You are gonna have to go back a lot further than that. You will spot a lot of the houses built up to the turn of the century (1900ish!) were either terraced workers' cottages or l with a yard for the stables and coach. Then properties used to be built with garages/space for a vehicle (Hall Park, Dellfield, etc.) After the next war (1940's) more homes were needed and it was never envisaged that the 'working class' would have need to actually travel far to earn a living, so a compromise was made with separate blocks of garages for a percentage (Durrents). Politicians managed to do their best to keep the public under their thumb and impose their view on what we wanted. The public did their best to resist but we still believe 'they' know best. Until the general public actually get their act together, we will continue to end up with buildings like the 'thing' on the corner of Castle Street and Mill street, the historic parts of the town 'improved' (town centre ripped out) and employment and other facilities anywhere else but where it could be useful. Remember that a 'Berkhamsted Chief' has the attitude that even Hemel isn't big enough for a hospital. I did suggest that the NHS would be best served if a super facility was built in the middle of the country and everyone was just taken their by ambulance, helicopter or by the new high speed rail link - you think I'm joking, think about it!!

The main problem you have, along with many other towns, is the high density living conditions. In the 60s they had the overspill towns. Now in 2010 we have a massive dept that the great Labour Government and the European Union has created for us. Sometimes I look at this country now, and I think, it would have been better if hitler would have won the war or the romans!LOL