A divisive planning decision has angered residents who believe it will have a “catastrophic” effect on parking in Radlett.

Last Thursday, the Bushey and Aldenham planning committee passed a long-running application that will see the demolition of a single storey synagogue in Watling Street, to be replaced with a new two storey building, comprising a shul and community centre.

Concerns were raised at the meeting by resident Steve Oakes-Monger, who said the new Radlett United Synagogue would create “traffic mayhem” as the development included no space for parking.

Mr Oakes-Monger, 52, of Park Road, said: “To have granted this planning permission without any parking provision simply beggars belief.

“Whilst I have every sympathy with the synagogue membership, who have clearly out grown this site, I must question the wisdom of this decision and ask where are the cars going to park.”

Mr Oakes-Monger said the nearest suitable car park was over half a mile away, meaning “all the other residential roads in walking distance will become a car park”.

The Radlett resident added: “To allow this development to proceed will inevitably cause traffic mayhem during the building process and after completion, when the centre of Radlett could become gridlocked.”

Residents and councillors both agree that parking is already a problem at that end of Watling Street, but some members of the planning committee passed the application on the basis that they felt it would not worsen the situation.

Chairman of the committee, Councillor Seamus Quilty, said: “Parking was discussed at great level and thoroughly. The view of the committee was that it would not in fact make the parking situation any worse.

“The committee recognises there is a parking issue any way in that area. And when the synagogue is not being used there is still a problem.”

Councillor Quilty said: “I understand the problems and issues coming from all sides, but from a planning point of view, changing the actual building is not changing the usage.

“Everyone is very sensitive to it but it won't be used greater than it is used at the moment and that is why there are stipulations in the report.”

An officers report presented at the meeting recommends a limit on a number of different events that can be held at the synagogue and community centre.

Councillor Quilty also pointed out that an upcoming review of traffic regulations by the county council, which could impose new restrictions on the roads surrounding the synagogue, may alleviate some concerns over parking.

The decision to allow the new synagogue development has also been criticised by residents who feel that a similar older application by an Anglican church on the same road, Christ Church's Vision Hall in Watling Street, was ordered to create extensive parking.

Aldenham pensioner Rita Slade said: “They aren't being fair and just compared to the Anglican church down the road. They are not using the same rules. They have not treated the two religious buildings in the same way.”

Councillor Quilty responded by saying: “Each application stands on its own merits. You can't view it as like for like. Christ Church was never a cinema.”

“You have to feed in a lot of various factors to come up with a decision.”

Concerns were also raised that some members may have pre-determined decisions, however three councillors withdrew from the vote and two members sought legal advice, because they had given opinions at a previous application hearing – they were told they could vote.

Councillor Quilty said the hearing had been handled in a professional way with councillors from outside the community, who went into the meeting with an “open mind” and no pre-determination.