A proposal to build social housing has prompted concern among Shenley residents who say the grassed site is a haven for snakes and other wildlife concerns the property investor has promised to take on board.

Elstree-based Squire Investments has promised not to pursue the proposal if the majority of residents are against it.

Squire and Borehamwood-based Ridgehill Housing Association have discussed the possibility of developing open land, between Shenley Primary School and Hawksmoor Road, for social housing, although no firm plans have been drawn up.

The proposal has caused concern among some residents who say the land looks attractive, is used for leisure pursuits, such as summer picnics, and is home to protected grass snakes and bats, as well as owls and a family of foxes.

Concern has also been expressed among people living in Ridgehill flats in Hawksmoor that the proposal would lead to the site being too built-up.

Chairman of the Shenley Residents Association Mark van Twest, who was due to chair a public meeting on the issue at Shenley Village Hall on Monday, said: "This has to be approached cautiously, and thinking of the future.

"I can see the pressures on councils and Ridgehill to have more affordable housing. But, on the other hand, I can see the problems of the people living in Hawksmoor that, with building, that corner will get a bit too crowded."

Mr van Twest also questioned whether there would be traffic congestion and sufficient access for emergency vehicles.

Hertfordshire Wildlife Trust conservation officer Pauline Oliver said the trust, having been informed by a resident there was wildlife on site, planned to write to Hertsmere Borough Council's planning department requesting an ecological survey as part of any development plans.

Squire Investments' director Barry Marks, stressed his company were not property developers, and the proposal was for social housing which he believed Hertsmere Borough Council was keen to promote.

He said he had not been aware of much opposition or that the land was of natural beauty, and the proposal was intended to enhance the area.

But he added: "If everybody is up in arms, as a local company, we would be happy to pull back from it."

Director of housing at Borehamwood-based Ridgehill, Lily Smith, said: "We are consulting with residents. We would not do anything without consulting. We are not putting forward any proposals without asking how they feel about having the piece of land developed.'

It is understood that Squire has an interest in the land, but neither it, nor Ridgehill, own the land.

June 12, 2002 13:00