A member of the planning committee has said he is “horrified about the potential destruction” of a Rickmansworth community.

The controversial application for 66 flats in Wharf Lane was considered by Three Rivers District Council’s planning committee last night- but a decision has been put back until May.

Current plans suggest there will be 19 one bedroom flats, 43 two bedroom flats and four three-bedroom flats built on the former gasworks site.

Councillor Peter Getkahn told last night’s planning committee meeting: “I lived in that road for three years and I am horrified about the potential destruction of that community.

“I have never seen such a blatant case of over-development. People need houses- children need play equipment and back gardens to play in.

“What was the point of having a community consultation if you are not going to listen to it.”

Councillors criticised the size of the development, with councillor Ann Shaw describing the proposals as “too big, too high and too blockish”.

Politicians also criticised the “lack of parking” in the development plans, with 76 parking spaces allocated for the development, despite a maximum number of 234 people who could live at the development, if it were to be approved.

Councillors decided to go and view the site and are expected to make a decision on the plans at the planning meeting in May.

Stephanie Singer, who has lived in Salters Close since it was built 19 years ago, said the proposal was designed to “maximise” the developers profits and “leave the problems with the residents.”

She said: “The development will be a monolithic block of 66 flats.

“Three Rivers’ own site allocation document says there should be 20 properties. A third of what has been proposed.

"The site allows for 75 spaces on site, but this does not incorporate the parking and traffic from visitors, delivery lorries, removal lorries, refuse lorries or emergency vehicles."

“The proposal would lead to an increase in crime. Perpetrators are hidden and can't be seen by people passing by.

“It is not wanted by residents of Rickmansworth. We hope this will be refused and hope that future plans recognise the needs of Rickmansworth.”

Councillor Phil Brading said: “My own feeling is that the message needs to go back very strong- just because it is called Wharf Lane does not mean it is Docklands."