Developers interested in building houses in the borough are being warned that some offers may be 'too good to be true'.

Hertsmere Borough Council planning officers issued the warning after premium plots of land were sold to investors who didn't check whether planning permission to build would be granted.

Councillor Hannah David, portfolio holder for planning, said: “We have strict controls over the developments we allow within our borough.

"In particular, any kind of planning permission on green belt land is unlikely to be forthcoming.”

Officers have had to deal with a number of disgruntled people who bought plots of land on the understanding that they could be developed for housing.

Councillor David continued: “We want to try to ensure more people are not enticed by an offer that is too good to be true, as it usually is.

"We would always urge people to check with the local council to ensure they know what they are buying.”

For more information visit www.hertsmere.gov.uk and click on the planning section.