Residents and councillors are leading a "two pronged attack" to prevent homes being built on a popular green space in Leavesden.

Embattled campaigners have been fighting to prevent Watford Community Housing Trust building homes on Hill Farm Close.

They are understood to be applying to Hertfordshire County Council for the land to be given village green status while Three Rivers District Council have opened a public consultation with a view to designating the site as a green space.

Leavesden’s Lib Dem Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst said the proposed construction of 425 flats and houses including 148 ‘affordable homes’ less than a mile away at Leavesden Aerodrome made the protection of other open spaces all the more vital.

He said: "Three Rivers want to designate the area as a local green space which would prevent future developments there.

"With Bellway’s application it is even more important this area is kept as an open space for the public.

"Before we were able to get that done Lesley Folgate was pursuing village green status but it is a long process.

"It is a two pronged attack to try and protect the area from development."

Councillor Giles-Medhurst added: "I have worked with the leading campaigners on this, Mr and Mrs Folgate and the Woodside councillors, and was pleased to influence Three Rivers Council to carry out this consultation.

"I am sure that every local resident will want to see this area afforded greater protection."

The housing trust unveiled a plan earlier this year to squeeze 22 flats and houses onto the small site, which has been popular with generations of youngsters.

Following strong objections from residents at public consultations the number was later reduced to 12 although campaigners still oppose any development on the site.

Although the border with Watford crosses the park, the entire area being considered for development is within the planning jurisdiction of Three Rivers.

Speaking earlier this year Lesley Folgate, who is leading the campaign with her husband Brian, said: "All the kids round here have used the park for football, cricket and general recreation.

"It has been fantastic, a godsend for them, they have had birthday parties and water fights and football matches up there."

The 42-year-old mother of three added: "It’s a community space and that’s what we want to keep it as."

The space is understood to have been a communal area since the surrounding homes were built in the 1930s.