Revised plans to redevelop a former bank will be considered by councillors.

Fairfield Estate Agents has submitted new plans to redevelop the former Lloyds bank building in St Albans Road, Watford, into eight storeys with 21 flats, and a ground floor coffee shop and estate agents.

In June last year, the planning committee at Watford Borough Council refused plans to turn the locally listed building into 14 flats considering the scheme "too big".

Fairfield was successful in appealing the decision and approval was granted in February this year.

See our comment: Comment: 'Oh dear! My bank has been demolished to make way for a tower block'

However, the new scheme, near Watford Junction, proposes a larger number of flats but another difference is the new scheme proposes to knock down the existing bank building.

Watford Observer:

The latest design

Watford Observer:

The previous design, which was granted approval on appeal, and retains the existing bank building

In the original planning meeting, councillors were noted saying they would support a scheme that saw the existing building demolished.

Nascot ward councillor Mark Hofman described the previous application design as "drab" and he still has concerns about the development.

Cllr Hofman said: "Lloyds Bank is a locally listed building. Allowing demolition will set a dangerous precedent throughout the town and undermine the historical significance of the Nascot Conservation Area.

"Building such a density of flats at such a scale on that site will be a profound change to the environment of Nascot village. Many residents have contacted us to say that they care very deeply about the village conservation area and are protective of it.”

His colleague Cllr Jane Johnson has also pointed to the lack of affordable units - currently zero.

Watford Observer:

Cllrs Mark Hofman and Jane Johnson outside the former Lloyds bank at the junction of St Albans Road and Langley Road

Celia Rowbotham, secretary of the Nascot Residents Association, said: "The mass and bulk of the proposed building would be neither sympathetic nor a proportionate form of development and would be incongruous to the other residential buildings in the Nascot Conservation Area.

"I strongly object to the size and bulk of this building and near such a busy junction."

Fairfield says it understands the "sensitivities" surrounding this application and says it has carried out "extensive engagement" with stakeholders at Watford Borough Council.

During a major application review forum held in July 2018, Fairfield said members reacted "positively" to suggestions of a taller building and demolition of the existing building, as long as the design was of a "high quality".

The lack of affordable housing is due to the high quality materials which are needed due to the locally listed nature of the building, although the viability assessment process is not complete.

The developer added the size and location of the building provides "construction challenges".

Nearly 20 people have objected to the scheme so far.

View the application at https://bit.ly/30H4a40