Plans to demolish buildings on an industrial estate and replace them with new "modern" employment space is being recommended for approval.

Planning papers suggest five buildings on the Colonial Way estate in Watford will be knocked down with three new industrial buildings constructed.

The five buildings earmarked for demolition are either side of Clive Way with applicant Coal Pension Properties Limited "keen" to "upgrade and modernise" the site.

The company, a pension fund with a significant portfolio of industrial properties in the UK, wants to ensure the site is commercially viable in the short and long term, a statement published in Watford Borough Council's planning portal states.

The statement adds the existing buildings, built in the 1950s and 60s, are "rundown, underutilised and no longer meet the needs "and requirements of the industrial/warehousing market".

Watford Observer: A site location plan suggests the five buildings situated within the red lines either side of Clive Way are part of the development site. Credit: Google MapsA site location plan suggests the five buildings situated within the red lines either side of Clive Way are part of the development site. Credit: Google Maps

The proposed development would provide "high quality, sustainable and flexible" industrial buildings, with floorspace of 7,781 square metres larger than the 7,297 that makes up the buildings that look set to come down.

Offices and a delivery and service yard are also proposed. The new scheme would provide 109 car parking spaces.

One objection has been received, from a resident in Norbury Avenue. They raised concerns about loss of light, traffic, and disruption from construction.

The applicant has carried out an assessment which concludes the proposed development "sufficiently safeguards" the daylight and sunlight amenity of neighbouring properties, such as in Norbury Avenue.

The plans have been recommended for approval by a planning officer at the council. The planning committee is scheduled to meet on December 7 to discuss the application.