A decision on whether fourteen houses and a private sports centre will be built on Green Belt land will come after a Planning Inspectorate hearing.

Three Rivers District Council rejected Amba Developments Limited’s plans for 14 homes and shared sports facilities at Valley View Farm, Oxhey Lane in Carpenders Park.

The developer appealed that decision the Planning Inspectorate has now set a date for an informal hearing on Wednesday, 11 May.

Council staff, the developer and concerned residents will have the chance to put their case forward before a planning inspector.

The council rejected the application because it would damage the Green Belt and “the development would also be contrary to the purposes of the Green Belt to safeguard the countryside from encroachment and to prevent neighbouring towns from merging into one another”.

Twelve four bed properties and two two-bed properties would be included in the scheme if approved.

A sports centre with a swimming pool, squash court and a sports hall could also be built on the site.