The future of Aldenham Reservoir has been an issue which many residents have been campaigning to save from development and it is being backed by MP for Hertsmere.

The ownership of the reservoir was passed from Safari Investments to Liberty Lake Leisure who bought the reservoir after Hertfordshire County Council’s lease expired last December.

The company put forward a scheme to repair the dam in return for permission to build homes on nearby green belt land but the proposal was rejected by Hertsmere Borough Council.

MP for Hertsmere Oliver Dowden met with representatives of the company last week to discuss the future of the land.

Liberty Lake Leisure Ltd said they plan to submit a planning application over the next couple of months to develop homes on the site they own adjacent to the reservoir.

If this application is successful, the company have pledged to transfer the reservoir to a community trust and provide the new board of trustees with a £5million dowry from the development.

Mahesh Gosrani, director of the company, said these monies would allow the new trust to enhance facilities at the reservoir and to rebuild the dam at some point in the future.

During the meeting, Mr Gosrani said he envisages the trust would be composed of important local stakeholders who will be able to work together to achieve common objectives in the best interests of the community.

Mr Dowden said: “During the meeting we had the opportunity to discuss many of the concerns raised by residents, particularly around how the proceeds of any future development on land off Watford Road could be used to guarantee the future of the reservoir.

“I stressed the importance that in the event of any approval there are legally watertight guarantees within the agreement that they will deliver upon their commitments to the local community.

“Once Liberty Lake Leisure Ltd submit their planning application this will be a difficult decision that will have to be taken by Hertsmere Borough Council, balancing the protection of green open spaces with securing the reservoir’s future.

“I would urge all interested parties to engage directly with the company and the planning process.”