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UK: Councillors on Watford Borough Council’s development management committee are expected to approve a 311-unit coliving scheme by Kosy Living.
First submitted in December 2023, significant changes were made to the Bridle Path plans last month, with a completely new set of documents added to the planning portal.
The main changes are a reduction in size, changing the facades to fit in with surrounding buildings, moving the structure back from the road, and cutting the number of bedrooms from 363 to 311.
Planning documents state: “The proposals as submitted via this addendum represent the results of years of hard work and demonstrate a desire to bring forward a significant contribution to meeting the current housing crisis and upgrading the existing public realm.”
The revised application came after another coliving scheme, by re:shape Living, was approved for an 18-storey building comprised of 210 studio flats to be built on the same road.
An officers’ report says: “The principle of a primarily coliving building with publicly available coworking space is considered acceptable in this location. This development delivers 311 studio units, the equivalent of 172 dwellings, helping Watford Borough Council to meet housing need and make a financial contribution of £2,992,572 toward affordable housing in the borough of Watford.”
Under the latest plans, the rooms would offer bathrooms, kitchenettes, storage space, and a desk/living area, while the communal areas would have larger kitchens for preparing most meals and social spaces including film screening rooms and exercise space.
While officers have made their recommendation, the final decision will be made by councillors when they vote on September 30.
Highlights:
• Councillors on Watford Borough Council’s development management committee are expected to approve a 311-unit coliving scheme by Kosy Living
• First submitted in December 2023, significant changes were made to the Bridle Path plans last month, including a reduction in the number of rooms
• The revised application came after another coliving scheme, by re:shape Living, was approved for an 18-storey building comprised of 210 studio flats to be built on the same road.
