A controversial bid to build more than 60 flats in the centre of Rickmansworth was withdrawn just days before a decision was due to be made.

The application to build 66 flats in Wharf Lane was considered by Three Rivers District Council’s planning committee last month and a decision was expected tonight. 

The developer St William Homes withdrew the plans on Tuesday, just two days before the plans were revisited.

Plans suggested there would be 19 one bedroom flats, 43 two bedroom flats and four three-bedroom flats built on the former gasworks site.

Paul Harper, who set up the SaveRickmansworth.org website after seeing the plans, said: "I am temporarily pleased.

"I think we can expect the developers to submit more plans. I think we all hope the plans will be sensible and considerate to the neighbouring environment.

"If they have read all the comments that have been submitted in response to this application, I think they will be able to see there is a considerable number of arguments against the proposal in terms of its size and its impact on neighbouring streets and the lake behind it."

Last month, Councillor Peter Getkahn said: "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."

Almost 200 people objected to the plans for 66 flats in Wharf Lane on Three Rivers District Council’s website.

Paul Sansom-Timms, owner of Croxley Hall Fisheries, which over-looks the proposed site, echoed Mr Harper’s comments, saying he hopes the developers will go back and re-think the plans.

He said: "There is no doubt there will be another application because they have left the application in for the Gas Pressure Reduction System.

"Everyone accepts we need housing in the area but we are against over-development. Everyone wants to see houses with gardens.

"If they develop the site with twenty houses with gardens and they over-come the flooding issue, I don’t think there would be any opposition and people would be happy."

Councillor Ann Shaw, leader of Three Rivers District Council also criticised the proposals, describing them as "too big, too high and too blockish."