A councillor launched a scathing attack against Watford Borough Council last night for the lack of “fairness and equity” in its planning department.

The council's development control committee met to consider plans for 11 new homes in Elmcot, off the North Orbital Road, in Garston.

The five four-bedroom and six three-bedroom houses were recommended for approval by planning officers, who said the scheme “will be seen as a natural extension to existing development in the area”.

However, residents living close to the proposed development were told a decision would be made at a meeting on March 31.

And Councillor Ian Brown, who represents Woodside Ward, explained they had only been informed that the meeting would be brought forward last week.

Then when one resident, Jacquie Wijewickreme, visited the town hall to pick up a copy of the planning report, he said her request was refused.

Mrs Wijewickreme is one of a number of residents living in Derwent Close, adjacent to the proposed development site, who fear it will lead to a lack of privacy in their gardens and block sunlight.

“This is a public document,” said Councillor Brown. “This is not the secret service we're talking about.

“The reason she was given was it's 37 pages long and she couldn't have it. I think that's a disgrace. I don't feel we have been given a fair crack of the whip.

“She's been at a tremendous disadvantage. Then as I came in the town hall I was given two more [update] sheets. All I would ask for would be a degree of fairness and equality shown.

“I'm very unhappy about the process. Online doesn't always work and when the meeting's brought forward, you have no time to present your case.”

David Noble, head of Watford's planning department, said “there should be no reason why any member of the public should be refused an agenda” and said the incident would be investigated.

Meanwhile, members of the committee were quick to suggest the debate be deferred to allow more time for residents opposed to the development to put their case together.

Councillor Rabi Martins, committee chairman, said: “We pride ourselves as a council in terms of proper consultation and proper due process and if there's a perception this hasn't happened, I think it's only right we take that on board.

“Members of the public have not had proper time to consider the matter and I think it's only right we defer this.”