Villagers are furious that blocks of flats are being built along a picturesque and iconic county road.
Planners at Welwyn Hatfield Council have permitted a series of developments along New Road in Digswell.
The latest application for a block of nine flats was passed last week despite objections from locals, the parish council, ward councillors and members of Digswell Residents Association.
Each of the blocks, some already agreed upon and others in the pipeline is replacing individual family houses.
Locals have called on MP Grant Shapps to help them prevent “further destruction of the character of this road”.
After meeting them near the site of one of the developments Mr Shapps said:
“People living in the area feel they are unable to stop the destruction of what were architecturally beautiful family homes. It is a shame to see developers ignoring the concerns and wishes of residents who care deeply about their area.”
Roger Adey from Digswell Residents Association thanked Grant for taking the time to meet with them.
He said they were very pleased to meet Grant and to have the opportunity to share their concerns about the “rapid urbanisation of the village”.
“He sympathised at how the character and wildlife habitat were being eroded as a result of developers getting planning permission to replace family homes with multiple adjacent blocks of flats,” said Mr Adey.
