Two controversial blocks of flats were approved this week, continuing the trend of tall buildings coming to central Watford.

READ MORE: Councillors approve 14-storey block of flats with no affordable housing​

While most people will agree that more housing is needed to meeting a rapidly rising demand, many argue that unsightly tower blocks are not the way to provide it.

But the alternative – building on green belt land – is equally unpopular, especially with those living in more rural areas.

What is even more contentious about the latest block though is that it will contain absolutely no affordable housing – arguably what people in Watford need most.

So what is the answer?

Well there seem to be plenty of brownfield sites in and around Watford – areas where prosperous businesses or family homes once stood before being reduced to rubble.

The problem with these though is that developers are often reluctant to build of them because of the costs incurred turning undesirable land into a usable plot.

I would suggest offering more incentives to make these readily-available sites more attractive – perhaps the council chipping in to the cost of the clean-up operation?

What we do need to stop however is developments which offer no affordable housing.

At a time when rents are rapidly rising while wages remain stagnant, it is completely unacceptable that a 14-storey block of flats will contain nothing for the hoi polloi.

Development is all well and good but it must benefit the many, not just the few.