The operator of a petrol station has brought forward plans to build affordable homes and an electric charging facility.

The ten homes have been earmarked to go next to the Texaco garage at Kings Langley Service Station in Hempstead Road.

The Park Garage Group says all of the properties would be "wholly affordable" and developed in partnership with a local housing association.

An official planning application went live on Dacorum Borough Council's planning portal this week.

The triangular piece of land eyed up to be redeveloped is within the green belt but the applicants hope the affordable element will convince the council to approve the scheme.

Watford Observer: In red is the land earmarked to be built on. Credit: Google MapsIn red is the land earmarked to be built on. Credit: Google Maps

A planning statement submitted by agents Simply Planning Ltd says an initial idea for 20 affordable homes concerned council officers due to its impact on the openness of the green belt.

Simply Planning says the homes would make an "important contribution" to Dacorum's "pressing" housing targets and deliver "truly affordable accommodation".

The agents added: "Whilst the client initially intends to offer the affordable units as social rent, they are prepared to offer the units for shared ownership or discount market for sale (i.e. first homes). In this regard, the client is willing to enter into discussions with Dacorum Borough Council to established their preferred tenure split."

Each home would have access to two parking spaces.

Watford Observer: A screenshot of how the development of an electric vehicle charging facility and affordable homes could be laid out, via Dacorum Borough Council's planning portalA screenshot of how the development of an electric vehicle charging facility and affordable homes could be laid out, via Dacorum Borough Council's planning portal

A public electric vehicle charging station is also proposed in light of a Government announcement that new petrol and diesel vehicles will become phased out in around a decade.

It would provide 31 rapid charging points for electric vehicles along with ten for bikes. A hub building is also planned for drivers to make use of with an internet cafe, retail, lounge, and toilets planned.

The Park Garage Group believes the site is suitable for a facility of this type because of its proximity to the M25, M1, A41, and A414.

The application can be found on the council's planning portal via reference 22/00353/MFA.