Building two blocks of flats in Watford will start a "dangerous domino effect", a councillor has argued.

The planning committee at Watford Borough Council said that although the plans for 114 Hempstead Road were not to their personal liking the government’s recent pro-development changes to planning policy made it impossible to refuse.

Developers Sliabh Construction Ltd. will now demolish the existing bungalow and build three, three bed flats and six, two bed flats after plans were unanimously approved at a planning meeting on Thursday.

Speaking for residents opposing the plans, Nascot councillor Mark Hoffman told the meeting: "The high level of opposition from residents represents the community’s outrage at the plans.

"Although it is widely accepted that a new development will occur, the proposed size, bulk and character of the new building is out-of-scale with the site it is intended to be built on.

"I have visited the site several times, most recently this afternoon and am convinced the current plans are out-of-scale.

Location of the development in Hempstead Road.

"If this scheme is allowed to pass then it will create a dangerous domino effect that could have serious repercussions for residents living in Watford and beyond.

"The development will affect the character of the area at large, from a tightly knit community of family homes, bungalows and apartments to an increasingly densely populated succession of tower blocks."

"This is a bad design and should be scaled down significantly if it is to be built in our town. The loss of view that will blight residents' lives."

More than 15 residents objected to plans, citing traffic problems and the scale of the development - which will overlook houses in Maple Grove and Hempstead Road.

During the discussion by committee members, Cllr Iain Sharpe said: “We could vote against but with the knowledge we would 100 per cent lose on appeal. Yes with my heart I want to vote against but can’t.”

Cllr Johnson agreeing said the case would lose at appeal, but criticised the drawings provided by developers.

Next door neighbour Waqar Rashid said the development would fundamentally alter the character of the area.

He argued “This development is sprouting from the middle of an existing area around which people are enjoying their privacy which is about to be kidnapped and ruined forever.

“The area that will be affected by this design represents a tightly knit community of individuals, many of whom are long standing residents who have raised their families in this area.

“This development will impact a diverse range of individuals, from the young to the old.

“The plan in question lacks good design. In particular, the poorly proportioned and cramped appearance of the blocks and overbearing and over dominant side elevations make this a very badly thought out idea."

What do you think of the plans? Comment below or email charlotte.ikonen@london.newsquest.co.uk.