Watford's police station could be extended to deal with an expected rise in detainees, planning documents reveal.

The building, in Shady Lane, will be extended and refurbished if a new planning application is approved by Watford Borough Council.

Hertfordshire Police Authority, which owns the building, has applied to increase the number of cells from 11 to 16 and provide new interview rooms.

Documents filed with the council suggest a “compelling need” for the extension. One report reads: “The imminent closure of the nearby custody facility at Hemel Hempstead will put increased pressure on surrounding detainee facilities in the county. Therefore, the need to increase custody accommodation and modernise this facility is compelling.”

The application will be decided by councillors later in the year.