A decision has been made to develop an 80-bedroom hotel and retail store on the site of a car park in Radlett.

The Newberries Car Park scheme was agreed at Hertsmere Borough Council’s full meeting on Wednesday January 20 which approved moving the outline design to planning application stage.

If planning permission is obtained, the council has agreed to progress the development to award stage with a subject to an agreement lease.

Cllr John Graham, portfolio holder for finance and property, said: “This is good news for Radlett and the borough as a whole.

“The Government’s proposals to remove grant funding over the next four years mean that council needs to review all its assets in a commercial and entrepreneurial manner to provide future revenue.

“There have been a number of proposals for the development of Newberries Car Park over the years and a previously commissioned report by Price Waterhouse Cooper identified the site’s potential for income generation and efficiency gains.”

According to the council, the development will boost the economy in Radlett as the proposed hotel will not have catering facilities meaning users will have the use the amenities in the area.

The final scheme will aim to retain the current level of parking or if possible increase it within the design and budget.

By developing the site itself rather than leasing it to an investment company or developer, the council will be able to keep control over the development.