Fears over flats proposal for Colney Heath pumping station

Concerned residents would like to see proposals for three-storey blocks of flats pumped out of a brownfield site which is up for redevelopment.

Representatives of Affinity Water held a pre-application meeting with residents living around the site of their pumping station in Roestock Lane, Colney Heath.

They are proposing to close the pumping station and build a mix of two, three and four bedroom flats and houses on the site.

But many of those who attended the meeting were concerned particularly about the volume of houses proposed for the site and the impact of three-storey blocks of flats. There were also issues with the landscaping detail.

District councillor for the village, Chris Brazier, said that the overbearing presence of the flats had caused some concern but many residents felt the footprint of the site should accommidate 20 to 25 new homes and not the 41 proposed.

He went on: “The residents know the site is going to be developed but don’t accept the designs of the flats and houses.”

In its comment form on behalf of Affinity Water, surveyors and town planners Brasier Freeth said that the aim was to create a ‘parkland scheme’ with a large element of open space accessible to the village.

“As far as possible the scheme would be developed to reflect local building styles and landscape features.

Cllr Brazier added: “They said they would look at the concerns raised by residents and take them seriously and my view is that is the best way forward at the moment.”