Plans to replace a former horse riding school with a block of flats and several houses were discussed at a meeting – with concerns raised that the green belt will be “overpowered”.

Shanly Homes plans to transform Bucks Meadow Riding School, in Bucks Avenue, Bushey, into 27 properties of various sizes, an open space and an “informal play area”, all served by a modified access route from Bucks Avenue and Sherwoods Road.

There will be one one-bedroom and four two-bedroom apartments provided in a single block, as well as a 14 three-bedroom and eight four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses.

Nine of the properties will be classed as “affordable”.

This latest application is an updated version of a 24 property scheme approved by both Hertsmere and Watford councils earlier this year and was debated during a development management committee at Watford Town Hall on Wednesday.

Both councils received a joint application as the site of the equestrian centre, which closed in 2015, sits mainly within Hertsmere borough but borders on the Watford borough.

Kim Baxter, environment officer at Oxhey Village Environment Group, spoke during the meeting and said it was “completely out of character” within the area.

She said: “The new building are all dark in design and will have a significant impact on the green belt in the area. It will be overbearing and overpowering.”

David Howells, of Shanley Group, disagreed and said the development was “reflective” of the area.

Cllr Sharpe, who was on the committee, called the site an “encroachment on the green belt”.

However, cllr Nigel Bell added: “I voted in support of the 24 scheme and I would not object to this either.”