An inquiry on a bid to de-register a village green in Borehamwood will be held later this month after after a previous hearing was adjourned due to "unforeseen circumstances".
The virtual inquiry, which is being conducted by the Planning Inspectorate on behalf of the Secretary of State, is to consider an application submitted by landowner Taylor Wimpey to de-register Woodcock Hill Village Green.
Housebuilding company Taylor Wimpey is offering neighbouring land to compensate for the loss of the village green - but campaigners have rejected this proposal and much prefer what they already have.
Elstree & Borehamwood town councillor Sandra Parnell, who is a member of the Woodcock Hill Village Green Committee, previously told the Times: "We do not want Woodcock Hill to be de-registered. It is a beautiful place, and especially during lockdown, it has been the perfect place to visit.
"We have been protecting it since 1996. I will fight until my last breath to save it because we are passionate about it."
More than 3,000 people signed a petition set up by the committee to save Woodcock Hill, which is situated off Vale Avenue.
Hertsmere's MP Oliver Dowden also backed calls to protect the existing village green saying in 2020: "The green is a real community treasure in Borehamwood that I have visited many times since becoming the Member of Parliament for Hertsmere.
"It is vital that we preserve our green spaces that surround Hertsmere’s towns and villages which create distinct communities and prevent ugly, unsustainable urban sprawl.
"At this next stage, I have submitted my strong opposition to Taylor Wimpey’s proposal to the Planning Inspectorate and I continue to work closely with the Woodcock Hill Village Green Association."
The rescheduled public inquiry is now set to be held from January 24 and is expected to continue all that week.
Hertsmere Borough Council says it will then be adjourned until March 15 and carry on for another three days.
A number of individuals have indicated their intention to speak at the inquiry.
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