Plans for a “much needed” hotel are being considered ahead of a revised planning application for one of the area’s biggest developments.

Watford Riverwell is being delivered in stages by Kier Group and the borough council, with hundreds of new homes, new access roads, and community spaces already created so far near Watford General Hospital and Vicarage Road stadium.

The project’s active consultation, with a deadline of August 16, is for a 'neighbourhood square' which the partnership says will be a “pleasant, vibrant space for residents, hospital users and staff to enjoy, with places to eat and shop”.

“It will also include a much-needed hotel for visitors to the hospital and attractions in the surrounding area,” the consultation documents add.

The team behind the development has revealed that it will be submitting a revised planning application for the upcoming stage taking on board residents’ views on potential hotel, convenience store, food and drink offerings, as well as the square itself — which is set to provide seating and entertainment space.

The consultation, which is live for members of the public to respond to, asks whether respondents support the next phase being a “square, hotel, and other uses”.

CGI showing how part of the 'Avenues' stage could look once completed.CGI showing how part of the 'Avenues' stage could look once completed. (Image: Kier Property)

It also asks what they would most like to see out of a farmers’ market, restaurants, shops, outdoor cinema, performance space, children’s play area, or other options.

Finally, the developer is also seeking potential names for the neighbourhood square.

Approved plans for a community centre were dropped from the 'Avenues' stage of the development in June. Kier Property said it remained "committed" to delivering it and promised it would be relocating the space to a future phase of the development.