Plans to build a temporary retail park on a much-loved green space have been rebuffed again by neighbours objecting to another touted relocation site.

A proposal to knock down the existing shops and flats at The Brow, replacing them with new retail units and social housing, has been submitted to the council by the Watford Community Housing Trust.

READ MORE: Neighbours oppose temporary shopping park at 'beautiful' green

Cobb Green was one suggested spot for the temporary shopping area but the proposal met considerable opposition from neighbours who felt the development would impinge on their personal space, wipe out a beloved green area, and bring anti-social behaviour right to their doorsteps.

Blackhill was put forward as another possible location but neighbours living nearby are equally opposed to the idea.

The retail park could stand on its temporary siting for up to two years, an unsavoury prospect for those living near Blackhill.

“This is a very small patch of green area that would be taken away from the local residents, and from the people and children who currently enjoy this space,” said concerned local Kim O’Donnell.

“This is currently considered by Blackhill residents as an invasion of their privacy, along with the fear of anti-social behaviour and threat of damage and vandalism to the Blackhill residents’ houses and properties.

“The Blackhill residents are extremely upset, angry and shocked by this, and 127 local residents have signed a petition and handed it into Watford Community Housing Trust, along with a number of letters written by local residents.

“This is already causing the Blackhill residents a huge amount of worry and misery, and we would like to voice our concerns and make public the huge problem that we are currently facing.”

To create the new development, the existing shops and flats on The Brow would be demolished and replaced with eight new retail units, 37 affordable housing flats and a community hub, plus 38 off-street car parking spaces.

Gareth Lewis, director of partnerships at Watford Community Housing Trust, said: “As part of our project to redevelop The Brow, we have consulted widely to give local residents and the existing shopkeepers a chance to share their views on a number of options for the temporary relocation of the shops during the construction works.

"We are aware of the concerns that have been raised by different groups and are currently considering all the options and the impact they would have on the community.

“We understand that local residents are keen to see the situation resolved swiftly and we remain committed to finding the best solution for the local community, so we are looking to reach a decision as quickly as possible and will provide an update as soon as we can.

"We believe that the redevelopment of The Brow will dramatically improve the local area for the people who live there, as well as providing more modern and affordable housing for Watford, so our aim is to provide a solution that works for as many people as possible.”