Plans for a housing development in Offley have been refused after concerns were raised about "sub-standard accommodation".

The plans, submitted by Hox Design Architects, proposed building two three-bedroom homes and two one-bedroom apartments on land adjacent to School House.

But, North Herts Council has put a stop to the plans after refusing planning permission, citing a number of issues including "sub-standard accommodation".

"The proposed development would result in sub-standard accommodation by reason of the inadequate size of the flats and houses and the limited size of the communal amenity area," the decision notice reads.

"By reason of the siting of the development close to the highway boundary, the number of units proposed and the restricted site area, the proposed development would result in an overdevelopment of the site that would have an adverse impact on the visual amenities and general character of the area."

Concerns were also raised about safeguarding for children at the neighbouring Offley Endowed Primary School & Nursery, with the decision continuing: "The proposed development would result in overlooking at close quarters of the primary school playing fields and a consequent loss of privacy and potential safeguarding issue for children attending the school."