More than 50 flats and a gym could replace a car park next to Potters Bar's busy railway station.

In plans handed to Hertsmere Borough Council, developers have said the proposed building will feature up to 10 storeys and would become a “landmark” in Potters Bar town centre.

The private car park, sandwiched between the station’s public car park and Wyllyotts Place, is “underutilised” and could be regenerated, a design statement sets out.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: How a car park outside Potters Bar station could look if a plan for 55 flats gets given the

The planned “long and slender” building would feature a ground-floor gym or commercial space directly opposite the station entrance in addition to the new homes.

A total 49 car parking spaces would also form part of the scheme – 10 allocated to the new flats and 39 separately leased – as well as 109 bike parking spaces.

The design statement reads: “The site is centrally located within the defined town centre area.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: How a car park outside Potters Bar station could look if a plan for 55 flats gets given the

“This site is excellently located to benefit from a sustainable regeneration proposition, it being an underutilised brownfield site, immediately adjacent to the main line railway station and within walking distance of all town centre amenities including shopping, leisure uses, theatre, schools and community centres.”

The developer acknowledges the plans will have “an impact on the setting” of the Grade II-listed Old Manor Pub.

The Old Manor barn was built between 1594 and 1603, with the house built around 1800, and both are now part of the pub and restaurant.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: How a car park outside Potters Bar station could look if a plan for 55 flats gets given the

The statement adds: “The outcome is a scheme of 55 dwellings that responds uniquely to this site, and represents a bold but appropriate urban response.

“The building will make a positive contribution to its immediate and wider environment with an architectural design response that is not only viable and deliverable, but also memorable and visually appealing.

“The building rises to a maximum of 10 storeys at its main entrance, and this elegant and slender frontage manifests a local landmark and perhaps represents a greater opportunity for the wider station car park site as car parking demands reduce in the future.”

The application is open for consultation on the Hertsmere Borough Council website with the reference 23/1003/FUL.