A hotel with 88 beds could be built in the centre of Rickmansworth.

A hotel chain is targeting a plot of land used by builders’ merchants Travis Perkins in Church Street.

They have approached Three Rivers District Council for pre-application advice but a planning application has not been submitted.

Travis Perkins will still be based there, but operating out of a smaller yard.

David Montague, chairman of the Rickmansworth Waterways Trust, who are based opposite the proposed site, said: “Since the town lost the Long Island Exchange Hotel, Rickmansworth has desperately needed a new hotel.

“I do not have an issue with it being built there as long as it does not damage the habitats of the wildlife living there.

“There used to be an old mill on the other side of the river, so it would be nice if that could be cleaned up so that people could see it.”

Staff at Travis Perkins say they were first made aware of the plans over a year ago and were told an application would be submitted last year.

Despite this, Jonathan Langdon, acquisitions manager for Premier Inn, admitted the company wanted to invest in the town.

Do you live in Rickmansworth? Is this a good proposal? Get in touch with the Watford Observer at Michael.knowles@london.newsquest.co.uk