The historical significance of a Bushey house was brought into question at a council meeting yesterday, which saw a controversial planning application being passed.

Last night, politicians passed proposals to demolish 11 Grange Road and erect two four-bedroom houses, despite the property currently being listed as a locally important building.

The application had previously been rejected by Hertsmere Borough Council.

A total of 21 letters of objection were sent to the council against the proposals to demolish the Grange Road house, which was built between 1914 and 1939.

Paul Engelberg, speaking on behalf of the applicant, said the property does not have much architectural or historical relevance.

He added: "In terms of historic relevance, the property was built after the arts and craft period and has no local significance.

He said: "The property is not special, and may not maintain its status when the list is next updated."

Commenting on the revised application, Mr Engelberg said: "These houses are interesting, and individual, whilst being of the same theme that exists within the area.

"This is a good scheme that will allow two exceptionally, well designed, sustainable houses to take the place of one that, whilst being old, is not interesting or beautiful."

Council officer documents submitted to the planning committee stated that: "The historical significance of the building has been eroded given the lack of its architectural relevance."

Yet a Grange Road resident speaking against the application, Gillian Gray, said the house had an important role to play in defining the character of the area.

Ms Gray said: "These buildings still have an important role in defining the character and appearance of the area.

She added: "The character of the road and surrounding area will be damaged by removing old properties and allowing new ones in its place.

"They are far too big and dominating."

Representative for the Bushey St James ward, councillor Pervez Choudhury, said: "It is wrong to demolish our heritage". He asked the planning committee to reject the application.

Planning committee members voted to support the officer’s recommendations to approve the application.