Cassiobury House hotel plans near Watford Junction scrapped

Cassiobury House opposite Watford Junction train station was due to be demolished and replaced with a Premier Inn and offices rising to 13 storeys.

But according to Central Watford county councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst, developer Tellon Capital has abandoned that plan.

Instead, Tellon is to focus on refurbishing the existing building with the space earmarked for offices.

Cassiobury House in Watford. Credit: Tellon Capital (Image: Tellon Capital)

The plans were narrowly approved by Watford Borough Council in January 2021 despite a campaign from people living in the area.

Myles Sinclair, who lives in Canterbury Road, told the planning committee the size of the proposed building was “overwhelming and out of scale” and he was among over a hundred who backed a petition opposing it.

Read more: Hotel plans near station passed despite concerns from neighbours

Now, around a year-and-a-half later, Tellon appears to be pursuing a new scheme.

Cllr Giles-Medhurst said: “We have now been told that due to ‘market conditions’, Tellon will no longer follow through on its plans.

“So instead of leaving the building empty, Tellon is now proposing a comprehensive refurbishment of the existing building into modern, high standard office provision.”

The originally approved scheme. Credit: Tellon Capital

The councillor, who supported the residents’ campaign, welcomed the new proposal.

He said: “As far as we are concerned this is good news. It was the height of the building and the closeness of it to residents that concerned people. Under the new plans, the building will not change, it will be modernised for the 21st century, with a brand new entrance on Station Road and a roof terrace overlooking Station Road.

“It’s also good news all round because the hotel would have been in use 24/7 so it should be less intrusive for residents, and obviously bring employment back because we don’t want to see this lying empty.”

Read more: Woman's 'ribs broken in racist attack' at Watford playing fields

Central Watford county councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst

No date has yet been given for when revised plans will be submitted to the council but pre-application discussions are said to have taken place.

Cllr Giles-Medhurst says only the Watford County & Family Court, which is due to move to King Street in the town centre, remains at Cassiobury House.

Read more: Watford County & Family Court set to relocate to King Street

Tellon Capital has been approached for further comment.