Residents fighting changes to a field in Leavesden fear the plan could lead to more houses being built in the area.

Three Rivers District Council is trying to change The Horsefield, by South Way, from agricultural land to public open space. 

But fears are growing that the change could lead to more houses being built on the land, despite promises from senior councillors this would not happen.

Gary Stuart, of Margaret Close, which backs on to the Horsefield Site, said: "I am fighting exceptionally hard for this not to go through.

"For a start, I have had conversations with the very people who are changing it from agricultural to open space.

"These are the same people who said that the Ovaltine development, in Kings Langley and the Aerodrome Way site, would not be developed for housing. Yet they have both been developed.

"If this goes through, there is nothing to stop them building. Their applications can go through to the Environmental Secretary."

Neighbours have seen fencing being erected near the corner of the field, by the junction with Langley Lane and South Way, and the council has confirmed this is for the new play area.

Mr Stuart added: "I stopped and asked them what they are up to. They said they were already planning on how they were going to go through and flatten the land.

"It shows the council are being arrogant enough to try and steam it through."

However, councillor Keith Williams, cabinet member for leisure and community services, rejected the prospect of the Horsefield site being developed, describing it as one "of the safest areas in the district."

The Liberal Democrat added: "I think had the council wished to see building on the site, it would not have taken it on to public ownership.

"The fact that it is in council ownership means we would have no intention of building on it."

Another resident in Margaret Close stressed the importance of protecting the wildlife in the field, which includes badgers, foxes and muntjac deers.

Steve Jenkins, in a written statement to the council, said: "Yet again, this council seems intent on stomping on an area where natural wildlife has been doing its own thing for ages.

"A full environment study should be made. The planning application is wrong in many respects as I have previously commented on.

"It is not used for 'occasional grazing'. Any horses placed on the land are quickly removed, thus proving that is not the case.

"The current state of the field discourages those who would attempt to cut through the area. Someone, somewhere, for whatever reason, seems determined to steamroller this through. I can only wonder why."