Councillors in Hertsmere will vote on plans to replace a "struggling" Bushey hotel with two huge warehouses next week.

Radlett-based developers Griggs Homes and private investment company First Urban have brought forward proposals which will see the A41 Mercure Hotel replaced with almost 15,000sqm of warehouse space.

According to the developers, the hotel, on the border between Watford and Bushey, has “struggled for several years”.

The new plans will take advantage of its transport links to the A41 and M1, as well as bringing the site into more effective use.

Borehamwood Times: CGI of the proposed scheme. Credit: Griggs/First UrbanCGI of the proposed scheme. Credit: Griggs/First Urban

The plans were first revealed when included in a list of potential employment sites in Hertsmere Borough Council’s local plan, before an application was submitted to the council in August.

The developers have said they believe the new scheme would create 375 jobs after completion, as well as 360 jobs during construction.

In total, the development cover 14,865sqm over two warehouses and external officers.

Borehamwood Times: CGI of the proposed scheme. Credit: Griggs Homes/First UrbanCGI of the proposed scheme. Credit: Griggs Homes/First Urban

In a planning statement submitted to the council, the developers said the hotel had "reached the end of its productive and viable life", noting there is "no shortfall" of other hotel accommodation in the area but the proposals would meet demand for logistics floorspace in the area.

The application is for outline planning permission, with specific details on access, appearance and layout reserved for later approval.

Borehamwood Times: Mercure hotel on the A41 in Bushey Mercure hotel on the A41 in Bushey (Image: Google Street View)

While the site is on green belt land, as the site has been previously developed, council officers say the case for very special circumstances, including significant commercial floorspace, would "clearly outweigh" any harm.

Officers have recommended that councillors back the plans, which would then be referred to the Secretary of State to consider before planning permission is granted.

Councillors on the borough council’s planning committee will discuss the application at 6pm on Thursday January 13.

If the scheme is approved, the developers have said they hope to complete the project by 2024.