A proposal to build nine flats on land in London Road has been refused planning permission by St Albans district council.
Allen Developments was hoping to build nine flats with nine parking spaces on a 776sqm piece of land.
Despite council officers recommending granting permission, the planning committee last night (22) voted against the proposal after several members voiced their concerns over the lack of space for the development.
Planning agent Rowland Farrenkothen told the meeting: “Parking provision has been considered and we feel it encourages the use of alternative travel in St Albans.”
The proposal was opposed by Cllr Robert Donald, who said: “Neighbours are concerned the proposal is an overdevelopment and it is squishing into the site the maximum that can possibly be put there.”
He criticised the provision of parking spaces: “The number of spaces is under provision.”
Committee member Katherine Gardner concurred, saying: “The amount of parking is grossly underestimated.”
In the end, the committee voted to refuse permission by a margin of eight to one, with one abstention.
The developer had already made several alterations to their plan in order to address neighbours’ concerns over privacy.
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