A planning application to build two large houses in Radlett was refused after neighbours claimed it would be “overbearing”.

Developer David Sullivan wanted to bulldoze a detached house in Christchurch Crescent, Radlett and replace it with two, two-storey, detached six-bedroom houses.

Both homes would include rooms in the loft and the basement and would share an entrance.

More than 60 residents sent in letters of objection.

They claimed that the proposed houses would be overdominant and disproportionate in size to other homes in Christchurch Crescent.

Philip Haberman spoke on behalf of residents at Hertsmere Council's planning committee meeting on Thursday, February 12.

He said: "This is the second over-sized development that has been submitted for this site.

"There are several key issues that we object to. The first is the application is for four-storey, not two storey buildings and the design of the crown roofs disguise the bulkiness of the houses.

"The houses will be overbearing - they will be up eight metres higher because it sits near the top of the hill and will look into the houses in Aldenham Avenue.

"Also, clearing the front to make room for a driveway is going to have a harmful effect on the trees."

Councillor John Graham said the proposed buildings would tower over the street, with an impact on the neighbouring properties.

The council unanimously refused planning permission on the basis that the height, size and bulk of the houses would not be in keeping with the character of area.

Christchurch Crescent resident Dennis Sandor said afterwards: "We are very pleased that the council refused the application - they worked hard to justify exactly why this building should not be built and it is the right decision."