A developer is pushing forward with plans to build nearly 200 flats on the site of a car dealership in Watford.

It would see the Glyn Hopkin showroom and forecourt in Lower High Street demolished and replaced by around 190 homes.

London Square says its scheme aims to turn the location into a “thriving” residential community that benefits from “excellent” transport links.

Ahead of the submission of a planning application to Watford Borough Council, London Square has launched a public consultation aiming to find out what people who live and work in the area think about its plans.

The development site is situated on the corner of Lower High Street and Dalton Way in what is predominantly a commercial area at the moment with a number of retail parks and stores.

Watford Observer: The Glyn Hopkin car showroom. Credit: Google Street ViewThe Glyn Hopkin car showroom. Credit: Google Street View (Image: Google Street View)

However, it forms part of the council’s Colne Valley strategic development area, which has been earmarked for redevelopments that will go towards meeting Watford’s housing target of around 13,000 until 2038.

Computer-generated images on London Square’s consultation website show a building of up to 10 storeys is proposed.

The developer, which is currently building 72 flats on the site of a former BMW showroom in St Albans Road, North Watford, says it wants to build a mixture of one, two, and three bedroom homes.

The consultation website does not make clear whether any affordable housing will be included.

The proposed scheme includes 24 parking spaces, including 10 disabled bays, and around 300 cycling spaces. London Square is aiming to tie its development with the council’s ambitions to “transform” Lower High Street into a “corridor for sustainable transport” with improved pedestrian and cycle routes and a bus priority scheme.

Watford Observer: Circled in red is the proposed redevelopment site on the corner of Lower High Street and Dalton Way. Credit: Google MapsCircled in red is the proposed redevelopment site on the corner of Lower High Street and Dalton Way. Credit: Google Maps

London Square has sent flyers about its consultation to 1,400 properties in Watford, according to Central Watford Lib Dem councillor Marilyn Devonish. An in-person event was held at Wellspring Church on Wednesday and an online consultation was held yesterday.

A second online consultation will take place tomorrow (Saturday May 21) between 10am-11.30am. Email info@lslowerhighstreet.co.uk to book a place.

Feedback can also be given on the consultation website, which went live on May 16, at www.lslowerhighstreet.co.uk

The Glyn Hopkin site, which specialises in Suzuki and Nissan vehicles, was put up for sale last year. The Observer reported last July the company would be securing alternative premises to continue to serve its Watford customer base.