Councillors have agreed changes to plans to build over 400 new houses on the Leavesden Aerodrome site, including more affordable homes and bigger gardens.

Three Rivers District Council have approved changes made by the developers, Bellway Homes, to 425-home scheme on the site in Aerodrome Way and north of South Way at a development control meeting last night.

The changes were made after council officers criticised Bellway’s initial plans in September.

The newly-approved amendments include revising the public square layout to accommodate community activities, an increased distance between homes and increasing the size of 100 private garden areas.

The plans also include an increased mix of privately owned and affordable housing.

The developers have also added additional tree planting, along the central parkland and streets, along with more parking spaces for both affordable and private housing, including visitor spaces.

The layout of the scheme has been redrawn to stop cars from driving across the open spaces and to prevent car access between Aerodrome Way and South Way.

Leavesden Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst, said he was “very pleased” Bellway Homes had listened to the concerns raised.

The Liberal Democrat said: Bellway have produced much improved plans for the first phases of this new housing that will provide 425 new homes and much needed new affordable housing. "They provide a more open, better layout with garden depths and more landscaping.

"Above all I think this development will integrate well with the local community and not become an isolated estate. "We now need the county council to address residents concerns about school places in this and North Watford area and I am pleased they are now considering new schools sites."