Watford Borough Council’s Planning Committee has unanimously approved plans for 39 affordable new homes voting 9-0 in favour of the development at Halsey House, in the heart of Watford Town Centre.
Proposals were submitted by Hertfordshire-based housing association Hightown in response to the need for more affordable housing in Watford. Pictured above is a CGI of the proposed new homes.
According to figures from The National Housing Federation ‘Home Truths’ Report, average house prices in Watford stood at £392,146 last year, more than 12 times the average salary in the area.
The 23 homes earmarked will be allocated to families in housing need from the local council’s waiting list. The remaining 16 will be set aside for people to buy through the shared ownership scheme.
Located less than a mile from Watford Junction and Watford High Street train stations, the new homes will also be moments away from several key local sites including the Watford Colosseum, Watford Palace Theatre, the leisure centre and the Intu shopping centre.
Andrew Royall, Development Director for Hightown Housing Association said: “We’re very pleased with the decision to support this development, which will offer people a chance to find a home in a popular, well connected central Watford location. Our plans ensure that all of the homes at Halsey House will go to those who would otherwise be priced out of their local area.”
Formerly the site of the Watford Conservative Club, and located on Rosslyn Road, Halsey House was acquired by Hightown in January 2018 after the site closed as a social club. The former club will be demolished to make way for the new homes.
