Plans for 52 flats at Victoria Square in St Albans denied due to light and objections.
The site has three business buildings with three to five floors. Now, Redneedle wants to redevelop the area.
One plan suggested 26 one-bedroom flats and seven two-bedroom flats. The second plan had 25 one-bedroom flats, including four two-bedroom flats.
Flat layouts show a bedroom, a bathroom, a kitchen, living, and dining area, with storage and a hallway.
The local planning authority considered the plans but refused prior approval for both. They worried about trees blocking natural light, stating not enough light would reach rooms.
The applicant disagreed with the refusal, thinking the plans met all rules and citing Class MA of planning regulations.
Many people objected during the public comment period, expressing concerns about the development. Objectors predicted more noise, pollution, and increased traffic due to the project.
One person mentioned the site’s wall, stating that plans lacked wall preservation. The wall offers privacy and area character, and removing it would harm both.