Objectors have claimed that a new office would ruin a “lovely village” if permission is granted.

A developer in Radlett wants to knock down a petrol station and replace it with an office building.

A second application was submitted earlier this month and 48 objections have officially been made so far. An initial application was withdrawn last year because the developers were told by Hertsmere Borough Council to come up with a more “contemporary style”.

People living in Radlett are not only opposed to the loss of the petrol station but believe the new building will take "character" away from the village.

Borehamwood Times:

This is what the site looks like at the moment

Melissa Crampton said: “The loss of the petrol station is unbelievable especially as they keep expanding Radlett. The monstrous building, which is massive in comparison to the rest of Radlett is simply going to take the character away from what was once a lovely village.”

She also added that the development, in Watling Street, could bring extra traffic and there is not enough infrastructure in place to cope.

Kay Rumney, who has lived in Radlett all her life, says there is not any “character” left in the village and added that a lot elderly people use the petrol station which acts as a “lifeline” for them.

However, another resident, Steve Murton, believes the development could bring extra money into the Radlett economy.

Richard Henley, from HGH Consulting, who are acting as agents for developers TLC Radlett Ltd, says this is an opportunity to take Radlett to the “next stage”.

He said: “This land is going to get redeveloped. The current set-up is a complete eyesore. The plans are to build an office site; not only for employees but for the people of Radlett as well. It will provide an employment space and meeting rooms for anyone who would like to use it.

“The ground floor will be used for leisure. It might be a café, a shop, or even a medical centre. We don’t know what at the moment.

“At a public exhibition, a third of the people showed support for the application. I agree it has been a divided proposal but this is a chance to take Radlett to the next stage.”

Mr Henley, who has worked on projects across Hertsmere for the last 20 years, added that the new design is a much “smaller” scale. He also said there are more than 20 petrol stations within a five mile radius of the current site in Radlett.

If permission is granted, the developer envisages work could start in early 2020.

Aldenham Parish Council will meet at its planning committee meeting next Wednesday to discuss its position on the proposal.

Full details of the planning application can be found here.