PLANS for the land at Royal Quay have drawn a positive response from people in the village.
Ashill Developments displayed its grand vision to build 29 apartments and houses on land alongside the Grand Union Canal, near Coppermill Lock, at a public exhibition on Wednesday last week. Almost 100 people went to find out how the project could affect the area.
Paul Stone, chairman of Harefield Tenants’ and Residents’ Association, said: “I can’t find any objections. I thought it was a good scheme.”
The managing director of Ashill Developments, Steve Lavers, said: “We are very encouraged with the initial response.
“Many residents commented on the attractive design of the proposed scheme and the significant improvements in contrast to the previous residential applications for Royal Quay.”
Ideas to protect the ecology include a wildlife area, in which native hedgerow shrubs and flowers will be planted to attract waterfowl, and nesting boxes put in place for kingfishers and sand martins.
The fast-running water close to the adjacent Coppermill Lock will be utilised to generate electricity to help power the homes.
Royal Quay is one of three developments in the pipeline for Harefield. Harefield Grove, in Rickmansworth Road, is also approved for housing, and luxury homes could eventually be built on the Medi Parc site, off Hill End Road, if plans by developer Comer Homes are accepted.
Mr Stone said: “As a resident of Harefield I suppose my only worry about all these new homes is the effect on the infrastructure of the village.
“The schools and doctors will have extra people, but I think we will cope.”
Mr Lavers added: “We will be carefully reviewing all the feedback received and will, where possible, seek to address any concerns raised before we submit a planning application.”
? Your views are welcome, as always. For ways to get in touch, see the Letters pages (14 and 15).
