News PRP’s Net Zero Intergenerational Housing scheme given the green light

PRP’s Net Zero Intergenerational Housing scheme given the green light

News, Press Releases

March 12, 2025

Planning permission has been granted for a senior living development on Kytes Drive in Watford. Designed by PRP for Anchor, the scheme is designed to create a thriving intergenerational community through much-needed affordable and sustainable retirement homes. 

The new housing community will increase the number of homes on site from 55 general needs homes to 146 homes, with a mix of socially-rented and affordable options available. Once complete, there will be 43 socially-rented accessible homes, 71 new affordable retirement apartments, 20 new general needs homes, 10 homes in the Grade II Listed Kytes House and two in a converted stable barn outbuilding. 

Kytes House building sits at the centre of the estate and has influenced the design of the new homes, creating a harmonious architectural style where the buildings collectively enhance the character of the estate. Works will cover the preservation of Kytes House, as well as replacing structurally and thermally deficient bungalows with fit-for-purpose, energy efficient homes. 

PRP’s design is set to achieve Net Zero Carbon, exceeding government policy and reducing energy bills for future occupants. Embodied carbon will be reduced through informed material selection, refurbishment and potential circularity of materials. Operational energy demand will be reduced through passive measures, a fabric first approach and improved air tightness. 

The landscape has been carefully developed to embrace the existing open feel of the estate, enhancing the visual amenity and connecting the buildings to a natural, sustainable environment. Green roofs, SUDs and growing gardens will enhance biodiversity.

 

Simon Atkins, Director at PRP has said, “PRP’s Later Living team are delighted to have assisted Anchor to obtain development consent to bring forward much needed specialist and general needs housing in the unique setting of the Kytes House estate. Historically, the site has provided specialist housing dedicated for individuals and families with acute needs. The redevelopment proposals embrace this dedication, and will now provide sustainable and accessible dwellings in a thriving mixed generation community of existing and new residents.”

 

Kytes Drive is likely to be delivered in three phases to minimise disruption to existing residents during construction, and the specific needs of each existing resident will be taken into account when considering relocation during and after the construction phases.