A 23-storey block of flats will help put Watford on the map, according to a worker behind the development.

A two-day public consultation started today at Beechen Grove Church Hall in Clarendon Road.

Members of the public were asked to give feedback on plans for a £100 million development on 37-39 Clarendon Road.

The proposal, put forward by Clarendon Road Developments, includes plans for 142 apartments across 23 floors and an eight-storey office building.

READ MORE: Developers plan another 23-storey block of flats in Watford

It also includes rooftop gardens, cafés and restaurants that will be open to the public.

When asked about residents’ concerns about the height of the building, Steve Carey, the project’s public relations director, said: “Well, no-one knew where Southwark was until they built the Shard.

“Unless people are craning their necks, they won’t be able to see the top of the building. At eye-level, it just looks like an eight-storey building.

“I think it will be a great addition to Watford and will really improve the business district in Clarendon Road.

“We’ve also had many workers from the area say how great it would be to have somewhere nearby to get coffee – we’ve received great feedback so far.”

But despite building 142 one and two-bedroom apartments, the development is only going to provide 40 parking spaces for residents.

Mr Carey admitted this was something that would be looked at again in the future.

None of the flats will be affordable housing but the developers plan to give a sum of money to a local housing trust.

Estate agent Jack Wall, of Escourt Road, liked the plans. He said: “I’m all for them. Me and my girlfriend are looking to get somewhere and that’s why we came.

“Watford needs more houses and there isn’t much room here – if you can’t go out, you have to go up.”

The consultation will take place again tomorrow between 2.30pm and 6pm.