Watford town centre is to benefit from 100 new homes after plans to redevelop the TJX site were approved.

The development in Clarendon Road will see the introduction of a number of new buildings, including a 17-storey tower, which will be used for housing and office space.

It was praised for its commitment to affordable housing, which falls just below the 35 per cent council target, as well as its overall design.

While members of the planning committee pointed to the size of the development, particularly the largest block, the thoughtfulness and quality of the design, in addition to the need to grow, proved decisive.

Cllr Robbie Laird said it was time to “grasp the nettle” when it comes to tall buildings, suggesting that this will not be the last application put forward for the area.

And Cllr David Barks said that he liked the look of the design, corroborating the developer’s note that it will sit nicely in Watford’s skyline.

He added: “We need the high quality office space and we need new, affordable housing and the size of it, at 17 storeys, is not too bad.

“I cannot remember seeing affordable three-bedroom homes in this number and this is something that should be commended.”

His words were echoed by the chairman of the development management committee, Peter Jeffree, who described it as a "vital" initiative. 

He said: "This scheme is a huge success in a whole number of ways. Not only does it go above our affordable housing requirement but it’s providing the type of affordable housing we need most – family-sized homes.

"As the town’s key employment centre, the uplift in quality office space is another real benefit.

"The scheme itself is very attractive and absolutely fits with the character of Clarendon Road as a business hub. 

"I’m really proud that in tough circumstances for councils we are still delivering the affordable housing our town needs as well as looking to draw in more business."

The proposals were met with caution by others, including Cllr Nigel Bell who could not be convinced over its size.

And Stephen Giles-Medhurst, a councillor at Hertfordshire County Council, said it will cause “undue harm to the setting and character of the Estcourt Conservation Area”.

He pointed to the decreased levels of daylight for those neighbouring the development, as well as the risks to nearby listed buildings.