New plans to redevelop the site of a hotel that is closing down have been submitted.

The proposal seeks to double the amount of warehouse and storage space that has previously been approved at the Mercure hotel on the A41 near Bushey.

Planning permission was granted in January by Hertsmere Borough Council to build around 14,000 sq foot of logistics space which involves the demolition of the hotel.

Applicant Regen Properties, which is a partnership between property building firm Griggs Homes and and private investment company First Urban, said the hotel has “come to the end of its life” and it was last reported the hotel was scheduled to close in 2022. The hotel has most recently been in use by the Government Home Office.

Watford Observer: Rough outline of that site proposed to build the warehouses on. Credit: Google MapsRough outline of that site proposed to build the warehouses on. Credit: Google Maps (Image: Google Maps)

The latest plans submitted to the council in June seek to develop the whole Mercure site.

It would involve knocking down trees that form a woodland close to the hotel and stretches to neighbouring Burn Close.

The applicants says 335 jobs would be delivered during construction and around 536 direct and indirect jobs once completed.

Watford Observer: The scheme approved by Hertsmere Borough Council last year. The latest plans seek to get permission again for this as well as the rest of the site. Credit: Regen Properties LLP/UMC ArchitectsThe scheme approved by Hertsmere Borough Council last year. The latest plans seek to get permission again for this as well as the rest of the site. Credit: Regen Properties LLP/UMC Architects (Image: Regen Properties LLP/UMC Architects)

A spokesperson for Regen Properties LLP said: "We are very excited to be bringing forward proposals for the redevelopment of land and buildings at the Mercure London Watford Hotel and 1-2 Burn Close for the purpose of a new logistics site.

"Our proposal seeks to sustainably redevelop this part brownfield site, which is ideally located for the proposed use. Our plan for a new logistics site demonstrates our commitment to investing in Hertsmere at a time when the local economy is looking to bounce back from the Covid-19 pandemic and responds to Brexit."

Watford Observer: The latest proposal. Credit: Regen Properties LLP/UMC ArchitectsThe latest proposal. Credit: Regen Properties LLP/UMC Architects

They added: "The proposals present a major opportunity for the local area to benefit from new jobs and major investment in a sector which has seen an unprecedented increase in demand where there is currently an acute shortfall of available space."

The application is outline at this stage which means more detailed plans will need to come forward and be approved at a later date.

The plans can be viewed on the council planning portal via reference 22/1117/OUT.