conversion would also be undertaken, including the insertion of a dormer window to the rear.

The existing access way to the application site would be widened by 1.9 m to a total width of approximately 5.4m. The existing driveway would be extended by approximately 11 sqm.

The external materials for the proposed development would be red brick and roof tiles to match the existing, with the hung tiles on the front gabled element being replaced by off white render and timber cladding.

Batchworth Community Council had objected to the application, raising concerns about the bulk and mass of the proposed extensions, the impact on the privacy of neighbouring properties, and the lack of additional parking space.

2 Prangnell Hill House, 23 Trowley Rise, Abbots Langley

The committee was scheduled to consider application 25/1160/RSP for part retrospective planning permission for the removal of an existing shed/outbuilding and replacement with a new carport/garage at 2 Prangnell Hill House, 23 Trowley Rise, Abbots Langley. The report pack included a recommendation that part retrospective planning permission be refused.

The report pack noted that an employee of Three Rivers District Council resides at the property.

The proposed structure would be located to the front of the dwelling in the current location of the two parking spaces. The new building would have a width of 5.2m, a depth of 6.1m on the elevation nearest to the dwelling and 4.1m at the elevation nearest the highway. It would have an eaves height of approximately 1.9m with a pitched roof design that results in a ridge height of 2.3m

The building would be constructed from timber framing and cladding with the car port open sided against the front boundary.

Abbots Langley Parish Council had objected to the application, raising concerns about the intrusive nature of the proposed structure and its negative impact on the street scene.