The controversial development of a satellite college on a small patch of land has been given the go ahead despite uproar in the community.

The decision to approve build a three-classroom campus for Oaklands College as well as 12 flats on Todd Close, off Elstree Way, was approved at a planning meeting by Hertsmere Borough Council on Thursday.

Campaigners protested against building on the 300 square meters in front of a housing estate as there are no other green spaces available, and the proposed building will further crowd the area.

Taylor Wimpey applied to Hertsmere Borough Council to build on the space after buying it from the college roughly six years ago when the initial housing development was started upon.

Others have criticised the plans for not meeting the needs of the community in depriving it of a bigger educational institute.

The Elstree and Borehamwood Residents Association (EBRA) were against the decision to build on the space as it would have a detrimental effect on the residents of the area.

An EBRA spokesman said: "This case illustrates what happens when sustainable development practices are neglected and where simple concepts of having space and green areas for children to play in and adults to relax are intentionally omitted from the plans.

“Developers and councils should be more mindful of creating homes as opposed to units for families to live in that inspire wellbeing and freedom rather than stress and being cooped up with only tiny balconies to use.

“This housing development was flawed the moment the planning application was approved by the inspectorate back in 2010 to allow the cramming of the college on this tiny bit of land.”

The college currently has sites in St Albans and Welwyn Garden City, and will offer apprenticeships, employability and community-learning courses as well as English language lessons for non-English speakers.

To support students, the college will be providing a travel scheme in place which would enable students to continue studies at other campuses for £1 per day, with charges being waived for those from low income households.

Oaklands College Director of Student Experience Sean Scully said: “Throughout every stage of our proposal and planning process we have researched local need, engaged with stakeholders and taken on board feedback to shape a new site for Oaklands College.

“This is an exciting opportunity to get the College back in the heart of the Borehamwood Community.”