Scaled-down plans for a new block of flats in Watford town centre are being recommended for approval.

Watford Borough Council's planning committee will meet next Monday to discuss a proposal for 65 flats in a building of up to 12 storeys in Clarendon Road.

The plans would see the former RBS bank opposite Watford Palace Theatre demolished and replaced with a residential tower ranging from studio flats to one and two-bedrooms.

Applicants IDA London Holdings believes the land next to the ring road can help contribute towards Watford's housing need and council officers have said this is a "sustainable location that is suitable for higher density development".

Watford Observer: A view of the proposed building that will be considered by the planning committee. Credit: Iceni Projects/IDA London HoldingsA view of the proposed building that will be considered by the planning committee. Credit: Iceni Projects/IDA London Holdings

The report that will be presented to the committee on March 14 describes the proposed homes as of "high quality" and describes the design of the building as "attractive" with no "detrimental" impact on nearby listed buildings such as the theatre or Beechen Grove Baptist Church.

The council indicated it would not be willing to support IDA's initial plans for 103 flats in a tower of up to 22 floors prompting the applicants to withdraw that particular scheme.

Watford Observer: This scheme for a building of up to 22 storeys was withdrawn after the council indicated it would not support the plans. Credit: Iceni Projects/IDA London HoldingsThis scheme for a building of up to 22 storeys was withdrawn after the council indicated it would not support the plans. Credit: Iceni Projects/IDA London Holdings

The latest plans, which the council has recommended the committee grant permission for, would also see a cafe or other type of community use included on the ground floor.

No parking spaces are proposed with the development designed to be 'car-free'. A total of 102 cycling spaces are proposed.

Watford Observer: The former RBS building that would be demolished. Credit: Google MapsThe former RBS building that would be demolished. Credit: Google Maps

None of the 65 flats are to be designated as affordable. The council accepts the development does not have "sufficient viability" to include affordable housing but says IDA has agreed to pay £300,000 which will go towards providing affordable housing elsewhere in the borough.#

The council says letters about the scheme have been received from three households and the Watford Town Centre Residents' Association.

Concerns raised include height, overshadowing, noise during construction, lack of affordable housing, and the area already being "overpopulated".