A potential of 14,000 more jobs could be created in Watford by 2031 - double previous estimates, it emerged at a Watford Borough Council meeting last night.

But some politicians are concerned there aren’t enough commercial spaces in the town to keep up with the high rate of growth.

Watford Borough Council’s cabinet heard yesterday that the authority’s current research far outstrips employment projections made about the town’s jobs economy between 2006 and 2031.

Manny Lewis, managing director of Watford council, said: "We do have high growth. We had estimated 7,000 additional jobs for Watford by 2031, but our current research indicates we have the potential to double that rate of growth."

He said the council was identifying sites for commercial space, particularly in terms of the areas viability and air quality.

But Holywell councillor Nigel Bell pointed out a number of industrial sites had been closed.

He said: "In terms of employment we’ve had the demolition of Cardiff Road industrial estate, Rembrandt House and the Royal Mail.

"I suppose we might make up for those out on the Cardiff Road Health Campus site.

"It would be good to see us getting these big employment areas back."

Cabinet chairman, Elected Mayor of Watford Dorothy Thornhill, said modern offices incorporate home working and hot desks and therefore do not require as much workspace.

She said: "It’s a problem, we’ve got lots of people and very few industrial sites.

"But modern office conventions, such as using hot desks and working from home, will be easier with the new office equipment. It means businesses will be able to employ more people in a smaller space."

Mayor Thornhill continued: "We cannot do everything, we are a small and dense geographical area. If businesses need large warehouses there’s Maylands in Hemel Hempstead - it’s close enough that people in Watford can still benefit from those jobs."