The only way is up.

That was the proclamation as plans for a controversial 24-storey tower block were approved by Watford Borough Council’s development management committee on Wednesday night.

Developer Orion has faced considerable public protestation since submitting plans for the 485-home development in January, with a petition opposing the scheme attracting more than 1,000 signatures.

Cries of “you’re living in Cloud Cuckoo Land” were heard from the packed public gallery as head of planning Chris Osgathorp set out the merits of the project, with his assertion that the 81m tower would be “slender in appearance” drawing guffaws from the partisan crowd.  

Spread across five blocks of varying heights, the development will contain 170 affordable units as well as community areas and 400 sqm of retail space.

Councillor Nigel Bell tabled a motion to amend the proposal but was defeated as the plans were passed by six votes to three.

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Committee chairman Councillor Peter Jeffree said: “If we can’t build outwards, we will have to build up.

“Housing availability and affordability are key issues for us. We can’t pretend there isn’t a housing issue.

“This scheme brings a significant investment to the Western Gateway - a priority area for Watford in the draft local plan - as well as much-needed affordable homes for our community.”

Cllr Bell argued that a building taller than 15 storeys would contravene council planning guidelines but was told by Mr Osgathorp that such a structure “didn’t provide the same aesthetics as the taller building”.

Speaking on behalf of the Croxley Green Residents Association, which has campaigned vociferously against the development, Barry Grant complained the tower would be “out of character with its surroundings”.

Another contentious point was the perceived lack of parking at the site, with just 185 spaces provided for the nearly 500 new homes.

However the plans are designed to be “car light”, putting emphasis on public transport links including the Ebury Way cycle track, nearby bus stops, and a proposed car sharing scheme.

The proposed Metropolitan Line Extension scheme was also mentioned as a reason why fewer parking spaces were needed, but with the future of this project uncertain, residents and councillors were understandably critical of its inclusion in the plans.

Councillor Matt Turmaine referred to the rail project as the “Mythical Line Extension”, while Councillor Sohail Bashir asked: “Are we expected to believe that a few bus stops and no train station would have no impact on infrastructure?”

Arguing in favour of the project, Councillor Mark Watkin said: “I think this is an exciting scheme. We have to go ahead because I can’t see a suitable planning reason for this not to go ahead.”