An island in the Grand Union Canal could become the site of 38-homes if new plans are approved.

Trinity Court is a three-storey office building on Batchworth Island, off the bridge in Church Street, Rickmansworth, but would be converted into housing under a proposal added to the Three Rivers District Council planning portal this week.

According to the applicant, “the current form and internal layouts of the offices provide for an easy reconfiguration to accommodate dwellinghouses” and it is seeking permission to carry out the work under permitted development rights.

It added that the probability of flooding for the building is “low”, between 0.1 per cent and 1 per cent each year as per Environment Agency data.

Permitted development rights allow certain changes to be made to buildings and use of land without needing planning permission, including converting offices into flats.

Prior approval from the council is still required, but the scope of issues the council can consider when making its judgement is more limited than with a full planning application.

In total, the 38 apartments would be able to house a maximum of 70 people, with a mix of one- and two-bedroom flats.

Trinity Court, off Church Street, Rickmansworth.Trinity Court, off Church Street, Rickmansworth. (Image: Google Maps/Canva)

An apartment block would retain 80 parking spaces at the site, which would be accessed via Church Street.

The planning application is currently “pending consideration”.