Storage units in The Harebreaks to go by March at the latest

But Cllr Asif Khan says he was "disappointed" to learn a housing association had planned to keep the units for much longer than originally promised.

In 2016, residents lost a battle to stop a green in The Harebreaks in North Watford be partially covered for storage by Watford Community Housing.

The housing association received planning permission from Watford Borough Council for a temporary storage site for up to five years, despite hundreds signing a petition against the proposal.

The storage units were moved in and the site was boarded up restricting access to some of the green space.

The storage compound in The Harebreaks. Credit: Google Maps

Labour councillor Khan, who fought the 2016 plans, said he was "astonished and disappointed" to learn recently Watford Community Housing was planning to extend the use of the site for another five years.

He said: "I was really disappointed and angry that they were going to extend the use by its original agreement.

"I and residents were assured that this was not going to happen. When I found out, I straight away reminded Watford Community Housing of its commitment to the local community and myself."

The green before the storage compound was created. Credit: Google Maps

Cllr Khan said he subsequently held talks with the housing association and it has been agreed the storage units will be gone by March 2022 at the latest.

Permission is required for the units to remain on the site up until that date, with an application pending. Cllr Khan said: "I would encourage residents to make their voices heard and share their thoughts on this planning application."

The green after the storage compound was created. Credit: Google Maps

Cllr Khan added: "This beautiful site was used by local residents, young and old for playing games including cricket and football, dog walking and a really good place for a walk.

"There was universal hatred of the plans so there will great relief that the site will go back to being a green.

"The area is a residential one; it is not fit for a light industrial unit and shouldn't have gone ahead in the first place.

"I am really pleased Watford Community Housing saw sense. I hope the compound is brought back to its original use and that it is once again used fully by residents of the area. It will be greatly appreciated by them."

In 2016, the housing association said its storage place in The Harebreaks was part of a £15 million works programme to improve houses in Watford, including an expected £1.5 million of works in the Harebreaks area.

It added this location would save £300,000 compared to other sites.

The latest planning application can be found on the council's planning portal. The reference is 21/01255/FUL