WE ARE READY TO BUILD HOMES ON THE DERELICT SITE OF THE FORMER NEW RIVER ARMS PUB.

BACKGROUND

The site of the former New River Arms has laid derelict since the old public house was demolished to make way for new homes.

Since then, the site has become a nuisance for nearby residents and a hub for anti-social behaviour. In April 2024, we cleaned-up the site, built new secure hoarding and enhanced onsite security to minimise future incidents of anti-social behaviour.

Only by redeveloping the site can we permanently rid the area of this eyesore.

New hoarding installed in April 2024

PREVIOUS PLANNING PERMISSION

We obtained planning permission in 2015. It has since expired. We were unable to deliver the consented scheme for the following reasons:

  • A change in national building regulations, largely in response to the Grenfell Tower disaster, meant that the scheme had to be reworked.

  • An inefficient use of space to the ratio of unit numbers meant that an increase in construction costs rendered it too expensive to build.

A FRESH START

We are preparing a planning application for submission to Broxbourne Council. Before submission, we want to hear your views.

The latest scheme comprises:

  • The delivery of 80 apartments.

  • A mix of 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom properties.

  • A three-storey building (ground plus three floors above).

  • Quality homes that meet nationally and locally described space standards.

  • A combination of basement and surface car parking.

‘BEFORE WE SUBMIT A PLANNING APPLICATION, WE WANT TO HEAR YOUR VIEWS.’

WE ARE LISTENING

Over the last two years, we have been engaging with Broxbourne Council as we prepare a brand-new planning application.

Based on engagement to date, we have made three fundamental changes to the emerging scheme, set out below.

Commercial unit

  • We proposed a shop, mini supermarket or take-away on the ground floor. The retail unit was deemed unsuitable in this location. It has been removed from the scheme.

Building height

  • We proposed a four-storey building (ground plus four floors above). It was deemed too tall, so we reduced the overall building height to three storeys (ground plus three floors above).

Bricks and materials

  • The proposed use of materials was deemed out of character in the area. The new material palette, including bricks, has been changed to match the neighbouring properties.

THE PROPOSED SCHEME INCLUDES:

Housing mix

The scheme will deliver 80 apartments. It will deliver the following mix:

  • 62 x 1 bed units

  • 17 x 2 bed units

  • 1 x 3 bed units

Design and materials

  • The use of flemish bond red brick is in keeping with the area.

  • The building has curves in the mass contrast the very carefully placed, simple rectangular window openings.

  • Recessed terraces prevent the mass from becoming too overwhelming.

Bulk and massing

  • The proposal is split into three cores. Each core serves a maximum of 8 units per floor. Reducing the number of units accessed per core increases security in semi-public spaces and makes the building more efficient.

Car and cycle parking

  • 85 basement car parking spaces including 12 surface car parking spaces.

  • Basement car parking will prevent overspill parking in neighbouring streets.

  • 81 cycle spaces