Plans to "almost triple" the size of a petrol station in Watford have been approved.

A previous plan for the BP site was withdrawn in 2016 following “continuing objections” from the Environment Agency. A conditional permission for a second plan in 2018 was also not implemented.

The new plan, put in on behalf of HKS Retail Ltd, was submitted to Watford Borough Council on January 16 this year and approved yesterday (May 17).

Under the 2016 and 2018 plans, all structures at the Wiggenhall Road petrol station would have been demolished and replaced by a larger shop and forecourt.

The latest plan still proposes to replace the existing retail building and remove the car wash and hand car wash office, but will keep the existing pumps, tanks and forecourt the same.

Watford Observer: Under the plan the retail area would expand away from the roadUnder the plan the retail area would expand away from the road (Image: Google Street View)

The internal area will be almost tripled to 3,075 square feet, slightly larger than a tennis court.

The Environment Agency had raised concerns over flood risk and groundwater protection following the 2016 plan, with the station being near the River Colne.

Approval for the 2018 plan, which expired in 2021, came with eleven conditions, with additional assessments being required. Yesterday’s decision notice came with eight conditions.