Several people have hit out at plans to rebuild Watford General Hospital after they were given unanimous backing by a council.

Watford Borough Council’s Development Management Committee granted outline planning permission for West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust’s plans to transform its Vicarage Road site on Tuesday.

The new hospital will see the majority of wards housed in three finger buildings, which could be 17-storeys high, and built next to the current site.

Read more - Council backs 17-storey Watford General Hospital plans

Watford Mayor Peter Taylor said the decision to redevelop the hospital was “great news for the town”, adding that 80 per cent of the current hospital is in a “poor condition”.

He added: “It has taken us 10 years to achieve this milestone. I am absolutely delighted that the new hospital - which we have lobbied strongly for to remain in our town - is now becoming a reality.”

However, several people have criticised the plans on Facebook after the Watford Observer asked what they thought of them.

One person felt the hospital could have been relocated to Bushey.

They said: “Think they've totally missed the mark considering Bushey golf club could house a much larger hospital with better access and a greater future potential.

“It would also allow Watford FC to expand the Vicarage Road stadium without having to relocate out of town.”

Another felt the redevelopment would be an “eyesore”.

They said: “A water of money and eyesore on a site not suited.”

Another added: “Stupid place to build a new hospital the disruption caused will be hell. Choose a greenfield site please.”

However, other people showed their support for the redevelopment, with one leaving a thumbs up over the plans whilst another said “do it”.

The council says the plans will “completely transform” the way the site looks and how care is provided.

There will be more single occupancy rooms, an expanded emergency department, a new theatre complex, the latest diagnostics and better facilities for staff training and education.

The council added that a total of £1m will also be set aside to improve access to the new hospital with new cycling and pedestrian routes, improvements to Thomas Sawyer Way and new bus routes to the site.

West Herts Hospitals NHS Trust and its developers will be required to seek further approval from the local planning authority on any final designs ahead of construction work starting on the site.

It is expected that building work will begin on the hospital in 2023, subject to further approvals.