A SECOND bid to build flats on the site of a former nursery in Pinner has met with angry objections.
The proposal, for a three- and four-storey complex with an underground car park in West End Lane, is being put under scrutiny by neighbours who claim it is almost identical to plans rejected in July last year.
Roger Hill, who has lived in the street for nearly 30 years, said: “Planning permission has been granted for six flats, which we didn’t have a problem with as there was a pitched roof. This one has a flat roof and I can only describe it as a monstrosity.”
Cynthia Wells, also of West End Lane, said: “We don’t want to see nine flats there, it really is overkill. We thought it would be better to have one or two family homes on the site”
The land is opposite the entrance to the West House historical house and gallery and Mrs Wells said she is concerned the flats would have an impact on parking and traffic.
The previous application was refused for reasons that included density, out of character and that it constituted an over-development.
Paul Newman, who is working with three friends under their company name, Quebe, to develop the site, said: “When we had permission for six flats the council said in a meeting that it was underdeveloped by 50 per cent and we thought the flats were too small.We held a meeting with residents and half of them weren’t bothered and half were. We have been trying to get the best development for everyone over the last year.”
Geoffrey Wheal, who monitors planning issues for the Pinner Association, said: “We objected to this the first time around and will do so again.
“They held a public consultation when the initial application for nine flats went in and there was almost unanimous objection to it, but they went ahead anyway.”
