Leggatts Way, Watford

Located in North Watford, the site forms part of St Mark’s Parish Church. The development by Rockwell looks to redevelop the existing vicarage with a replacement vicarage and 7 new three an four bedroom detached houses.

The proposal is designed to sit well with the surrounding buildings, landscape and parish church. The houses’ scale and form align closely with adjacent residential properties, contrasting with the taller forms initially presented in the pre-planning stage. Homes with a third story have been modified to visually resemble two-story structures, with dormers added to the front and no third-story windows at the rear. Roofs are predominantly double pitched with side gables, consistent with the local residential style. The development’s scale and arrangement are intended to address issues of proximity, overlooking, and access, creating a neighbourhood feel that respects the character of the area.

The design’s materiality and form aim to blend seamlessly with the surrounding urban context. The houses will feature a predominantly red brick palette, complemented by accent materials that reflect the local architectural vernacular, introducing subtle façade variations that create balanced, cohesive elevations across the site.

Consistent with our previous projects, the proposed design incorporates well-executed detailing, including asymmetric contemporary windows, recessed doors, and varied brickwork. Features like rear extensions and dormers enhance internal spaces with ample daylight and controlled views. Plots are grouped with similar façades to promote visual harmony: Plots 1, 7, and 8, for example, incorporate matching front gables and horizontal brick detailing, while Plots 3-6 feature identical elements for a cohesive look in the pedestrianized area. Plot 2 serves as a visual anchor for the street, extending slightly beyond the consistent frontage line to provide a vantage point down the street.

south street elevation

north street elevation

The landscape design retains several large, ecologically valuable trees, particularly those rated as “Category A” in the Tree Report, to support biodiversity. A rural-inspired landscape approach provides generous rear gardens for all properties, maintaining a natural aesthetic. Vegetation along the Leggatts Way boundary will be preserved to maintain the existing greenery. Hedges will buffer the pedestrian areas from the front of each house, while new trees planted in rear gardens enhance privacy.

Although initial planning feedback recommended retaining trees along the southern boundary, the arboricultural assessment identified these as low-quality, recommending their removal and replacement. For more details, see the arboricultural and landscape information, which outlines tree protection measures, planting schedules, and layouts for both soft and hard landscaping.

The southeast corner of the site includes a Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) feature that supports local surface water drainage while providing a community amenity space for the church. A comprehensive drainage strategy report is included in the application.

The private road within the development will be surfaced to prioritize pedestrian use, fostering a community atmosphere. A dedicated footway will connect the street to the turning head, but the road itself will emphasize pedestrian access. Boundary treatments are designed to blend with the surrounding area, maintaining a connection with the church grounds and Harebreaks Wood.