Empty home could be converted to apartments

A disused home in North Road could return to residential use after a planning application was submitted to create five self-contained apartments.

The proposals include conversion of the property to five self-contained apartments, including the construction of a two storey and part single storey rear extension and a second floor side extension. Associated works would also see the existing basement converted into habitable accommodation. No changes to access or parking are proposed.

The 200-year-old listed building has been unoccupied for much of the last decade, with a hoarding put up in front of the house around eight years ago. A substantial tree was removed between June 2017 and October 2018.

The property last changed hands in May 2011 when it sold for £647,500.

Commenting on the application, Jan Goodeve, former councillor and Executive Member for Planning at East Herts Council said: "Whilst I am pleased to see there are plans to bring this property back into use, unfortunately I feel that what is proposed is overdevelopment and inappropriate for this fine heritage building forming part of an important Hertford street scene in a conservation area."