A village green association has refused to part with a “beautiful” patch of land so it can be used for housing.

Woodcock Hill Village Green Association was asked to take part in a ‘land swap' by housebuilder Taylor Wimpey.

The developer wanted nine acres of land that it promised it would replace with 29 acres - but the association said this would not be a good deal for the village.

Although part of the land is owned by Taylor Wimpey, it has village green status meaning the firm must seek permission from the association before building.

Woodcock Hill village green sits between Barnet Lane and Carrington Avenue, in Borehamwood, and some of it is green belt land.

Pat Strack, the chairman of the Woodcock Hill Village Green Association, and Borehamwood Town councillor, said: “The acres they are offering us in return are already in the green belt and are already protected as wildlife conservation areas.

“Taylor Wimpey couldn’t demonstrate any circumstances that would aid them in getting that green belt land for development meaning the land is now ‘dead’ to them.

“Full marks to Taylor Wimpey for trying and we don’t feel any resentment to them because that’s their business. We appreciate them talking to us but we say thanks, but no thanks.”

The land was afforded village green status after a long battle in 2008. There are currently tree preservation orders on the land and the ancient hedgerows have been registered with Herts Bio Records.

The village green association says the borough’s core housing plan has not identified this green belt for development and no ‘special circumstances' can be demonstrated.

Cllr Strack added: “We have talked to Hertsmere Borough Council about this and they’ve set aside enough housing in the next local plan to take them until 2021, so this beautiful land can stay untouched.”

And to show just how valued the land is in the community, the group took part in a working party to cut down young oak and ash saplings to give older oaks more room to grow on Saturday, February 7.

It hopes this will let light though the woodland floor to allow a diversity of plants to grow and attract a range of mini beasts.

The working party was led by Alex Melson, who has drawn up a management plan and will arrange working parties on Woodcock Hill at least once a month.

For more information, contact pat.strack@ntlworld.com

The Borehamwood Times is awaiting comment from Taylor Wimpey.