Proposals have been put forward to turn a bus garage site into flats.

Watford Real Estate wants to convert the Garston Bus Garage in St Albans Road in Watford into 230 flats and held an exhibition earlier this month.

Arriva, which currently occupies the bus garage, announced it would be leaving the site 18 months ago and this exhibition was the first sign of what could be in the pipeline as the garage’s replacement.

The 230 flats would consist of one, two, three, and four bedrooms, and in all, there will be eight blocks. Initial plans show blocks facing onto St Albans Road will consist of five to six storeys while remaining blocks will be three to four floors high. The other two blocks will be two storey.

There would be one entrance and exit, where it currently exists, but there will also be a pedestrian exit towards Garston Park.

The development would meet Watford Borough Council’s criteria of 35 per cent affordable housing, which includes some social housing.

Alongside grounds, there will be car parking both on street level and underground but the exact number of spaces has not been revealed.

Watford Observer:

The exhibition was an opportunity for the developers to connect with neighbours in the area and understand their views and any concerns that may have arisen as a result of the plans.

Lib Dem councillors also attended.

Watford borough councillor Amanda Grimston who represents the Meriden ward says everyone must “fully engage” to overcome concerns.

Cllr Grimston said: “Whatever occurs on this site will have an impact on the surrounding areas such as overlooking, congestion, and parking. We do have real concerns regarding the increase to the weight of traffic, both on St Albans Road and further, through the Meriden Estate.

“Meriden Way and The Gossamers are already a rat-run used by motorists to avoid the Dome roundabout. I'm aiming to establish a working group of local residents so that we can fully engage with the developer to overcome concerns with this development.”

Watford Observer:

(from left to right) Cllr Tim Williams, Cllr Amanda Grimston, Cllr Hastrick, and Cllr Antony Barton outside the Arriva Bus Garage

Cllr Tim Williams, who represents the Stanborough ward, said: "The proposed 230 flats at this location will cause infrastructure issues on the roads, on local health services and on school places, so we need to ensure that we address these during the planning process.

"Something will be done to this site so whatever happens needs to be in accordance with planning policies and be of no detriment to residents.”

Cllr Kareen Hastrick, county councillor for Meriden/Tudor division, added: "It is early days in regards to this site with no formal plans set but the developers certainly seemed open and sympathetic to concerns, opinions and suggestions so it was good to see so many members of the public attending and engaging with this consultation.”

Last week, it was revealed that The Range and TK Maxx site was earmarked for hundreds of new flats as part of the Watford Junction masterplan.

Last month, 146 flats were given the green light in St Albans Road near Watford Junction.