Plans to build a new 22-storey tower in the heart of Watford have been officially submitted.

The proposal on the corner of Clarendon Road and Watford ring road is to create a building of 103 flats rising to 22 storeys.

The former RBS bank and offices would be demolished to make way for what would become one of Watford's tallest buildings.

The plans are very much in line with what was revealed in a consultation process ahead of a formal planning application.

Applicants IDA London Holdings proposed creating a mixture of one, two, and three-bedroom flats, with commercial development on the ground floor.

Watford Observer: A CGI of the proposed 22 storey tower. On the right is Beechen Grove Baptist Church. This is looking up the ring road towards Clarendon Road. Credit: IDA London Holdings/Iceni ProjectsA CGI of the proposed 22 storey tower. On the right is Beechen Grove Baptist Church. This is looking up the ring road towards Clarendon Road. Credit: IDA London Holdings/Iceni Projects

A series of documents and statements have been published within the council's planning portal which address a number of issues including transport, heritage, and affordable housing.

The development site is opposite the Grade II listed Watford Palace Theatre and also within close proximity of the Grade II listed Beechen Grove Baptist Church.

Watford Observer: The vacant former RBS bank buildingThe vacant former RBS bank building

The development will not include any car parking spaces nor will any of the flats be set aside as "affordable" - however the applicants intend to pay a contribution to Watford Borough Council to help fund affordable housing elsewhere in the borough.

In its planning statement, agents Iceni Projects say the proposals aim to turn an empty building of "low quality" into a development of "high architectural quality, which respects and enhances the character and appearance of the local area".

The agents go on to say the proposals have been "sensitively designed" and have benefitted from pre-application conversations with the council and and design review processes.

Iceni Projects conclude: "There is a pressing need for housing, and a pressing need to utilise suitable brownfield land to meet increasing future demand.

"The existing building presents an opportunity to redevelop a vacant, brownfield site in a highly sustainable area with access to good public transport links, and to utilise a site for its maximum potential in line with national and local policy."

Watford Observer: The former RBS bank buildingThe former RBS bank building

Members of the public are now able to leave comments on the council's planning portal if they wish to do so.

If this tower was to be approved, it would become the third joint highest building in Watford.

See more: The tallest buildings being built or planned for Watford

A 24-storey tower is under construction in Ascot Road in the west of the town, while a 28-storey and a 22-storey building were given permission as part of plans to build around 1,200 homes in St Albans Road on The Range and TK Maxx site near Watford Junction.

The planning application for the former RBS bank site can be found on the council's planning portal. The reference is 21/00887/FULM.