A private hire company overcame a campaign by taxi drivers to stop them using a building their new main office.

AAA Taxis has been operating from a kiosk inside Elstree and Borehamwood Railway Station since July, even after a campaign by Hackney Carriage drivers to stop the firm buying the kiosk.

Hertsmere Borough Council’s planning committee last night granted permission for the firm to use the kiosk as their main office.

The proposal includes seven allocated car parking spaces on the station forecourt, which have been leased from Govia Thameslink by the taxi company.

However during the meeting Cllr Seamus Quilty said the actual site in the red line should include the parking bays but it does not so it should be refused.

He said: “Unless the bays already have permission, which they do not, then they are in breach.

“We should go back and look at the whole planning application.

“They do not have planning permission already and do not have parking spaces at the moment.”

Borehamwood Times:

The plans submitted by AAA Taxis

Other councillors agreed with Cllr Quilty’s point the application does discuss the car parking spaces and the fact the junction near the station is one of the most dangerous in the county.

Despite this the application to change the use of the building was approved at the meeting but the issue of parking bays was removed from the application.

Rachel Dale, business manager of AAA Taxis, said: "The owner, managers and staff of AAA Taxis are delighted that the decision to grant planning permission for a taxi booking office within the Elstree and Borehamwood Station was upheld by Hertsmere Borough Council. 

"Govia Thameslink Railway welcome the decision as the provision of a reputable taxi operator located within the station building enhances their customer’s experience. 

"The office provides a safe, warm and dry environment for bookings to be processed."  

Borehamwood Times:

The plans for inside the station

Back in April a group of Hackney Carriage Drivers spearheaded a campaign to stop the sale of the station kiosk to the private hire company.

READ MORE: Residents angry with new sales lease

George McKenzie, one of the campaigners, said after the meeting: “I am very shocked and disgruntled.

“How have the planning committee made a decision on only one part of the application? Is it only because of a red line?”

Cllr Michelle Vince said she was saddened about the loss of an amenity and she has seen the queues of traffic down Station Road.

Cllr Vince said: "The bus companies are saying if the traffic gets worse they will not be coming into the station."

How do you feel about the application? Comment below or email steven.brown@london.newsquest.co.uk