The delivery of Watford Health Campus moved a step closer this evening but is likely to come at a price with Farm Terrace allotments included as part of the site.

The development would regenerate land between Watford FC and Watford General with a new hospital, around 600 homes and new businesses.

The controversial move to incorporate the allotments, which were initially protected in the plan, has been fought by allotment holders but council and health bosses argue that the land is needed to make the scheme viable.

Around 50 allotment holders and campaigners made their voices heard at Watford Borough Council's cabinet meeting in Town Hall, with many singling out Mayor Dorothy Thornhill for criticism.

As the motion was unanimously approved by the voting members, many in the audience jeered and shouted "shame".

Earlier in the meeting Mayor Thornhill described the report being considered as "a milestone in the development of the health campus" but added "it gives me no pleasure that we are sitting here considering the future of Farm Terrace".

Labour and Green Party councillors also attended the meeting and grilled health bosses and council officers on the proposal.

Councillor Asif Khan questioned why land for housing could not be found elsewhere in Watford, allowing the allotments to remain as they are.

Mary Reid from the West Watford and Oxhey Garden and Allotment Society said she was disappointed but not surprised by the decision and vowed to fight on.

She said: "We are not giving up, this is obviously a blow but it was what we expected.

"They still have to go through consultation and we are hoping people come out and make their own judgement.

"Then of course they will have to go through planning and finally the Secretary of State, there's plenty more fight to come because we feel this is the wrong decision."