Amendments to a controversial application for an eruv in Bushey have been approved unanimously by councillors - despite objections from residents.

In August 2013, Hertsmere Borough Council granted permission for a Jewish eruv to be created, which will consist of steel poles up to 5.5 metre-high in 25 locations across Bushey.

An eruv is a religous boundary, described as an "inner home", where strict Sabbath rules are relaxed for orthodox Jews - such as transporting items like pushchairs and wheelchairs. The poles and linking wires associated with the creation of an eruv are a method of ensuring the boundary remains unbroken.

On Tuesday, the planning committee approved amendments to the original application, which was lodged on behalf of Bushey United Synagogue.

The plans proposed two additional pole sites, the insertion of three intermediate poles and the relocation of two pairs of poles and another two poles across nine different sites in the town. The poles will be painted a colour so that it will blend in with the surrounding area.

Speaking for the application on behalf Bushey United Synagogue, Daniel Blake, said: "Of the nine locations in this application, three are at the request of Hertfordshire Highways and four were previously unsuitable.

"The precise location of all the poles in this application has been carefully considered, we have listened to the planning officer and worked tirelessly to ensure we have avoided any detrimental visual impact.

"Hertfordshire Highways has also approved our application for a licence to install and maintain the eruv on the highways - the future maintenance of the eruv will be at our expense."

Nearly 500 residents signed an online petition to scrap the plans for the eruv on the basis that it would cause "social engineering". With regards to this application, 24 objection letters were sent to the council.

Gay Butler, who spoke against the application on behalf of the Bushey Residents Group said: "Planning law was never intended to process such quirky schemes. An eruv is not just a pole and wire it is a powerful symbol.

"There are social implications of this applications - from 2001 to 2011 the UK Jewish population increased by two and a half thousands. The Jewish population in Barnet's new eruv increased by over 14 and a half thousand.

"Following the approval in August 2013 Bushey synangogue quoted ‘we now look forward to substantial growth in our community’. This is not the original stated reason for an eruv, but an assertive avert social engineering."

Residents also raised concerns about the impact the poles might have on wildlife, the street scene and neighbouring properties.

At the planning meeting, councillors were advised by the legal team to base their decision on the planning aspect of the application. They approved the application unanimously.

Mrs Butler added afterwards that the residents were all "very disappointed" that some of their concerns were not taken into consideration.

Chairman of Bushey United Synagogue, Stephen Roston, said: "We are absolutely delighted that it has been approved. An eruv is like an inner home and will mean that the more religious in the community will have freer movement on the Sabbath.

"Some of the arguments against the application was unjustifiable, but we hope that they can now accept the decision and let us all move forward in this world in peace and friendship."