Neighbours cried 'shame' as plans to build 15 flats at the end of a cul-de-sac were narrowly passed at a planning meeting.

Councillors gave the green light last night to a council scheme in Grosvenor Road in Borehamwood town centre.

The proposal by Hertsmere Borough Council will see a former toilet block and daycare centre demolished - and replaced by two part two and three storey buildings.

Fifteen flats will be created, five of which will be affordable. The scheme comes with 15 parking spaces and 18 cycling spaces.

Borehamwood Times:

This building will be demolished

Borehamwood Times:

This will be built over

But not everyone was in favour of the plans.

Grosvenor Road residents packed into the council chamber and applauded as Andrew Godleman, speaking on behalf of Grosvenor Road Neighbourhood Watch and Save Clarendon Park Campaign, explained why councillors should refuse the plans.

Although campaigners were not against some development, a statement of objection on behalf of residents of Grosvenor Road and Clarendon Road raised the following issues.

They included overdevelopment of the site, insufficient parking, the loss of a community site, concerns over access, and a restrictive covenant on the land which says it should be used as a playground.

Mr Godleman also spoke about a "lack of consultation" from the council with residents over this scheme.

Although notices and letters were sent out, Mr Godleman said in 2011, the finance and property portfolio holder at the council agreed a public meeting would be held with residents after plans to redevelop Clarendon Park were deferred at the time.

Mr Godleman says this extensive consultation did not happen.

Permission had previously been granted on this site in 2007 for 11 flats.

Borehamwood Times:

Circled is the development site. Credit: Google Street View

Councillors were divided when they were given the opportunity to debate the scheme before them.

Councillor Glenn Briski spoke about the loss of green space and could not support the scheme.

Councillors' Richard Butler and Christian Gray said all 15 flats should be affordable, while Cllr Gray added that he did not believe these flats were necessary to build.

Councillor Jerry Evans said losing green space is "ridiculous". The refurbished part of Clarendon Park will not be lost.

Borehamwood Times:

Clarendon Park

Councillor Seamus Quilty, referring to concerns over access to the site, said it was "important to recognise" Hertfordshire Highways had not lodged an objection. He added he could not think of any "sensible" planning reasons to refuse the scheme.

His colleague, Cllr Farida Turner, said she understood residents' concerns but "could not find a legal reason" to turn the scheme down.

The plans were passed by six votes to four, leading to cries of 'shame' from members of the public.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Godleman declared the "fight was not over" and that he will be taking his representations to the next Executive meeting at the council.

He added: "This decision is absolutely dreadful. We have been opposing development for ten years here. The council has ignored us. The fight is not over."

The council says the scheme will bring "much needed dwellings", maintain the character of the area, and added that a new turning area in Grosvenor Road will be created.