Watford Council has shot-down a bid to turn a former equipment supplier unit into flats.

In April, a developer applied for prior approval to convert the space formerly occupied by Custom Hose and Fittings on the corner of Queens Road and Sotheron Road.

A one-bedroom flat and one two-bedroom flat would have been built on the ground floor, with separate street-entrances.

Watford Observer: The whole building (outlined) has previously been described as a development opportunity.The whole building (outlined) has previously been described as a development opportunity. (Image: Google Maps/Canva)

The building has been described as both “in need of refurbishment” and an opportunity for redevelopment, but after considering the proposal council officers recommended it be rejected.

According to the decision notice, published today (June 3), the development contains operations beyond what is allowed as a permitted development because it would change the exterior by adding entrances.

Officers also judged that the plan does not demonstrate that occupants would get enough light and would exacerbate demand for on-street parking in an already busy area.

There are already two flats on the first floor, which have a separate entrance from Sotheron Road.

The former occupier, a hydraulics and pneumatics supplier, moved out the property in February 2023 and is now based in Redbourn.