A POPULAR amenity green in South Oxhey is to be built on despite strong objections by local residents.

The land, in Blackford Road, is currently used by residents for dog-walking and by children for playing, but Three Rivers District Council's development control committee has granted permission to build a detached house on the land.

South Oxhey councillor Kerron Cross has slammed the committee's decision, saying public opinion is being ignored.

He said: "This amenity green at Blackford Road has been used by local people as a community space ever since this part of the South Oxhey estate was built.

"Young children play here and it is well used by local families. It is outrageous that the council is pushing forward these plans in the face of such public opposition."

John Tait, who lives in Heysham Drive, said: "This is not just some piece of waste ground, it is a well used local asset that has been here since the estate was built more than 50 years ago.

"The estate is still primarily occupied by families and the only thing that has changed is the increase in traffic, which makes it all the more important to have an area for children to play safely in."

The council said although it was too early to say what the new building would be used for, it would most likely "go to the open market".

A decision to build on the amenity green is due to be discussed by Three Rivers District Council's executive committee on Monday, January 31.