Fears have been raised about the effect a temporary settlement built for HS2 workers could have on the Three Rivers district.

Some 250 temporary homes could be built near Chorleywood and Maple Cross for the construction workers.

These employers – who are helping build the high-speed railway linking London, Birmingham, the East Midlands, Leeds, Sheffield and Manchester - are likely to live there for at least eight years.

Neighbours are worried about the impact the development could have on the environment, traffic and local businesses.

Kathy Walton, who has lived in Chorleywood for most of her life, has slammed the idea.

The 54-year-old said: “This is a very rural area and the construction of this site will cause so much disturbance for such a long time.

“It can’t possibly be good for the environment and I dread to think how the development will impact traffic in the area.

“Most people I speak to are against the plans.”

She said the development will deter businesses from wanting to move to the area and that the village’s local businesses are already struggling.

She said: “In the past two years, we have seen both our banks and our building society close down. The only new shops that appear are charity shops that don’t have to pay business tax.

“This development is likely to deter future businesses from wanting to move into the area. Traders here have to work really hard and I think it would be a shame to put their businesses at further risk.”

She described the HS2 development as “pointless” and “ill-conceived”, with “questionable benefits”.

For the high-speed HS2 line, the Chiltern Tunnel and Colne Valley Viaduct will need to be built. Proposals include excavation and depositing of more than 12 million tonnes of material to form what HS2 Ltd calls the West Hyde Embankment and houses would have to be built to accommodate the influx of workers.

Three Rivers District Council members have previously expressed concern over what effect these developments will have on the surrounding area.

Speaking on behalf of HS2 Ltd, Clive Green, said: “We continue to finalise the detailed construction plans and how this impacts on communities. HS2 Ltd is committed to ensuring that the adverse effects of construction traffic on local roads are minimised.

"We will implement Local Traffic Management Plans to help mitigate impacts, working with local authorities to develop them.”