A PLAN to turn a playing field next to High Beeches School in Harpenden into a residential care home has met with strong opposition from local residents.

Hertfordshire County Council wants to build a 60-bed care home as well as 18 houses on the Piggotshill Lane site, but those living nearby have produced a plethora of reasons why this should not be permitted.

They have set up the High Beeches Playing Fields Action Group to fight their cause.

One member of the group, Diana Godden, explained: "I moved here 20 years ago and that playing field has always been specifically designated for educational purposes. Now they plan to build a care home and houses there, but it would be totally unsuitable in terms of density and access, and the proposals go against the district council's plan."

But it is not just the breach of planning rules that has stoked the anger of local residents.

They argue the playing field represents the type of open space which Harpenden needs for sport and recreation, particularly in residential areas.

Opposition has also clustered around several other arguments. Protesters believe the plan would increase the volume of traffic using Piggotshill Lane, Aldwickbury Crescent and Alzey Gardens among other concerns.

A county council spokesman said: "We will be holding a consultation exercise with residents at the end of this month."

Secondly, the plan would create an over-density of buildings in the area.

There is also the belief that a day centre would be an inappropriate addition to a residential area which has no community facilities.

And the Action Group has received the backing of district councillor Pauline Waddilove, who represents the Harpenden East ward.

She said: "The plans as they stand are unacceptable. I think the residents are quite right to pursue their opposition.

"In principle, I am not totally against the idea of a care home, but I am not very happy with the housing element - it would make the area very cramped."

He also gave a guarded response to rumours that the county council intends to withdraw the plans.

He said: "The application for the care home may be withdrawn for the time being, while the housing plan may or may not be left in place."

The issue is due to be discussed by St Albans District Council's planning committee on Monday.

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