The developer behind a major scheme in West Watford has announced plans to build a further 311 homes.

Cortland says the new properties will "complete the regeneration" of Ascot Road, which is already undergoing significant development including the construction of a 24-storey tower.

Phase 2 of the project would see the strip of land between the dual carriageway leading to Watford and Croxley business parks and Cortland's current building site redeveloped.

An additional space near the entrance to Morrisons car park would also be built over with Cortland hoping to complete the scheme by the end of 2024.

Watford Observer: A CGI of phase 1. Credit: CortlandA CGI of phase 1. Credit: Cortland

Watford Observer: A CGI of phase 1 and 2 together. Credit: CortlandA CGI of phase 1 and 2 together. Credit: Cortland

The American-based developer, which hopes to complete phase 1 - 485 homes - this year, is hoping to secure planning permission from Watford Borough Council this summer.

The plans for phase 2 include a tower of up to 16 storeys and according to a CGI, up to six further buildings of a smaller size. The homes would be a mixture of sizes which Cortland says will "address the housing needs of the area" and contribute towards the council's housing targets of 798 a year.

Watford Observer: The 24 storey tower under construction in Ascot Road part of phase 1 The 24 storey tower under construction in Ascot Road part of phase 1

The properties would be available for rent only - which is in line with phase 1 - and ties in with Cortland's build-to-rent scheme.

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According to an FAQ by Cortland, the scheme will deliver 35 per cent affordable housing in the form of discounted market rent. It's unclear whether this is solely referring to phase 2 or phase 1 and 2 together. There are 119 affordable homes being built in phase 1.

Cortland says on its dedicated website for the Ascot Road development that current land is "unattractive" and disused and its plans present a "great opportunity to provide much needed new homes and kick-start regeneration in the area".

Watford Observer: This strip of land within the rectangle appears to form part of Phase 2. Credit: Google MapsThis strip of land within the rectangle appears to form part of Phase 2. Credit: Google Maps

Other proposals include new communal facilities and a "vibrant" avenue of cafes, restaurants and residential amenities.

In addition to 185 car parking spaces provided by Phase 1, Phase 2 will deliver further parking for new residents, with Cortland looking to put in bike stations for the Beryl bike hire scheme, as well as look at a car club.

Hertfordshire County Council and Watford Borough Council are also looking into providing a new public transport link between Watford and Croxley Green, via the Ascot Road site, that would replace the abandoned Met Line Extension project.

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Ahead of submitting an official planning application, Cortland has launched an online consultation until March 8, while there will also be an in-person exhibition held on Monday February 21, between 4pm and 8pm, at its marketing suite in Ascot Road.