Elstree residents and Green Belt campaigners this week vowed to oppose plans to build 16 homes and an access road on protected land.

An outline planning application submitted to Hertsmere Borough Council last week proposes to build in the grounds of Hill House, in Fortune Lane, and an access road linked to neighbouring cul-de-sac Summer Grove.

Villagers and councillors are concerned that, if the plan is approved, traffic associated with the new homes would put extra strain on Elstree's already-congested roads.

Bill Hipwell, of Elstree and Borehamwood Green Belt Society, described the proposal as completely inappropriate'. He claimed that if the plan was approved by the council, it could set a precedent for building on the Green Belt.

"The proposal doesn't satisfy any of the criteria for building on the green space," he said.

"It would mean a loss of land and open space, and obviously more traffic, meaning more congestion in Elstree, which already experiences traffic problems."

Ten of the 16 houses proposed by Aspen Property Services have been earmarked for the elderly, while the nature of the remaining six homes has not been specified.

Ward councillor and Mayor of Hertsmere Derrick Gunasekera described the proposal as controversial and said the application had provoked many objections.

"There is a lot at stake with a proposal such as this. I've had residents call me to voice their concerns that if the development is given permission, they will be left with even worse traffic problems," he said.

"There are also problems relating to access in and out of the site, so all in all I think the developer will find it difficult to receive approval."

Councillor Morris Bright, who sits on the borough council planning committee, said he was aware of the traffic difficulties and potential overdevelopment in Elstree.

"It is most important that these matters are taken into account when an application like this is taken to council," he said. adding that he would would be looking into the details carefully to make sure Elstree residents are inconvenienced as little as possible.

For more information on the planning application or to make any comments on the proposal, call the council on 020 8207 2277.