An application to build offices and a garage in Harpenden has sparked fears residents will have to sacrifice privacy and amenity.

On Monday, St Albans council’s planning referrals committee granted an application to demolish commercial premises at 48 Coldharbour Lane and construct two three-storey office buildings and a vehicle repair building.

The committee was asked to consider the application by Harpenden North councillor Bert Pawle, due to concerns it would affect parking and overlook neighbours’ gardens.

The developer, Jarvis Commercial, has included 78 parking spaces on the site and St Albans council officers had recommended the planning referrals committee grant conditional permission as they believed the development is acceptable in terms of residential amenity.

The permission is subject to a number of conditions, which can be viewed at tinyurl.com/y9czqa5r