A new play-area will not be built on protected land but the future of the plans are now in doubt.

Campaigners had argued a “vote for Chorleywood House” is a “no vote for a play-area”, suggesting that Three Rivers District Council would not support it.

Chorleywood Parish Council rejected calls to build on The Common and instead voted to ask Three Rivers District Council to build a play area on the grounds of Chorleywood House Estate.

Tony Edwards, chairman of Chorleywood Parish Council, told the Watford Observer the district council contacted them just hours before voting and said “they didn’t think Chorleywood House Estate was acceptable.”

The district authority also appeared to throw its weight behind a site on Chorleywood Common, according to Cllr Edwards.

Gregory Hill, chairman of Friends of Chorleywood Common, said: “This was the result we were looking for.

“The Common is very beautiful and this proposal would wreck it, or part of it.

“Now the Parish Council can get on with creating the nature trail. It has also meant we will avoid an expensive public inquiry and section 38 application.”

Councillors argued The Common should not be built on because it is a local nature reserve and a heritage site. Some campaigners had argued it would lead to more developments, including paths and toilet blocks, but this was rejected by supporters.

Simone Tyson, from Chorleywood Mums, said: “I am sure some of you have already made up your minds before this evening started and rehearsed your speeches in preparation.

“You are ignoring the facts and effectively saying the children of Chorleywood won’t be able to use a play-area.”

Some parish council representatives backed building on The Common during a heated meeting at Chorleywood Memorial Hall last night.

Cllr Barbara Green said: “We have been told by Three Rivers that Chorleywood House Estate does not fulfil their criteria for a play-area, in terms of proximity to the main population in Chorleywood.

“They have also said it would not be value for money.

“Site 15 is going to be the safest and most accessible option for a new play area. What this comes down to is a choice between the health and wellbeing of our children and the health and wellbeing of site 15.”

Cllr Martin Trevett, who also represents the village at Three Rivers District Council, said: “It should be as close to the centre of the population as possible. That invariably means The Common. I have no vendetta against it. If Chorleywood House Estate was in the centre, I would be supporting that.”

Cllr Trevett also believes a no-vote for The Common would be a no-vote for a play-area, arguing that if they backed proposals there, and then it was rejected by the Planning Inspectorate, that would end the debate.”