A controversial scheme to build windowless flats may not go ahead after amended plans were approved.

When a government planning inspector granted approval for 15 flats in The Wellstones in Watford town centre in July, it was met with disbelief by Observer readers and politicians in the town.

The inspector supported an appeal from developer ISE Investments for the 15 flats ranging from 16.5sq metres to 22sq metres in size. Seven of the flats had no windows.

A spokesperson for ISE Investments told the BBC in July: "Whilst some developers abuse these (permitted development) rights, this is not our intention.

"As a technical point, windows would be normally introduced in a further, separate, alterations application as required when carrying out this type of permitted development conversion."

At the time, a second application for nine flats, all with windows, for the same building, was being considered by Watford Borough Council.

Hillingdon Times:

Last month, the council granted prior approval to change the use of the building from its current use to nine studio flats.

The law on permitted development gives councils little say and had the council disapproved of the amended scheme, it would have likely have gone to appeal again.

But the council has confirmed the developer has not yet confirmed which of the two schemes it intends to go with - if either at all.

A spokesman said: "The local planning authority has not had any contact with the developer and no Building Control Notice or application has been submitted."

The mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, was extremely critical of the windowless scheme, which the council had lodged an objection against.

Speaking on both schemes, Mr Taylor said: "It’s very clear that the law surrounding permitted development needs to change. It is not acceptable that councils are unable to stop poor developments such as this.

"I have already written to the Secretary of State asking him to urgently look at these rules and change them in light of cases like this.

"This is not a situation I would like to see happening in our town again. Everyone should have the dignity of living in a decent home."

The Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government said it is committed to "reviewing permitted development rights".