A planning application has been submitted to redevelop a site that is currently in use as a hotel.

The proposals seek to transform the A41 Mercure hotel site near Bushey into a new commercial development.

The outline application has been submitted to Hertsmere Borough Council following a consultation period.

It seeks to demolish the hotel and turn the site into a logistical use with the creation of new warehouses for storage and distribution purposes.

The proposal was mooted earlier this year when the council put out a call for potential new employment sites across Hertsmere as part of its emerging plan.

Watford Observer: The Mercure hotel on the A41 near Bushey. Credit: Google MapsThe Mercure hotel on the A41 near Bushey. Credit: Google Maps (Image: Google Street View)

According to a consultation website set up specifically to discuss proposals to redevelop the A41 site, the Mercure hotel buildings are "coming to the end of their life".

The website adds: "We have carefully explored whether there are any other viable alternative uses for the site that can take full advantage of its strong transport links.

"Due to the exceptional strategic location of the site and taking into consideration clear feedback that we have received from Hertsmere Borough Council, we have decided to focus our proposals on the potential for a commercial, rather than a residential, development."

Watford Observer: CGI illustration of how a new commercial building could look like. Credit: Regen Properties LLP/UMC ArchitectsCGI illustration of how a new commercial building could look like. Credit: Regen Properties LLP/UMC Architects

Applicants Regen Properties LLP - a joint venture between Radlett-based development and construction company Griggs and property investment company First Urban - say the development would bring around 360 jobs during construction and around 375 direct and indirect jobs through operation.

Watford Observer: CGI illustration of a new building at the Mercure site, as viewed from the junction of the A41 and Sandy Lane. Credit: Regen Properties LLP/UMC ArchitectsCGI illustration of a new building at the Mercure site, as viewed from the junction of the A41 and Sandy Lane. Credit: Regen Properties LLP/UMC Architects

A spokesperson for Regen Properties LLP, which has bought the Mercure site, said: "We are very excited to be bringing forward proposals for the redevelopment of the Mercure London Watford Hotel site for the purpose of a new logistics site. Our proposal seeks to sustainably redevelop this brownfield site, which is ideally located for the proposed use.

"Our plan for a new logistics site demonstrates our commitment to investing in Hertsmere at a time when the local economy is looking to bounce back from the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

"The proposals present a major opportunity for the local area to benefit from new jobs and major investment in a sector which has seen an unprecedented increase in demand where there is currently a shortfall of available space."

Watford Observer: CGI illustration of what the Mercure hotel site could look like in the future. Credit: Regen Properties LLP/UMC ArchitectsCGI illustration of what the Mercure hotel site could look like in the future. Credit: Regen Properties LLP/UMC Architects

A timeline states it is hoped the plans can receive planning permission by the end of this year. Another more detailed application would then be submitted in 2022, and if that is given the green light, construction would begin in late 2022.

If everything goes as the applicants plan, the project could be completed in 2024.

The application can be found on the council's planning portal via reference 21/1718/OUT.