Plans to build a block of flats in Radlett were rejected by the council at last week's planning meeting.

The application, submitted by Neil Cottrell of Wooburn Green, High Wycombe, proposed to demolish a detached house in Watford Road, and build a two-story block of eight, two bedroom flats.

The building would including flats in the loft and in the basement. There would also be underground car parking, with 16 car spaces, plus motorcycle and cycle parking.

Officers at Hertsmere Borough Council originally recommended that the application be refused on the grounds that Mr Cotterell was not offering a suitable affordable housing. However, by the time of the meeting on Thursday, August 13 this issue had been resolved.

Russell Selwyn, whose home will be affected by the development, spoke against the application at the meeting.

He said: "My first concern since three large trees were removed prior to this application there is no natural screening between the two properties which previously existed - there is now a clear line of sight between the development and the back garden and it has removed the privacy that I once enjoyed.

"I will not be able to open my bathroom window as I will certainly be able to see, if not seen by others."

Mr Selwyn also raised concerns about the location of the rubbish bins and how often they will be removed. The bins are situated near the fence between the properties and Mr Selwyn is worried that this could attract rodents.

Another issue he raised was traffic. He said: "Watford Road is a very busy road - it is not only used by local residents but by those travelling from the M25 and the M1 and from Watford and St Albans.

"And at the narrowest point in Watford Road, buses cannot even pass each other - we've had a number of incidents where one has had to reverse back quite a bit because they just can't get past.

"There have accidents and is only few yards from the pedestrian crossing so I am concerned about the increase in traffic this development may cause."

During the debate although councillors addressed the concerns raised by Mr Selwyn they also highlighted issues surrounding the design and questioned whether the area is suitable for such a large scale building.

Councillor David Lambert said: "I do have a problem with the where the access is going to be and this will opposite another block of flats and at the narrowest point in the road.

"What that will do is make this house, which is quite well hidden, very prominent and so it will perceived as four-story development from the front. It is a massive building.

Councillors refused the application on the grounds that the size and bulk of the building would be out of keeping with the street scene.