Parking problems on a Harpenden street will become even worse if a controversial development goes ahead, neighbours say.

St Albans council officers disagree however, and have recommended granting permission to the building of 11 flats on Cross Way.

Neighbours are concerned the development’s 12 parking spaces will be insufficient, causing cars to spill out onto the street.

One person wrote to the council to say: “We are often not able to park near our house and without adequate parking for the flats this problem will be exacerbated and lead to people arguing over parking places or having to travel increasing distances to find somewhere to park, displacing the problem onto other streets.”

Another suggested: “If there is not enough car parking, the scheme should be reduced in size.”

Harpenden town council has recommended St Albans council refuse planning permission due to the lack of parking.

Harpenden council’s town clerk, Carl Cheevers, said: “We believe it’s not meeting the correct planning policy, and will make the on-street parking situation even worse.”

There are also worries the site will be twice the size of the existing building, though it is only seven metres wider, and is of the same height.

The development could put pressure on oversubscribed local primary schools.

Where a development would put pressure on schools, Herts county council seeks contributions towards expanding an existing school or building a new one.

However, the law states they can only seek contributions from a maximum of five developments towards one construction or expansion.

Because of this, Herts council won’t seek contributions from this development as it’s too small.

St Albans council officers say parking is greater than a 1:1 ratio, and the development would not have a harmful impact on the locality.

Tilsworth developments, the applicant, could not be reached for comment.

The proposal will be debated by councillors tonight (14).

To see the application, visit www.stalbans.gov.uk