Residents objecting to two houses being built on the site of a disused playground say there are too many houses in the town.

Hertsmere Borough Council is seeking planning permission to build two two-bedroom houses on the site of an old playground in Hackney Close in Borehamwood.

The council says the proposals will make good use of otherwise redundant land, which has been derelict for a number of years following the authority’s decision to close it.

However residents say the site is too small for houses and more people living in the area would cause parking problems on an already congested street.

Louise Sen, who lives in Hackney Close, said: “There is no room on that tiny patch of land for two new houses.

“Parking is already a problem in this road, I don’t know how we will cope with any more people wanting to put their cars here – it will be a nightmare.

“The park is an eyesore, it’s not safe for children to be near. It’s a disgrace the council should have allowed it to get so overgrown. Instead they should have cleared it and turned it into a community garden.

“I have two young children and there is not enough space in the area for them to play on. The council should be creating more parks rather than getting rid of them.”

Her husband Ali added: “I don’t believe anyone would want to live on that patch of land. It’s overlooked by the factories on the Stirling Way industrial site and gets no sunshine.”

Hertsmere Council previously granted planning permission for one four bedroom house on the site in 2008.

This was despite the objections of residents including Brian and Jill Kaye who said they did not want anything being built on that patch of land, adding it was too small for housing.

Councillor Ann Harrison, who sits on the planning committee for Hertsmere Council said she understood the concerns of residents but she thought “the bird had already flown” on this issue.

She added: “It is far too late to try and get that playground back. Once permission has been given for housing on a site it is difficult to object on future occasions.

“They should have got people together to clear it up years ago, but now the chances are remote. However I urge residents to get in touch with their local councilors and residents association to see what can be done.”