Members of the public have launched a petition calling for the council to reconsider a development they believe will “destroy” Borehamwood.

Hertsmere Borough Council voted earlier this month to grant planning permission to a 12-storey block of flats on the site of Isopad House and Hertsmere House in Shenley Road.

However residents believe the development is out of keeping with the rest of the town and will put an “unbearable strain” on its roads and services.

Many also believe they were not properly consulted on the plans, arguing they were unaware of them until after they were approved.

Borehamwood resident Andrew Lewis has launched a petition calling for the council to resubmit the plans and have a “proper” public consultation.

He also asks the council review them on the grounds of the height of the new Isopad House, which goes against the recommendation in the Elstree Way Corridor Area Action Plan for maximum six storeys, and the burden on services and roads.

He said: “It makes me angry the council only wrote letters to 117 residents about the plans when all 32,000 residents of Borehamwood will be affected by this development.

“I only heard about in the local press after it had been approved.

“We live in a democracy. If the council does not listen to the people we will vote them out and get someone else in.”

Mr Lewis added he had talked to many people who were worried the buildings would overshadow them and block their light.

He said: “The plans haven’t considered the extra schools or doctor’s surgeries needed for an extra 2,500 to 3,000 people in this and other developments.

“The trains are already packed going into London."

Under the plans the roundabouts at Tesco and Shenley Road would be replaced by traffic lights and the road narrowed to make way for bus and cycle lanes.

Mr Lewis fears the road will be "gridlocked", adding: “I see myself living in Borehamwood for at least the next ten years. I don’t want it to be destroyed.

“We already have 400 signatures. Fingers crossed enough people will sign and we can prevent this.”

Cowley Hill representative Richard Butler said he had already heard from residents concerned about the lack of infrastructure and the pressures Isopad House would put on parking.

The Labour councillor added: “I'm concerned the about how the council will handle other developments that could come up.

"It seems the council is not telling residents what they need to know."

However planning and localism portfolio holder Councillor Harvey Cohen said any petition would be too late as councillors had already considered, fully debated and approved the proposals.

He added: “Once the application has been approved there is no going back.

“I will look at the petition and consider the views of residents.

“I’m also concerned about lack of infrastructure, but Hertfordshire County Council controls this.”

The petition can be found here or here