Plans to expand a 20-bed guest house in Watford into a hotel have been blocked by the borough council.

The Ricky Road Guest House in Rickmansworth Road put forward plans to alter its internal layout and expand its second floor to convert it into a full hotel.

Bedroom numbers would stay the same, but 14 “more spacious” aparthotel units would be created with separate bathrooms and two regular hotel rooms retained.

The three-storey building was originally a single detached house which had been extended “many times” to allow for its current use, according to planning officers.

While they did not disagree with its conversion to a hotel in principle, they recommended permission be refused as the proposed extension would damage the area's character and appear "disproportionate and discordant".

Watford Observer: The Ricky Road Guest House was originally a single detached house, but has been extended many times.The Ricky Road Guest House was originally a single detached house, but has been extended many times. (Image: Google Maps)The addition of extra windows on the top floor would also cause “unacceptable overlooking and loss of privacy” onto the neighbouring property, they said.

It is the latest refusal in a long line of proposals for the site, including plans to demolish the building and replace it with 16 apartments, which were denied in 2022.

The Ricky Road Guest House has been contacted for comment.