Plans for county council-owned land on the edge of west Watford to be leased as a petrol station and drive-thru restaurant have been backed by councillors.

Four years ago, Hertfordshire County Council had authorised the 1.55 acre site on Ascot Road to be leased to Cortland Developments to enable a high-density residential scheme.

But on Tuesday (July 9) it was reported to a meeting of the cabinet that “due to a number of factors” that scheme had not progressed.

They backed plans that would see the lozenge-shaped site developed with a petrol station and shop, electric vehicle charging bays and a drive-thru style restaurant. However, any development would still require planning permission from Watford Borough Council.

Presenting the “win-win” proposal, HCC executive member for resources and performance Cllr Bob Deering said the site was “almost like a big verge” – that was not “easily or immediately usable” by the council.

But he said the proposed development would be a good use for the site that “delivers a revenue stream going forward” over a long period of time.

Meanwhile leader of the council Cllr Roberts also highlighted the benefits of the proposal for residents.

He pointed to the “parlous state” of the site and said the EV charging facility, refuelling station, shop and coffee shop would have “some local benefit” as well as for those travelling through.

At the meeting, councillors heard that land to the north of the site had previously been considered suitable for a station to serve the Croxley Rail Link scheme. In order to preserve the potential for this use in the future, it has been agreed that there will be a 15m ‘buffer zone’ without any “built development”.

Previous uses of the site have included waste storage and the storage of plant, equipment and vehicles.

At the meeting councillors agreed that EG Corporate Services should be the preferred partner to lease the site.

And they delegated the council’s executive director of resources – in consultation with the executive member for resources and performance to agree the final terms of the lease.