Thames Water says it would have “no objection” to new plans for a five-story block of flats, after earlier designs were withdrawn amid fears of polluting water.

Amended plans were submitted last week for 36 one and two bed flats in Lower High Street, Watford.

The Environment Agency objected to the second proposal in May 2021 due to concerns of a potential contamination risk to the chalk aquifer beneath the site – and structural engineering company Westlakes Engineering said an initial review was conducted to minimise the potential contamination of the ground.

Now Thames Water has responded to the new submission, stating that if developer Nazmo follows the “sequential approach” to the disposal of surface water, there would be no objections.

The utility company stated: “The proposed development is located within 15 metres of Thames Waters underground assets and as such, the development could cause the assets to fail if appropriate measures are not taken.”

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However it made clear of its approval “based on the information provided”.

The brownfield site at the junction of Local Board Road was once used for education purppses and then for a company to store its cars.

At present, the site is occupied by a two and three-storey building known as ‘Jessa House’ which is vacant having previously been in office use.

Prices are expected to range from £255,000 to £525,000 for the homes, which will be near Watford High Street station and Bushey station.

Watford Observer: Watford High Street Station. Picture: Google Street ViewWatford High Street Station. Picture: Google Street View (Image: Google Street View)

Five of the homes are expected to come with their own front door, some will have balconies or a terrace and one will come with a roof terrace.  

To keep in line with the local policy to encourage the use of public transport, the development is expected to be car-free with only one disabled parking space.

However, there would be 60 cycle parking spaces in a secured cycle store at ground level.

To view the plans, visit: https://pa.watford.gov.uk/publicaccess/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=RIJSLRQWN3200

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