A TK Maxx spokeswoman admitted she was sad when a Victorian villa was pulled down to make way for offices – at a consultation meeting about her company’s plans to do just that.

TK Maxx is hoping to expand its headquarters in Clarendon Road by demolishing the last two Victorian houses in the street.

At a public consultation held today, Debbie Lake, head of reputation at TK Maxx, said she was sad when 36 Clarendon Road was demolished to make way for office blocks.

"Working in Clarendon Road, I watched the old building opposite be pulled down for offices, and I must admit, I was sad to watch that happen," she said.

But she said the 15-storey office block, which would replace two Victorian villas at 73 and 75 Clarendon Road, would be more attractive than the one built at 36.

READ MORE: 'Watford's historic buildings are slowly being destroyed': Outrage at plans to demolish Victorian houses

The plans, which are likely to be submitted by Easter, have upset residents who fear Watford’s history is being eroded. A petition that was set up last month has already gathered almost 350 signatures.

But Nick Sutcliffe, a planning consultant behind the proposal, said the extra jobs the development will create, justify the demolition of the homes.

TK Maxx, the biggest company in Watford, already employs 1,600 people, but with a bigger headquarters, and possible shops, he suggested it could employ up to 3,000 by 2028.

He said the site was ideal because of its proximity to Watford Junction train station, meaning people from London could commute to it.

The consultation continues at the Holiday Inn, in Clarendon Road, until 8pm this evening. It is also on tomorrow, between 10am and 2pm at the same place.

Residents have until February 5 to submit comments either online, by post or by attending the public consultation today or tomorrow.