An applicant has lost an appeal to build nine homes on green space "used by locals on a weekly basis".

A planning inspector said the Kebbell Development Ltd proposal in Croxley Green would "harm" the character and appearance of the area.

In April last year, Three Rivers District Council's planning committee turned down plans for six flats and three houses on land in Sycamore Road.

Councillors recognised neighbours' concerns about losing the land and concluded the application would be "harmful".

Kebbell Homes, which had already seen three proposals rejected by the council, took the decision to the planning inspectorate but an inspector has come to the same conclusion.

Watford Observer: The land pictured at a previous time The land pictured at a previous time

Inspector William Cooper said the "distinctive characteristic" of the green space would be "eroded" and his March 10 report also mentioned concerns about none of the homes being affordable and the financial contribution to build affordable housing elsewhere being offered by Kebbell.

Gareth Morris, who has lived in Sycamore Road since 1986, and fought Kebbell's plans, says he is "absolutely delighted" by the inspector's decision.

He added: "I’m also relieved that both the council and inspector have come to really the only decision any logical person can make.

"This is particularly lovely open green space used constantly and the community will benefit from it not being built on."

Watford Observer: The land pictured at a previous timeThe land pictured at a previous time

Local councillors were also pleased, including Croxley Green Liberal Democrat district councillor Margaret Hofman, who posted on Facebook that it was a "huge relief" the Government had not overruled the council.

Independent Croxley Green parish councillor, Chris Mitchell, wrote that it was "good news" with both praising the campaign by residents.

Kebbell Development Ltd declined to comment on the outcome of the appeal.

The land in question does however appear to still be under threat after the district council included it in a list of sites deemed appropriate to build on to meet Government housing targets in its local plan.

Mr Morris said: "We may enquire putting this land in for village green status but in a sense, the inspector’s decision underlines the unsuitability to build on this land.

"We hope the council takes this particular plot out of its sites for potential development."