The highways team has voiced “doubts over the road safety of occupiers” if a 314-flat town centre plan goes ahead.

Residential developer McLaren Living has applied to build three new buildings between four and 23 storeys tall where Watford Police Station used to be, before it moved to George Street this year.

Designs include 314 homes, a separate office building, retail space, and a children’s play area in a public ‘garden square’.

Watford Borough Council is currently considering the proposal, but Hertfordshire County Council Highways has been consulted ahead of any decision. Yesterday (August 8) it came back recommending that permission be refused.

The letter said: “HCC Highways has doubts over the road safety of users/ occupiers of this city centre site."

It explained that, given the town centre location and reduced parking provision that goes along with that, most journeys will be by foot, cycle, or public transport.

“In their review of walking accessibility they [the applicant's transport consultants] deem it to be excellent and whilst the site is located conveniently to facilitate active travel, it is far from 'excellent'," Highways added.

“Walking and cycling audits should be undertaken in line with the Active Travel England Route Check Tool and propose improvements where identified.”

CGI image of the scheme attached to the design and access statement. (Image: Mclaren Living)

Officers highlighted that many residents would regularly walk to Watford Junction (around 200 metres away) but highlighted that this is reached by an uncontrolled staggered zebra crossing.

They said there have been two serious crashes involving “vulnerable road users” at that location and requested a full review of crashes there, on top of the one for immediately around the site.

Highway’s response also discussed the mitigation agreements it operates, to implement transport measures that make up for developments increasing the strain on nearby infrastructure.

A CGI of how the 'garden square' element would look.A CGI of how the 'garden square' element would look. (Image: McLaren Living)

It said its toolkit calculates a total headline contribution figure of £2,212,944 for the 314 homes and commercial units together. However, it said this would be reviewed and balanced with other contributions and more detailed analysis of what specific improvements may be needed.

McLaren Living has been contacted for comment.