A councillor has warned that a 28-storey block of flats that is part of a scheme to build more than 1,000 homes will “dominate” the skyline.

Developer Berkeley wants to redevelop the current site of the TK Maxx and The Range stores in St Albans Road with nine blocks of flats.

The scheme is to create 1,100 homes which will house around 2,000 people, but only 220 car parking spaces will be included as it is so near the station.

There are also plans for a new primary school, a café, restaurants and public square.

Labour Councillor for North Watford, Asif Khan says the 28-storey building will dominate the skyline and impact on parking.

He said: “It’s worse than I thought it would be.

“This will completely change the skyline of Watford for the worse.

“Cramming so much in beggars belief - I was shocked when I saw the plans and couldn't believe my eyes.

“The blocks will dwarf anything else we have in Watford at the moment.”

The plans come after a consultation by Berkeley Homes in June saying it would build 600 to 700 new homes.

However, after August it published an 'environmental impact assessment scoping report', suggesting up to 1,100 homes in buildings ranging from seven to 28 stories tall.

Hertfordshire County Council’s Liberal Democrat group leader Cllr Stephen Giles Medhurst said: “The developer is cramming far too much on this site.

“The clear view from people and indeed other councillors I spoke to at the exhibition, was that Berkeley Homes is proposing far too much development.

“Whilst I accept that there will be a dense development here this is just far too much.”

The developers say the new building will exceed current fire regulations and insisted sustainability is at the heart of the development.

Daniel Massie, pre-development director of Berkeley Homes said: “Our proposals for 94 to 98 St Albans Road will deliver much-needed new homes, including affordable, shared-ownership and private sale.

“We are currently in discussions with Watford Borough Council to determine the mix that can be delivered.

“Sustainable living is at the heart of the proposals, which aims to make the most of its town centre location and proximity to the station.

“We are proposing 220 car parking spaces, reducing vehicle trips by 80 per cent.

“This will reduce congestion and improve air quality.”

Berkeley Homes says it will be prepared to fund a consultation to review the possibility for a controlled parking zone, which if implemented could prevent new residents from parking on streets in the area.

The consultation is still open. If you want to find out more visit Berkeley Homes’ website to view the current proposals. http://www.94-98stalbansroad.co.uk/