Plans resubmitted by developers to convert former St Albans convent into flats

Controversial plans to develop a former convent into flats have been resubmitted by developers.

The Maryland Convent site on Townsend Drive, St Albans, has caused controversy over the past year following plans to turn it into ‘retirement flats’.

Nearby residents and St Albans councillors criticised the plans, submitted by Beechcroft Ltd, claiming that they would result in increased traffic and over-population of the area.

Throughout the various discussions and meetings about the plans, many questioned the 55-plus age bracket given as ‘retirement age’.

There were concerns that families could still occupy the premises and more cars would result, but at a planning referrals committee in August the application was refused.

Despite the council’s decision, developers have re-submitted plans for a third time.

The new application proposes demolishing the existing building and building four blocks of 45 ‘retirement’ flats.

Nigel Johnson, of Townsend Drive, said: “The new application is almost as large as the previous one, and despite claims about public consultation there has been none at all on this application.”

Consultation on the planning application will end on November 2.