Campaigners have started a petition against plans for a housing development on Green Belt land in Aldenham.

The Elstree and Borehamwood Residents' Association (EBRA) has launched a campaign asking residents to "say no to Liberty Aldenham" building 150 houses on Green Belt land.

EBRA said Aldenham Reservoir is not in serious need of repair, despite the developers arguing that it is.

Liberty Aldenham, who has submitted plans to build houses in Watford Road, opposite the reservoir, stated in leaflets handed out to residents that their development will "save the lake".

And if they fail to get planning permission, the current owners, Safari, will secure the site and "possibly cease all activity" on the lake.

EBRA members, Suzanne Alford and Clare Newton, said: "We are appalled at this attempt to mislead the public. Most residents who responded to Liberty Aldenham's leaflets really wanted to just 'save' the reservoir.

"The council has invested £100k to repair the reservoir before returning it back to Safari. There is no evidence to suggest it is in any imminent danger."

Mrs Newton suggested that there are other commercially viable activities, which could help preserve the reservoir such as doughnutting and zorbing that people could take up, and it will not "detract" the lake's beauty.

The reservoir is leased to Hertfordshire County Council until December 25. In February 2011, the council announced it would not be renewing this lease as in the long term it would not be financially viable.

The council has confirmed that the reservoir is not in need of any imminent repairs.

Committee member for Aldenham Sailing Club, Jim Strother, said the club has seen the extensive and costly works carried out by the council over the years to maintain the dam, including reducing the water levels.

He said: "In principle I do not like the idea of building on Green Belt land. The water level has never come back up and if it goes down again we would not be able to sail there.

"Even if there is not any imminent threat, the current proposals are the only one we have seen that look at preserving the reservoir for the future. If there is a better solution I would support that."

Liberty Aldenham propose that the money raised from the development will be used to set up a charitable trust, which will own the reservoir and contribute towards repairing the dam and safeguarding it in the future.

Owner of Liberty Aldenham, Nitin Fosrani, believes their proposals are the best option for preserving Aldenham Reservoir.

He added: "We have also been informed that insurance on the lake has been declined from December 25 as the lease to HCC expires. We have received overwhelming support from the local community to keep the lake open in perpetuity for them and their future generations to enjoy."

To support EBRA's campaign email nclare@ymail.com.