An application to demolish a car showroom and two residential properties to build a three storey building has been refused.

Hertsmere Borough Council's planning committee unanimously refused the application in High Road, Bushey Heath, in tonight's meeting.

The application was to demolish the existing car showroom in High Road as well as two properties and build a three storey building with a retail outlet on the ground floor.

John Brown, spoke at the planning meeting on behalf of 43 residents in Springfield, Bushey, and said the main concern was traffic in the area.

He said: "We are very surprised this has been taken to the planning committee after 90 per cent of the residents objected to it.

"Traffic and parking in Springfield will increase. The health and safety of the residents is also at risk because of the increased traffic."

Hertsmere Borough Councillor Brenda Batten spoke as an community advocate in this application but said she is not against a development happening on the land just not this one.

She said: "This application is totally unacceptable."

Other cllrs including Cllr Anne Swerling said there are so many issues with the application but her main concern was the building was directly opposite St Peter's Parish Hall - a listed building.

Another issue of waste collection was brought up during the meeting and Mr Brown said the waste lorry currently has to reserve down Springfield to get back out.

Hertsmere Borough Council's waste management team provided a statement saying: "The drivers have to reverse the length of the road which includes a 90 degree turn, the vehicle used is a smaller vehicle.

"We advise in our planning guidance that a large vehicle should be used when planning for roads width.

"The road is very narrow and with the numerous parked cars makes it impossible to turn in."

Hertsmere Borough Council's planning committee unanimously refused this application.