Residents and businesses have six weeks to have their say on a list of sites in Watford that have been drawn up for potential redevelopment over the next 15 years.

Watford Borough Council is asking people for their views on its final draft local plan, which will be sent off for examination to the government later this year.

The latest local plan is a framework the council will use to shape the growth of Watford until 2036.

Primarily, it helps outline which sites in Watford are suitable enough to be redeveloped into homes and employment spaces, with the council tasked by the government to approve hundreds of new homes a year in the town.

Among 61 sites listed in the council's final draft plan are retail parks like Waterfields and Colne Valley, Asda's car park, and land around Watford Junction.

Council officers have analysed dozens of sites across Watford and those listed in the final draft are an indication that the council does not oppose the principle of development in that location, as long as the development is appropriate.

The plan is not all about building homes - it also outlines how things can be protected like the town centre, parks, and Watford's heritage and environment.

Watford mayor Peter Taylor said: "The local Plan is a framework for how we grow our town so that it continues to be a great place to live, work and visit.

"With many challenges facing the community, including climate change, the shortage of homes, revitalising the town centre, delivery of new infrastructure, providing more jobs and protecting the environment and heritage of the town, we must be bold and ambitious. This plan is our opportunity to be exactly that, facing these issues head on to ensure Watford continues to flourish and grow in the best possible way.

"This means that we have our say on where development should be located, otherwise, change will happen to our town in an unplanned way, with speculative development and little benefit to local communities. A local plan makes sure that decisions about the future of Watford are made here in the town and not by others."

The draft local plan is available to view at www.watfordlocalplan.co.uk with the consultation ending on March 1.

Due to Covid, there is no public exhibition, but a leaflet will be sent to every household in Watford.