Yahoo News Plans submitted to fit flats on top of garages
The owner of a Rickmansworth apartment block has submitted plans to build more flats in the middle of the estate.
Ashleigh Court residents could see two extra storeys of housing constructed on the row of garages, according to the application registered by Three Rivers District Council on June 25.
The plans would add four one-bedroom houses to the estate in Solomon's Hill, with separate kitchens and living rooms.
The existing garages and proposed development. (Image: Archplan Designs LTD) The owner of Ashleigh Court claimed there was a “high and unmet demand” for small affordable flats for “local young adults striving for independent living from their parental homes”.
Although they said the new homes would contribute to the area’s affordable housing supply, the application states they would be let or sold on leasehold at market rates.
A number of the garages are currently underused or empty, according to the applicant, and one unit would be converted into a stairwell to access the homes.
The proposed flats would be as tall as the nearby Ashleigh Court and would be designed to avoid overlooking into the existing apartment block.
If approved, it would be a “car-free” development as prospective occupants would be restricted from obtaining an on-road parking permit to discourage car ownership.
