Neighbours who claim their area is blighted by anti-social behaviour say "promises have been broken" over CCTV covering a new development near their homes.

A few years ago, plans for six homes on a garage site "squeezed" within existing properties in South Oxhey sparked concerns from neighbours.

They were chiefly concerned about a loss of privacy but despite more than 130 objections, permission was granted in 2017 by Three Rivers District Council for the redevelopment of the Bowring Green site, which it owns.

Although neighbours were unhappy about the decision and the lack of "compassion and consideration" shown to them, they were comforted by a number of planning conditions attached to the permission, including what they believed to be the inclusion of CCTV.

However, the council later removed a condition relating to the installation of CCTV after an officer concluded it was not necessary.

But residents say since the development opened at around Christmas, it has attracted anti-social behaviour and they believe CCTV would help stamp out the ongoing issues.

The entrance to the new Bowring Green development

The entrance to the new Bowring Green development

When council members agreed to the plans for the temporary homes in 2017, they attached a condition which stated prior to anyone moving into the properties, details of security measures including CCTV and lighting should be submitted to and approved in writing by the council.

But late last year, the council discharged this condition, and tenants have since moved into the new homes, with no CCTV installed.

A Bowring Green resident, who did not want to be named, told the Observer residents are dealing with issues on a day-to-day basis, and say he and his neighbours have suffered from "broken promises" by the council ever since plans were mooted to redevelop the garage site.

One of the new homes built as seen from an existing neighbours garden. Residents were concerned about privacy when the plans were initially produced

One of the new homes built as seen from an existing neighbour's garden. Residents were concerned about privacy when the plans were initially produced

Neighbours and Conservative party members in Three Rivers believe the council should have applied for a variation to the condition rather than a discharge, meaning they would have been properly consulted and given the opportunity to make any comments.

Another resident said: "To allow a condition to be ignored and arbitrarily changed shows disregard for a process that a planning authority must follow and an arrogance that befits a dictatorship."

The Conservative district candidate for South Oxhey in the May local elections, Daniel Oakey said: "I’m extremely grateful for all the hard work the Conservatives have put in on this issue for South Oxhey residents. Having lived in South Oxhey all my life, I know what a great community it is and it’s appalling that the council have chosen not to protect us."

Christopher Alley, the Conservative county candidate for the area added: "I expect better from my local council but sadly, it’s not Conservative run."

Bowring Green garages before site was redeveloped

The Liberal Democrat leader of Three Rivers District Council, Sarah Nelmes, has said her officers do not believe there is problem of anti-social behaviour.

Cllr Nelmes said: "The applicant proposed details of external lighting which were considered appropriate. CCTV was not proposed. The agent confirmed that the pedestrian access would be controlled and there would be natural surveillance within the site. Officers considered this approach to be acceptable. Other councillors have been informed of this decision.

"Officers have been working with the police and do not consider there to be anti-social behaviour in this area.

"Notwithstanding this, council officers continue to monitor the site and will be submitting an application to the community safety coordinating group for consideration of a new camera."