AN application for a multicoloured block of flats made of yellow, blue and terracotta brickwork was thrown out by Watford councillors on Wednesday after being described as 'diabolical'.

Developers Acorn Estates and Lindon homes had proposed the development of its three-storey block comprising 17 two-bedroom flats and two one-bedroom flats on the corner of St Albans Road and Malden Road in Watford.

The proposals met with strong objections from residents, at least 15 of whom attended Watford Council's development control committee meeting on Wednesday.

At the meeting councillors declined to accept the officers' recommendation to allow the development voting instead to refuse the application.

Speaking at Wednesday's meeting Councillor Mrs Sheila Jones said: 'It's diabolical. It is a complete and total over development. We want something that respects the Victorian look and design of the houses in Malden Road and this is such an appalling application I would like to see it refused.'

Councillor Andrew Head, who also opposed the motion, raised what he described as 'three key issues', the lack of car parking space, recreational facilities and open space for residents and the lack of affordable accommodation within the development.

Resident Mrs Sarah Crosby, 32, of Malden Road, attended this week's meeting. She was delighted the council had chosen to refuse the application.

She said: 'I wanted it refused because it is so big. It would overshadow my house and next door.

'It was far too close to the house and my worry as a parent was that it overlooked the garden and you have to be aware these days who is watching.

'I am pleased this decision has helped delay it, but I cannot rule out another fight in the future.'

Mr Alex Kent, 55, of Malden Road, a quality assurance manager, shared Mrs Crosby's concerns.

He said: 'It was quite out of character with houses locally. While there was no objection to an office block, it was the change of use that was crucial. If it was an office, people would go home and there would be no noise pollution at night and weekends. Instead it would have been a 100 per cent loss of privacy.

'Watch this space. I don't think this is over by any means. What we would like to see is a development that fits in. We are not saying no development but we want one that fits in with the area.

'And I thought the original colours were grim but they only added to the development's lack of taste.'