A developer who wants to turn a listed bank into flats has submitted a second appeal to the government planning inspector.

In January, councillors narrowly voted down a scheme to redevelop the former Lloyds bank in St Albans Road.

Applicants Fairfield Estate Agents already had permission for 14 flats on the site after a successful appeal, but saw their revised plans for an eight-storey building of 21 flats, a coffee shop, and estate agents knocked back by the Watford Borough Council planning committee.

Fairfield Estate Agents is now appealing January's decision - which Nascot ward councillors are fighting.

Councillor Mark Hofman and his colleagues do not want to lose the bank building.

The original scheme did keep the building, but these plans have since been ripped up after the applicant stated those plans were "no longer viable".

Watford Observer:

This scheme for 14 flats was successfully appealed and retained the bank facade but the applicants have since abandoned this design

The latest scheme, which includes no affordable housing, demolishes the whole bank.

Cllr Hofman said: "Lloyds Bank is a local landmark, it is a listed building and an integral feature of the historic St Albans Road shopping parade.

"It must be saved. The residents, councillors and the development management committee are united in our opposition to Fairfield Estate Agents scheme."

Cllr Hofman says he would rather see the existing building redeveloped into another commercial building like a restaurant, and added that if it is residential, the building should be no higher than the other two and three storey buildings it sits by.

Watford Observer:

This is the latest design refused by the council but the applicants have submitted an appeal. The bank facade is not included

Cllr Hofman's colleague, Cllr Jane Johnson added: "I hope we won’t see another return to locally determined applications being overturned by anonymous national inspectors, against the wishes of Watford residents and their democratically elected representatives."

In January's meeting, the applicant's agent, David Marshallsay argued the new design was of "high quality" and "respectful" of the Nascot conservation area.

But the scheme was refused by five votes to four.

Watford Observer:

The former Lloyds bank is at the junction of St Albans Road, Langley Road, and Station Road

A planning inspector will consider Fairfield Estate Agents' appeal, and they can choose to overturn the planning committee's decision.

The appeal will be settled on the basis of written representations. All representations must be received by the inspector by June 3.

Visit acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk. The appeal reference is APP/Y1945/W/20/3247091.