The discovery that twice as many houses as previously thought will need to be built every year in Watford to meet demand is expected to instigate a review of the council’s local plan.

A report put before Watford Borough Council’s cabinet on Monday evening recommended that part two of the local plan not be submitted for examination, and that resources should instead be focussed on a local plan review.

This is because the housing target adopted by the council in 2013 estimated that the authority would have to build 260 homes per year over a five year period to meet demand.

However this figure has now been objectively revised to 577 – more than double the original target.

As a result, the decision to review the local plan has been taken and is expected to be ratified at a meeting of the full council on October 17.

The council said the growth of the town was “inevitable” but added: “We will control and plan for it so that it takes place where we want it to, not just where developers and private investors see fit.”

Cllr Iain Sharpe, cabinet member for regeneration and development, said: “The challenge is to provide the homes people need, ensure the town’s economic success and achieve a quality environment.

“It is made more difficult by ever tighter government rules on planning policy, taking away much of our local discretion.

“It is important that we invest time and effort in getting this right and engage with the local community in finding the best solutions for Watford.”

The first phase of the review involves carrying out evidence studies to obtain an up-to-date view of Watford’s housing, employment, environmental and infrastructural needs.

The council also needs to have a “brownfield register” online by the end of this year, and has already started a “call for sites” consultation, which resulted in around 20 sites being put forward for consideration for development.

The council says work on the new plan will involve engagement with the community, neighbouring authorities and other stakeholders, with a consultation due to open in the spring.

Anyone who wishes to be notified of when the consultation is taking place can join the council’s mailing list by contacting strategy@watford.gov.uk