A 23-storey tower block will reshape the skyline of central Watford after plans were approved at a meeting – despite a lack of low-cost housing being offered.

The building, which will be developed on an area spanning Clarendon Road, next to Jurys Inn, and Beechen Grove in Watford, will replace the current office space which has sat empty since 1997.

A decision was made at Watford Borough Council’s Development Management Committee last night (Wednesday, November 1) to turn the site into a part 23, part eight-storey tower containing 154 flats, café and restaurant spaces on the ground and ninth floors, a first floor gym, a landscaped rooftop area, and 11,000 sq m of office space.

The design of the development has sparked criticism from people living nearby over fears it could “overshadow” neighbouring homes.

Chris Gibbs, of Gartlet Road, in Watford, said: “The proposed development is located south west of my apartment at and I object on the grounds of overshadowing through loss of sunlight and daylight, and overlooking to the detriment of my residence.

“The development is not appropriate to the area due to the proposed scale, height and mass and will have a major impact on the skyline.

“The development will also set a precedence for similar developments resulting in further negative implications for the area.”

The tower block is considered to be the largest speculative development of office accommodation by floor space to come to Watford in over 20 years, however it will not meet the council’s housing policy requirement of 35 per cent social housing in all schemes of 10 units or more.

The council agreed that applicants Clarendon Road Developments would only make a minimum contribution of £1.4 million – after initially seeking £6 million – but contributions of £600k from the development will also now “support other housing projects elsewhere in the borough”.

They council also secure by legal agreement a further commitment to provide just under a further £5 million subject to overall viability of the scheme when it is under development.

Cllr Iain Sharpe, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Development, said: “We have very demanding housing targets set by the government, and it’s great that we are attracting development opportunities of this kind to improve our offer to residents and businesses alike - creating new jobs, new homes and new leisure facilities for everyone to enjoy.

“Clarendon Road is consolidating its reputation as an attractive location both for businesses and for residents, linking Watford Junction, which provides an easy commute in and out of town, with the High Street and the growing leisure and retail offer there.”

A spokesman for Clarendon Road Developments Ltd commented that they were “delighted with the support of Officers and Members to have achieved approval for their landmark scheme and are excited to be delivering what will be the major contribution to the town’s office accommodation”.