SHOPS that will not become a magnet for anti-social behaviour is what people want for a redevelopment in Abbots Langley.

Plans have been drawn up for the revamp of the shopping parade in School Mead.

Currently, the parade of shops is an eyesore and attracts groups of youths who congregate there, causing trouble.

The developer, Oval (2025) Ltd, has proposed to demolish the existing building and erect one two-storey building and one three-story building in its place.

The three-storey building would have shops on the ground floor, with a number of one and two-bedroomed flats above. The two-storey building would also be used for residential accommodation.

The plans were put before Three Rivers District Council's development control committee for discussion on Thursday, August 18.

The committee welcomed the fact something is being done to rejuvenate the area, but some members expressed concerns over the building's design.

Councillor Ann Shaw said: "The layout is not inspiring. It is not an improvement on the old one."

Councillor Sara Bedford added: "We want something that is thoughtful and balanced. We need to make sure the failures of the previous architecture are not repeated here."

Currently, young people congregate under a canopy along the parade of shops.

Councillors and Hertfordshire Constabulary recommended that there should not be an overhang, which could provide a hiding place for criminal activity at the new site.

They also said access to the parking area and rear of the buildings should be limited in order to avoid crime.

Councillors also questioned the fact there is no provision for a community centre in the plans, as they requested previously.

However, a spokesperson for Oval (2025) Ltd said this has not been included because residents had not asked for one.

He said: "We have been in touch with the Hillside Residents' Association for several months and they have never asked for a community centre.

"We are not going to hoist one upon on them, as they would have to pay to keep it running."

Peter Scott, chair of the Hillside Residents' Association, agreed there is no need for a community centre at the development.

He said: "The residents' association has just signed a lease for an office on the corner of School Mead and Gable Close, which we hope will eventually be used for police and councillor surgeries.

"As there is going to be a police office at the Manor House grounds and there are plans for a parish centre in the village, there is no need for one in the School Mead redevelopment.

"What the residents want is shops that will service Hillside, that is their main concern."