The Principal Planning Officer (AC) presented his report to the committee. 

The Chair then invited local resident, Mrs Aldridge to address the committee. 

Mrs Aldridge explained that her house was next to the proposed development and she expressed concern about the height of the proposed building and the subsequent loss of privacy and light, with clear views into her house.  She asked for reassurance that the new building would actually have obscured glass to the specified 1.8 metres as although this was supposed to have been the case for the existing building, it was not the case. 

She expressed concern that the annex at the bottom of her garden would be especially vulnerable to being overlooked, as would her garden. 

She pointed out that the existing trees were supposed to be no more than 15 metres tall, but were more like 30 metres tall and reduced the amount of light into her garden. 

She added that she was also concerned about the potential for noise disturbance.  Mrs Aldridge concluded by seeking clarification about the exact dimensions of the proposed new development.  

The Chair invited the Principal Planning Officer to address the points Mrs Aldridge had raised.  The Principal Planning officer clarified the dimensions of the buildings and explained that there was a condition for obscured glass up to 1.8 metres on the rear elevation.  He added that the southern wing had the same condition. 

A sunlight assessment had been carried out and due to the orientation of the buildings, there would be no loss of sunlight.  He added that as part of the discussions between the developers and planners, the northern wing had been reduced in size and moved back to behind the flank wall of 16E St John’s Road.

The Chair then asked Ms Ailish Collins, the senior planner on behalf of Canada Life, to address the committee. 

Ms Collins gave a very brief history of the site and that it had been very effectively managed by Canada Life for a number of years.  The existing building was underused and so this application had been submitted to bring the building up to date and increase usage.  The original application from 2019 had been amended in consultation with Watford Borough Council to minimise any effects on the residents of St John’s Road.  The new scheme provided new and improved office accommodation for over 400 people and an efficient and sustainable building with an associated positive effect on Watford. 

The Chair thanked Ms Ailish and commented that he welcomed the fact that the existing building was being largely retained.  The developer had gone to great lengths to reduce the impact on neighbours.  It was an attractive design and he could see no reason to refuse. 

The Chair then invited comments from the committee. 

Councillor Bell stated that whilst he agreed that the design was attractive, he asked if the developer could meet with Mrs Aldridge to provide her with some reassurance.  The Chair endorsed this suggestion and added that matters such  ...  view the full minutes text for item 25