Developer Paul Stacey had wanted to demolish the building, and the issue went to the Planning Inspectorate after the local council rejected his plans earlier this year.

Planning inspector J Bowyer visited the site on 10 August, and published his decision at the end of last week.

Bowyer noted that Historic England had decided not to add the clock tower to the national list of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest.

“That the building was not found to merit inclusion on the national List at this time does not however mean that it is of no interest or value. The building is identified by the council as a Locally Listed Building, and in accordance with the framework which defines heritage assets as including assets identified by the local planning authority (including local listing), it therefore comprises a ‘non-designated heritage asset’,” he stated.

Bowyer also referenced the area’s links with some of the biggest names in the printing industry of the day.

“In addition, the evidence before me indicates that the printing industry was a major employer in Watford. The appellant suggests that the appeal building is not the only structure associated with the printing industry that survives locally, and I note comments that the artesian well which fed the building has been capped.

“Be that as it may, these factors do not obviate the building’s former role, and it remains a notable symbol of an important aspect of the area’s past,” he stated.

“In my judgement, the distinctive architectural qualities of the building together with its historic interest contribute much to its significance as a non-designated heritage asset, and I find notwithstanding its current condition that it makes a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the surrounding area.”

A number of industry figures voiced opposition to Stacey’s plans after Printweek highlighted the building’s plight, including Fujifilm UK Graphic Systems division manager Andy Kent, whose first job was as an apprentice engraver at the Sun works.

“Loved the job, the place, and the people I worked with left an indelible mark. The tower is a historical reminder of the days when Watford was indeed a print powerhouse - so it has to stay! We still have Reach Printing Services at the old Odhams site where my father worked as a colour retoucher (anyone remember that job?),” he said.

Kent said he would love to know how many people still have associations with these “two great printing works”.

As Bowyer concluded his report, he said: “I find taking a balanced judgement that the benefits of the proposal are insufficient to outweigh the total loss of the Locally Listed Building and the harm to its significance as a non-designated heritage asset. I therefore conclude that the proposed demolition of the Locally Listed Building would not be justified, and I find that the development would cause unacceptable harm to the character and appearance of the surrounding area.”

Stacey’s appeal was therefore dismissed.

The Sun Clock Tower is located in a prominent position on Ascot Road. It was originally constructed in 1934 to extract water from an artesian well for the Sun Engraving Company, which was located nearby.

The distinctive Art Deco style building includes a roof of green glazed tiles, Flemish bond brick exterior walls to the main part of the building, and white coloured render to the central clock tower which is topped by a weathervane. Additional detailing to the tower includes moulded frames around the clock face openings, and the letters ‘SUN’ pierced vertically down two faces.

In the spring, when Stacey’s original planning application was rejected, local councillor Nigel Bell told the Watford Observer that plans should be put in place to keep the tower and restore it.

There is also an Odhams Clock Tower in North Watford, providing another link between the two once-great printing industry names.