An application to build a new gas-fuelled electricity plant in Bushey has been withdrawn - much to the delight of residents and councillors.  

UK Power Reserve Limited submitted an application to Hertsmere Borough Council to build the power station on land opposite their existing pumping station on Berry Grove Lane.

The application was met with fierce opposition from neighbouring residents, who started a campaign against the development on Green Belt land. 

Lisa Gomez, owner of Berry Grove Lodge, said: "This is a great big weight off my shoulders. I feel like a new person. It’s fantastic. 

"Since the recent heavy rain, water has been laying static in the area where they want to build. 

"Even though they planned to build up the land around the power plant, this proves our point that the whole plan to build there was ridiculous." 

Bushey North councillor Leslie Winters said it was "marvellous" news. He said: "Residents put up a heroic battle and I am proud of them and thrilled with the result.

"The plant would have been an awful stain on Bushey North. Residents can now sleep easily at night.

"I hope this is the end of it. Without Councillor Jane West and residents this would not have happened."

The proposal was to build a "small scale" standby station, which would operate through a series of gas-fuelled engine generators, with the site being screened by a three metre high steel palisade security fence.

Watford Councillor Stephen Johnson said the whole plan was "mad".

He said: "I have heard the application has fallen because the developer did not go through with the public consultation. It would have been an eyesore all round in a totally inappropriate site."

Councillor Johnson said he was "unhappy" with Hertsmere Borough Council for not informing them of the application sooner.