Residents have slammed plans to install a 126.8 foot radar mast in Bovingdon, vowing not to take the decision “lying down”.

Earlier this year, it was reported how the National Air Traffic Service (NATS), which provides communications for air traffic control, was proposing to build the mast in Long Lane.

On Monday, NATS started taking down the existing, decommissioned 213ft lattice mast to make way for the new structure which will be topped off with a dome measuring about 50ft in diameter.

NATS bought the land, which overlooks both Shantock Lane and Shantock Hall Lane, two years ago from the Ministry of Defence for £55,000.

Under the Town and Country Planning General Permitted Development Order 1995, the aviation development is “generally granted” – NATS has planning consent by virtue of the Certificate of Lawful Development issued by Dacorum Borough Council.

But residents are rallying together to prevent NATS from going ahead with the new mast.

Debbie Turton, 51, who has lived in Shantock Lane for about six years, said: “People will think what’s the point protesting now - they’ve won, what they’re doing is lawful.

“But just because it’s lawful, doesn’t mean it’s right. We understand the need for air traffic masts and radars to deal with air traffic control, but not so close to residential areas.

“We’ve asked NATS repeatedly to give examples of sites where they have built the same radars in close proximity to people’s houses. None of the examples they have given –Pease Pottage in Sussex, have houses yards away.

“Who will want to live in Bovingdon, with a massive domed radar mast on their doorstep. It will impact on the entire look of the village.”

More than 1,400 residents have signed a petition against building the mast, and an action group has been started.

David Gauke, Conservative south west Hertfordshire MP, has lent his support to the villagers.

He said: “The mast will clearly be an eyesore. NATS maintain that having bought the land, they are entitled to build the mast there – I’m not satisfied they have looked seriously at alternatives.

“They appear willing to run roughshod over the concerns of local residents. I urge NATS to think again."

NATS has failed to give examples of other masts placed in residential areas, despite repeated requests from the Watford Observer.

It was put to NATS that as the British Airport Authority had terminated their lease at Heathrow, had Bovingdon been chosen because of its permitted development rights.

That is, if new land was acquired (instead of Bovingdon), would NATS have difficulty obtaining planning permission. NATS declined to answer.

Taylor Samuelson, organisation spokeswoman, said: “No alternative sites are being considered. The [Bovingdon] site meets operational requirements, is already owned by NATS and has planning consent.

“The development at Bovingdon is required to meet NATS operational requirements.”

But for the villagers of Bovingdon, this is not a fight they are willing to give up.

Mrs Turton added: “It seems major companies and organizations can just come into Bovingdon and build whatever they like, with little respect for its residents.

“Enough is enough. We will fight, we will physically protest if need be.

“We will not take this lying down.”