The site in question included the vandalised former care home known as James Marshall House and the Harpenden Day Centre. James Marshall House had closed nearly 15 years earlier. Alongside the residential development, the plans included a new day centre, café, and restaurant, aimed at revitalising the site and providing essential amenities for the community. This included from the Harpenden Day Centre which had long-standing modernisation needs unmet due to the uncertainty surrounding James Marshall House. "The appeal proposal provides a genuine opportunity for redevelopment of a town centre site where no other scheme has been forthcoming or implemented for 14 years."