A man believes plans to turn a former community centre into temporary accommodation for homeless families are “unsuitable” for the area.

The former Royal Voluntary Service centre in Bury Lane, Rickmansworth, is set to be replaced with 17 flats.

Philip McAteer, of Wensum Way, has suggested the development be moved to Chiltern Drive, in Mill End, where there is an empty plot of land and is also just around the corner from The William Penn Leisure Centre and various primary schools.

READ MORE: ‘It is a shabby excuse for a refuge’: Neighbours express fury as councillors permit plans for temporary accommodation

The 75-year-old, who held his wedding reception in the centre 53 years ago, is worried the development will lead to increased noise levels in The Bury and the adjoining conservation area being “ruined”.

Mr McAteer said: “The whole thing is outrageous, as people who live nearby the centre are not being listened to.

“The plans for temporary accommodation will totally change the area but there is an alternative to destroying Rickmansworth. The families should be closer to the schools that their children will attend.”

Rickmansworth cllr David Sansom, who is also on the policy and resources committee, agreed the development should be built elsewhere.

He said: “It is the wrong place to put the accommodation and I do believe there are alternative sites around the William Penn Leisure Centre.

“The services and support homeless people are going to need should be local and easily accessible for them.

“It will be overcrowded and they should be nearer the schools.”

Steven Halls, Chief Executive of Three Rivers District Council, said: “The RVS site is very well situated and close to amenities including schools, shops, leisure facilities and open space. Building accommodation here for local families needing homes will also allow them to be housed close to their families, schools and jobs.

The number of families needing temporary housing continues to rise, mainly due to changes to national legislation and benefits. Using the site for families awaiting permanent homes provides better accommodation than the council is currently able to find and is better value for local taxpayers.

“The plans for this site were first made public in September 2016 and have been discussed in public at several meetings since. Residents were able to formally comment on the planning application and as always their views were taken into account before the final decision was made."

Cllr Sara Bedford, leader of the council, added: “Due to government policies, our need for temporary accommodation continues to increase. We are currently exploring several sites across the District in order to build additional accommodation elsewhere.

“This will not be the only site we need to use to ensure our families can be housed close to home whilst we find them permanent accommodation. There is no reason why housing families here on a temporary basis should be any noisier or more disruptive for existing residents than any other housing use.”