A new planning application for Watford University Technical College to build a four-storey extension on one of the buildings could be halted by councillors because of parking problems the proposals may create.

The plans seek to build a four-storey extension on an existing office block at 18 Colonial Way and infill the carpark underneath the development at ground level.

However, a report to Watford Borough Council’s planning and development committee noted the proposals may result in on-street parking on Radlett Road and the residential roads to the north of the site.

The report said: "In order to address this issue, a financial contribution has been agreed with the applicant to undertake a consultation with local residents regarding the introduction of commuter waiting restrictions on these roads."

If the additional funding is not secured, the planning and development committee has been recommended to refuse the application.

Watford UTC, which will provide secondary level education for 14 to 19-year-old students, is due to open this September.

The applicant, Meller Educational Trust, and it’s partner University of Hertfordshire, has been working in conjunction with a range of national and international companies to develop an academic and vocational curriculum based around computer science, hospitality, tourism and event management, catering. At full capacity it will have 600 students and a staff of 75.

But neighbours of the site have voiced concerns including "college should be located where there is adequate parking for staff and older students. Eastfield Avenue already suffers from commuter parking".

Comments also said: "Lack of car parking for staff and students may lead to an increase in parking on nearby residential roads."

The council has recommended the committee grant planning permission subject to an obligation to secure additional funding of £17,500 towards a feasibility study, public consultation exercise and the design of a parking scheme for Radlett Road, north of the Colonial Way junction, and the residential roads to the north of the site, Carisbrooke Avenue, Eastfield Avenue, Devon Road, Byron Avenue and Tavistock Road, to prevent unrestricted on-street parking on these roads.

In the event this condition is not completed by August 20, the council recommends the committee authorise the development management section head to refuse planning permission because the proposals fail to make appropriate provision to prevent unrestricted on-street parking in the near-by residential roads.

Politicians will discuss the proposals at tonight's Watford Borough Council planning meeting.