Ambitious plans to build 400 flats in Watford have been resubmitted.

Developer R Square Properties wants to build an eight-storey apartment block and two four-storey office blocks in Tolpits Lane.

Two existing buildings in Wolsey Business Park would be demolished to make way for the development – The Reach Free School is currently based in one, but a new, permanent site has been agreed for it in Maple Cross.

Watford Observer:

An artist's impression of the development: Lumiere Design 

But the same developers submitted similar plans in 2015. Planning officers at Three Rivers District Council recommended that they be refused by the planning committee and the application was withdrawn shortly after.

The development would include a swimming pool, gym, sauna, steam room and leisure facilities.

However, the scheme proposes 32 social rented flats, which only represents 7.9 per cent of the total homes – the council seeks that affordable houses comprise at least 45 per cent of new developments.

Watford Observer:

An artist's impression of the development: Lumiere Design 

There would also be an on-site coffee shop, Tesco Metro or retail equivalent, and a crèche.

The plans also propose a rooftop garden, function room and underground parking facilities for 1,211 cars. The developers believe the site will create 337 new jobs.

Progress Planning, planning and land consultants, objected to the proposal, saying that an eight-storey block would be out of character with the area.

Watford Observer:

An artist's impression of the development: Lumiere Design 

It added that the flats would generate excessive levels of traffic and argued that this type of development is more suited to a central London location, where there would be less cars accessing it.