"High rise properties are linked to a high risk of social isolation, depression, criminal activity and safety issues."

This is the warning from a Three Rivers district councillor after plans were submitted for a 23-storey block of flats in neighbouring west Watford.

Plans for the residential quarter in Ascot Road, which include 485 new homes, a medical centre and retail units, were submitted to Watford Borough Council on January 17.

Watford Observer:

An artist's impression of the development. Credit: ESA Architecture

But Cllr Allison Wall criticised the plans submitted by Orion, and said Watford Borough Council acted selfishly by failing to inform Three Rivers council about the proposal.

Despite being built in Watford, Cllr Wall said the development will affect people living in Croxley Green who will look at the "massive skyscraper" everyday.

In a letter to the Observer, she also said the development will put further pressure on an already crowded area and will affect levels of air pollution.

A public consultation, held in November, highlighted that some residents felt the tower was too tall for Watford and did not fit in with the rural area. Others expressed concern over the impact the development will have on parking and traffic - despite building 485 homes, only 220 parking spaces will be provided by the developers.

Watford Observer:

An artist's impression of the development. Credit: ESA Architecture

Speaking to the Observer in December, Cllr Wall said: “This is shocking. If you look round Watford and the buildings that are already here, there is nothing like it – the YMCA building seems high and that’s only 12 floors, this will be almost double that.

“A building this tall is unprecedented in the area – once these plans get the go ahead, more and more high-rise buildings will start appearing all over the place. It’s a slippery slope.”

Watford Observer:

An artist's impression of the development. Credit: ESA Architecture

Watford Borough Council is accepting people's comments until February 10.

Chairman of the Croxley Green Residents Association Barry Grant will also be holding a meeting about the plans on February 1. The meeting will be held at Croxley Green Community Centre between 6.30pm and 8pm.