A group of councillors have launched a campaign against the proposals for a new tower block in the town centre.

Central Watford Liberal Democrats put out a petition against the plans for the 17 storey building, which would be built on the corner of Clarendon Road with St John’s Road.

It comes as part of a wider development to the area, which includes the TJX Europe office building opposite Watford Junction Station.

The group noted that, while some building in that area is inevitable, the proposed tower block is simply “too much”.

Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst said: “There will be development on the site and we accept that. However this, at five storeys taller than the TK Maxx building is just too big.”

He and his colleagues want to see the plans for the buildings rejected and have called on as many people as possible to sign the petition.

Cllr Rabbi Martins explained that they understand the need for redevelopment, but want the building “radically reduced in height”.

He said: “The current council planning guidelines state that developments along Clarendon Road should be no higher than ten storeys.

“That suggests only in exceptional circumstances would a taller building be allowed.

“That is not the case here - we don't want a string of 12 storey buildings here. We will be pressing the committee to turn down this application especially as it’s a clear five storeys higher than the landmark building agreed for the entrance to the road opposite the Junction Station.”

The group are also opposed to a five storey residential block that will “tower over” the existing two strayed homes in Estcourt Road at the rear of the site.

Cllr Aga Dychton said, like the 17 storey building, it is “just too tall” and “crams too much into the site”.

She added that it would have a “detrimental effect” on the Estcourt Conservation Area and its residents.