Controversial plans to build three new flats on top of an existing block of flats in St Albans have been resubmitted - despite having been refused twice before.

CDS Town Planning has once again submitted a proposal to the district council that would see an additional storey built on top of the Butlers Yard complex in the city centre.

This would provide three new flats - something developers say is "much needed".

The saga dates back to 2022, when a version of the plans was first rejected following backlash from existing residents at the site.

Plans were originally rejected on the grounds that it would harm the character of the area, particularly impacting on the Grade II-listed St Peter's Church.

After being rejected a second time in 2023, the plans seemed to inch a step closer earlier this year when a rejected appeal noted that the proposals had been improved and did not represent "unacceptable harm".

While the application was still dismissed, developers are now hoping it will be third time lucky with their latest proposal.

A letter accompanying the application says: "This proposal would bring forward high quality homes, in a sustainable location that would be in keeping with the character and appearance of the area."

It goes on to say: "This revised proposal represents a high quality extension that is wholly in keeping with the existing building, and completely set back from the elevation of the building."

The application also claims that issues surrounding the height of the building have been addressed, saying that the council has now accepted the proposed height of the building after the building of the fourth storey.

Suggested Reading:

The proposed new flats would all be one bedroom dwellings, designed to house two people.

The application has now been submitted to the district council and is open to public consultation. 

Residents have until September 21 to do so by visiting the St Albans City and District Council planning portal and entering the reference 13/08/2024.

At time of writing there have been no comments or objections recorded.