Neighbours are urging people to have their say on plans to build new homes on greenbelt land – and help save a reservoir described as a “treasure”.

Aldenham Reservoir, in Dagger Lane, Elstree, is leased to Hertfordshire County Council, but that lease is due to expire in September.

The reservoir is in need of serious repair, but property developer Liberty Aldenham has agreed to save the dam – should it receive planning permission to build flats in nearby Centennial Park.

Liberty Aldenham has now put in a planning application to Hertsmere Borough Council for 130 houses and people have until August 10 to have their say.

Aldenham Sailing Club member Jim Stother said: “We’ve been sailing at the reservoir for 75 years and would like to keep going for another 75.

“We are not aware of any other idea to save the reservoir – the only thing we can do is to do the best we can to see the homes are approved. This is the only fit solution. “People can respond to the planning application in any way they see fit, but we will be putting a comment in it for it to be saved.”

Elstree & Borehamwood Green Belt Society has stated that it would be prepared to see Green Belt land near Centennial Park developed to help save the dam.

The dam is next door to Aldenham Coutnry Park, in Daggers Lane, Elstree.

Mr Strother added: “There are thousands of people who visit the country park for the dam, fisherman’s row on it, all of these people love it and they come back.

“There’s a risk that might disappear and people need to be aware that if they want to keep fishing and sailing they really need to say something.”

At an exhibition about the plans earlier this year, people described the dam as a “treasure” they did not want to lose.

At the time, Steve Pickering, project manager for Liberty Aldenham, said: “We’ve got no idea what Safari Investments would do, it would be up to them.

“Nobody else has come with a better proposal for the reservoir and we want to save it.”