A proposal to redevelop an industrial building in Watford town centre has failed to receive council backing once again.

The scheme to demolish the former upholstery workshop in Wellstones and replace it with a three storey block of 14 flats has not been granted prior approval by Watford Borough Council.

A council decision report highlighted a "severe risk" for pedestrians because access from the building leads "directly into the path of vehicles".

Concerns were also raised about the "overall poor quality design" of the proposed property and its impact on surrounding buildings.

Setting out the reasons for refusal, the council concluded the proposed development does not comply with prior approval matter set out in the Town and Country Order 2015, under general permitted development.

Applicants ISE Investments had argued in its application that the plans would be "in keeping with the character" of the area and that it would "enhance" surrounding heritage buildings. It had scaled back its plans after a four-storey proposal was rejected.

Watford Observer:

ISE Investments has submitted several applications for this site in recent years with mixed responses.

In 2019, it controversially received permission from the Planning Inspectorate to convert the two-storey building into 15 flats, including six with no windows.

Those plans were later dropped with the council giving the all-clear for nine flats instead - but this approval has yet to be taken forward.

However, ISE has lost applications for prior approval for a four storey building of 19 flats and now this latest plan for 14 over three floors.