The Elstree Corridor could become a “flagship housing zone” meaning it will be easier and quicker to build new homes.

Hertsmere Borough Council is one of 29 boroughs shortlisted for the title by the national Government, which will allow it to build new homes on brownfield land.

The authority has been ordered to build 3,896 homes in the next 15 years– and 1,000 of these will be in the Elstree Way Corridor - an already built-up area earmarked for further development along the major road.

Hundreds of people campaigned to fight this – but the authority says its hands were tied and the decision caused as much anguish for councillors as it did for residents.

Councillor Harvey Cohen, who is responsible for planning, said he and his colleagues devised the Elstree Way Corridor Action Plan to take control of the situation.

Chancellor George Osborne said: “A key part of our long term economic plan is to build the houses Britain needs so that more families can have the security that comes with home ownership.

“That’s why I’m delighted to announce the areas shortlisted to become the first housing zones in England which, as part of a wider package of measures, will help deliver up to 200,000 new homes on brownfield land.”

If successful, Hertsmere will be one of ten boroughs that has the chance to build homes for local communities while protecting the green belt.