More than 1,000 villagers registered their opposition to proposals for a retirement complex in Kings Langley.  

In total, more than 1,100 residents signed a petition contending McCarthy and Stone’s plans to replace four houses in Hempstead Road with a 40 unit “retirement village”.

The developer has already come up against significant opposition from neighbours and politicians, who argue the plans will “ruin” the wildlife-rich conservation area at the site.

Handing over the petition sheets to Hemel Hemsptead MP Mike Penning – who also disagrees with the project – last week, The Common resident Paul Rees said: "The fact that well over 1,100 villagers signed our petition means it must be one of the biggest in Kings Langley's history and shows just how deeply unpopular this development is across the village.

"When we were out knocking door to door to ask people to sign up, 90 per cent of people on every road gladly added their names.

"People told us they were opposed to the development for a range of reasons including the detrimental impact on Kings Langley common, the huge size and height of the proposed complex, and the impact it will inevitably have on parking.

"A lot of people also said that we already have a number of developments for older people in Kings Langley. In fact, there are six such developments within one mile of the High Street."

However a representative from McCarthy and Stone said in a statement that the homes will be “different” as they will provide care and assistance throughout the day.

They said: We believe that our proposals would fill a gap in the market. Retirement living apartments encourage homeowners to continue living an active and independent life, whilst also enjoying the privacy they enjoyed in their previous homes.

“These homes are different to the older people’s housing in the area, including care homes, which provide daily assistance throughout the day.”

Mr Penning is expected to present the petition in the House of Commons on Wednesday, September 13. 

"It's a completely inappropriate development in one of the most beautiful villages," he said. 

"In planning law it's going to be difficult for us [to fight the decision] but that doesn't mean the community cannot rise up."