Policy information sourced from the Watford Local Plan 2021-2038.

HO3.2: Housing Mix, Density and Optimising Use of Land

Housing mix

Proposals for new residential development of five dwellings or more will be supported where they make provision for at least 20% of the total number of residential units to be family-sized (at least three+ bedrooms).

Housing density and optimising land

Residential developments should seek to optimise the density of sites through a design-led approach, taking account of the context and sustainability of a site, focusing higher density development within the Core Development Area. Within it, new residential developments should seek to deliver a minimum density of at least 95 dwellings per hectare. Outside of the Core Development Area, new residential developments are expected to achieve at least 45 dwellings per hectare, but the optimal density for individual sites should be established through careful consideration of local character, context and access to amenities and public transport.

Protecting existing housing stock

If a net loss of residential accommodation is proposed, applicants will be required to demonstrate how the benefit of the scheme outweighs this loss.

For more information, please see the Watford Local Plan 2021-2038.