Outraged neighbours and councillors have criticised a government planning inspector who overturned a decision to block a “monstrous overdevelopment” from being built.

The verdict to allow the tower block of 93 residential flats to be built on the site of the former Caledonian House in St Albans Road has been described as “shocking” by Councillor Mark Watkin

Developer Heronslea’s plans were thrown out by Watford Borough Council more than a year ago. However the government’s planning inspector overruled the decision on appeal, giving the scheme the green light.

READ MORE: Residents slam new flat proposals 

Councillor Mark Watkin said residents and his fellow Nascot ward councillors were “stunned, shocked, and apoplectic” by the inspector’s intervention.

He said: “Our joint campaign over the last 18 months caused the scheme to be rejected by councillors after officers had recommended approval, and is something we should be proud of.

“But we were fighting the national as well as the local issues. The government has made it clear that developers should be given a free hand in spite of the wishes of the council and its residents.”

Councillor Mark Hofman said he believed the government’s decision to “move the goalposts” was evidence of a “broken” planning system.

“This monstrous overdevelopment further demonstrates just how the government’s broken planning policy works against the wishes and best interests of this town,” he said.

“The inspector’s decision was heavily influenced by the recent review of housing needs, which determined that Watford does not have enough identified schemes to meet its five-year requirement. Prior to this reassessment, we had 13 years of supply.”

Councillor Jane Johnson, who also opposes the development, says she has concerns with parking and impact on the adjoining Nascot Conservation Area.

“We are deeply worried about this scheme’s impact on the surrounding conservation area, and in particular residents in Malden Road and Nascot Street - it serves a dangerous precedent,” she said.

“The government’s policy seems to be more housing at any cost; with only 75 parking spaces to serve the 93 dwellings, there will be more pressure on local parking spaces within the Nascot village CPZ, but as enforcement stops in early evening the effect of parking in the local streets is likely to be devastating.”

Campaigners will now seek legal advice on challenging the decision, as only a High Court ruling can quash the planning inspector’s verdict.