Controversial plans for an industrial estate on green belt land outside Watford have edged closer after a crucial document was signed.

Proposals for 18,000 square metres of industrial and office space south of Aldenham Reservoir were approved in June, 2023, by Hertsmere Borough Council (HBC), as the applicants pledged to put the project’s profits towards repairing the reservoir dam.

On Tuesday, July 2, the developers Liberty Aldenham Ltd and Jewel of Hertsmere signed a legally-binding section 106 agreement with HBC which sets out its obligations and allows them to start development.

The approved land next to Aldenham Reservoir.The approved land next to Aldenham Reservoir. The plans will see four industrial units constructed up to 12.6 metres high, as well as a three-story building which is billed as a “co-working, wellness and innovation hub”.

At a planning committee meeting in June last year, borough councillors heard that repairs to the dam were necessary to protect Aldenham Reservoir and allow residents to continue sailing, fishing or walking at the lake.

The water level was lowered by one metre in 2020 to alleviate pressure of the dam, which then limited its recreational use by the public and local sailing clubs.

In their planning statement, the developers said the plans would see the reservoir returned to its original water level, fund landscape works to restore footpath access around the lake, and raise money for the renovation of the sailing and angling clubhouses.

A photograph of the green belt land earmarked for new distribution and office space. Credit: BHP Design/Hertsmere Borough CouncilA photograph of the green belt land earmarked for new distribution and office space. Credit: BHP Design/Hertsmere Borough Council But the plans sparked a public backlash as 287 objections were lodged with HBC out of a total 303 public comments received.

At the committee meeting last June, borough councillors also raised concerns that it would put “prime” green belt land at risk.

Councillor Paul Morris (Con, Bushey Heath) said at that time that they would not even consider the application if not for the proposed dam repairs.

He said: “My view is whilst there may well be merit in allowing some degree of development, the scale of development is well beyond what is reasonable.”

Aldenham West councillor David Lambert (Con) spoke in favour of the development however, as he said he had enjoyed sailing on the lake for 30 years before the water level was reduced.

He added: “The application before you is an enabling development, from the profits of which the owners will provide funds to rebuild the dam and reinstate the water levels, which sounds like success to me.”