Contentious plans to build 55 new properties that will be '100 per cent affordable' have been given the go ahead.

At a planning committee meeting last Thursday, Hertsmere borough councillors voted by 6-4 to approve the proposal on green belt land next to Rossway Drive in Bushey.

The scheme, which has been put forward by Hightown Housing Association, caused a split in the committee because of the encroachment on green belt land.

The approval means Hightown will now be able to build 32 houses of affordable rent and 23 flats for shared ownership, all of which will be "affordable".

The application received 47 official objections on the planning portal while a petition from residents on the nearby 82-home Sandbrook development gained 98 signatures.

However, the application was pushed through, primarily because it will help meet the "overriding need" for affordable housing in Hertsmere.

Cllr Anthony Spencer, who voted in favour of the plans, was "delighted" that the application was passed.

He said: "This is the first application in my three years as councillor where it has been completely for affordable housing. The borough needs this type of housing. This is an opportunity for young people to stay in Hertsmere and i really do want to help young people.

"It is an imaginative scheme and an opportunity that we should embrace."

Cllr Jeremy Newmark also voted strongly in favour..

Cllr Seamus Quilty voted firmly against the proposal citing the lack of "special circumstances" which justifies building onto green belt land. However, he acknowledged the need for affordable housing

Though much of the land is classed as green belt, there are a number of industrial buildings on the proposed site for development which have fallen derelict.

Concerns were also raised over the provision for parking with 66 spaces allocated rather than the 108 required by the council's strategic development plan. The size and density of the development was also a worry for residents and committee members.

Sam Galvin, land manager at Hightown, said: "This is an excellent and rare opportunity in an expensive area. Around 60pc of the units will be for affordable rent where the rent will be capped at the local housing allowance rate.

"The rented properties will be occupied by people from the council’s housing register. The shared ownership properties will likely be used by local people."

Andrew Royall, director of development for Hightown added: “It’s a challenge for local people to find homes at an affordable rate in this part of Hertsmere and, with this approval, we’re delighted to help the local authority meet its targets through a scheme with 100pc affordable tenures.”