An application to build 14 “drab” flats has been refused after it was considered to be too big.

Planning committee members decided the development in St Albans Road in Watford was too bulky in design and scale and would “not appropriately preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the Nascot Conservation Area”.

The flats would have been built within the former Lloyds bank building at the junction of Station Road and would have been mainly one-bedroom.

The refusal has been welcomed by Nascot ward councillor Mark Hofman who described it as a “hideous” design.

Cllr Hofman said: “This building is in a prominent location on one of the busiest junctions in our town, this was a hideous design that offered no local community or architectural value whatsoever.

“The ugly, drab design resembles a mini-Watford Junction above one of the towns’ valued historic buildings on edge of the Nascot Conservation area. This scheme was always highly unlikely to blend in well with the local area.”

Fairfield Estates said it was “disappointed” with the decision having spent almost two years working with Watford Borough Council before submitting plans.

Justin Elvins from Fairfield Estates said: “We worked with all the parties and departments to get this application just right, because it is a locally listed building.

“We designed a building that met the criteria we discussed with the council and architects so of course we’re disappointed.”

Cllr Hofman added that Fairfield made “no attempt to contribute to the affordable housing target” however, following the two year consultation with the council, Fairfield was told it wouldn’t be “viable” to do so as due to the listing of the building, the material used had to be "high quality".

Fairfield Estates said it will appeal the decision, which was made at the development management committee meeting in May.

On Wednesday, plans were passed for 146 flats in St Albans Road next to Bedford Street.