Residents opposing a proposed new housing development in Watford have raised a series of concerns - including one likening the design as "looking onto a prison".

If approved the developer would build three 3-bed semi-detached homes, one 3-bed terraced house, and one 5-bed semi-detached house at the rear garden of 32 Strangeways, Watford.

The potential build would spill over onto additional land that was sold to number 32 by a previous owner of number 57.

Watford Observer: Plans for five family homes have been submitted Plans for five family homes have been submitted (Image: MBL Architecture)

If given the green light, the homes would be accessed from Goodwood Avenue.

A train tunnel that serves the West Coast Mainline stretch between Birmingham, Watford and Euston is directly under the site.

Since the plans were submitted on February 13, Watford Borough Council has received 20 objections.

One neighbour, whose home would border the new development, said she would “feel like I am looking onto a prison” if approved.

She listed 22 reasons why the proposal should be rejected including concerns about drainage of the new homes’ sewage and impact on wildlife.

Several people objected because they believed it would increase traffic in the area.

Each home will have a designated parking space, two bike spaces and four bike areas will be available for visitors.

Others condemned the plans because they believe the look of the homes is not in keeping with the area.

Watford Observer: If approved, the site will be accessed from Goodwood Avenue.If approved, the site will be accessed from Goodwood Avenue. (Image: Google Street View)

Concerns were also raised about the access road being in poor condition and some people were worried that the public’s access to the nearby recreation ground would not be as easy if the build goes ahead.

The location of the homes being placed over a train tunnel also raised alarm bells among some of those who have objected fearing it would not be safe.

Liberal Democrat Nascot councillor Mark Hofman, who has written to the council to share his objections to the plans, said: “I have been meeting with residents who are deeply concerned about the viability of this scheme.

“In my view, the location of the scheme is utter nonsense, and I will be working with the community to oppose these plans in the coming weeks.”

MBL Architecture who is helping to develop the homes has been approached for a response.

The application can be found on the council's planning portal via reference 23/00089/FUL.