Plans for the former Watford police headquarters site could see one of the town's tallest towers built, new documents have revealed.

The proposed housing development in Clarendon Road could reach 22 storeys, according to a preliminary form submitted to Watford Borough Council. 

An outline of the scheme shows it would provide around 320 flats, from studios to three-bedroom homes, across four buildings on the 1.75-acre site, as well as 3,700 square metres of retail, commercial, and food and beverage floorspace.

The plans are being brought forward by residential developer McLaren Living, which purchased the site last year after Herts Police moved to their new George Street headquarters.

Development director for McLaren Living, Patrick Joyce, said: “Following extensive public consultation, we anticipate submitting our plans for a new mixed-use neighbourhood on Clarendon Road at the end of May/early June. 

“We look forward to sharing our proposals for the redevelopment of the Watford Police Station and Magistrates Court in the commercial heart of Watford, providing much needed new homes for rent, along with high-quality commercial space.”

Watford Observer: A CGI of how the scheme could look if approved.A CGI of how the scheme could look if approved. (Image: McLaren Living)The preliminary documents also show that the development could include a “landscaped podium space”, which would be used for a children’s play area, as well as a basement with 80 car parking spaces.

Watford Observer: Police's former base in Shady Lane.Police's former base in Shady Lane.

In the response published yesterday, April 29, Watford Borough Council officers ruled an Environmental Impact Assessment is not required for the developer's planning application. It listed several reasons, including that the proposed usage is “appropriate and compatible with this urban residential location”.

If the plans go ahead, they would place the proposed “mixed-use” estate in Clarendon Road among one of the tallest buildings in Watford.

Although not yet completed, the Clarendon tower just down the street reached its highest level in January at 25 storeys, and will provide 168 new homes as well as 140,000 square feet of office space.

The Eight Gardens scheme in St Albans Road is also set to reach 28 floors once completed by 2028, with at least four other blocks of 20 or more storeys, and is set to provide 1,265 homes in total.