A planning application (DM2021/00043) to redevelop the Topps Tiles shop and the car park at the back into two blocks of flats has been received. It would provide 34 flats, (no affordable housing) including studio, 1, 2, and 3 bedroom flats.

The development would retain a smaller ‘kiosk- style’ shop on the High St that would also front onto Victoria Gardens, opening up that side of the gardens.  On top there would be four floors with 25 flats.

At the back, on the current car park, and with access from Vale Road, there would be a separate block of nine flats.  There would be three disabled spaces for cars.  In line with High St policies there would be no general parking spaces for the flats, and occupants would not be able to obtain residents parking permits.

We are concerned that the proposal is an overdevelopment of this site, with an adverse impact on the neighbouring properties in Vale and Bushey Roads, and a likely adverse impact on parking in neighbouring streets.  But we would be interested in your views.

Comments on the application should be made through the Online Planning Register.  First you have to register as a user.  Instructions on how to do this and video tutorials on how to search for planning applications and make comments on them are here.

Ruth, Marlene and Steve