Campaigners have won a battle to save protected trees and stop a development they feel would bring “no value” to the area.

A green space filled with protected trees in Chilwell Gardens, South Oxhey had been eyed up by a developer to build a block of flats.

But the plan for a three-storey building of six flats with ten parking spaces sparked a petition from residents desperate to keep the land as it is.

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People at more than 100 properties in Chilwell Gardens and neighbouring streets put their signature to the petition, which was later presented to Three Rivers District Council.

The petition, which originated from Chilwell Gardens, raised several concerns about the application, such as the impact on wildlife and the loss of three trees, including two oaks and an ash covered by a tree preservation order.

Watford Observer: An outline of the development site. Image: Google MapsAn outline of the development site. Image: Google Maps (Image: Google Maps)

It also said the land was used “regularly” by dog walkers and people exercising and “squeezing” six flats onto it is “unsupportable”.

In conclusion, petitioners said: “We strongly believe the development would add no value whatsoever to the area.”

There were also 16 official objections lodged in the council’s planning portal with objectors “appalled” and “saddened” that the land was being considered for development.

Other concerns about ‘”overpopulation” of this area and traffic were also raised.

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Watford Observer: A path leading into the land in question. Image: Google Street ViewA path leading into the land in question. Image: Google Street View (Image: Google Maps)

The council officer who considered the application acknowledged some of the issues raised by locals and in a decision dated September 13, the plans were refused.

The officer described the land as a “distinctive wooded piece of open and green space” that would be “unacceptably eroded” if the flats were built.

Concluding the plans would “urbanise” the land, it was deemed to “adversely” affect the character of the area.

Planning agent Dave Carroll had described in documents submitted to the council that the impact of his client’s scheme would be “limited” and pointed towards the space of Oxhey Woods.

He said his client was prepared to plant new trees nearby to compensate for the loss of the three trees, as well as invest £10,000 in Chilwell Gardens play area and just under £190,000 in affordable housing elsewhere in the district.

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