Plans to turn a Watford office building into flats have been shot down as an appeal over demolishing it was also dismissed.

After multiple attempts to gain permission to knock down Jessa House failed, the developer appealed the decision while also submitting a new proposal before the appeal concluded.

Its appeal was dismissed on April 8, leaving the latest plan to change the Lower High Street building’s use from offices to 13 flats and rework the interior without demolishing it as the only remaining approach to be decided.

There would have been 10 studio apartments and three one-bedroom two-person apartments over three floors.

However, this morning (May 23), Watford Borough Council also refused prior approval for this option which was proposed as a permitted development.

The council said it would not provide adequate light in all the rooms, would not have enough built-in storage space, and would exacerbate demand for on-street parking in an area that already experiences parking problems.

No parking would have been provided at the site. The building has been vacant since 2012.