The leader of a council has issued a statement on a shift of opinion on a controversial planning application.

Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council Morris Bright issued a statement that the proposed Newberries Car Park development has been put on hold.

The proposed development of an 80-bedroom Travelodge and a Marks and Spencer food store in the Newberries Car Park was opposed by some of the Radlett community.

In his statement, Cllr Bright pointed out the original objectives of the council in proposing the development had been to not only benefit Radlett but also to raise revenue for the borough.

However, after realising the strength of opposition group The Residents Against Newberries Car Park Scheme (TRACKS), Cllr Bright said: "We need to take a step back and consider what needs to be done so that the needs and wishes of the council marry up with the majority view of those in the local community.

"While we pride ourselves in our enterprising approach we also strive hard to be an authority that engages with and listens to our residents and communities."

Cllr Bright stated that other ideas for developing this site had been proposed in the past and that it was now time for “residents, businesses and business people to work on a series of proposals and choices to present to Radlett for everyone to have a chance to have a say as to what ultimately happens on the Newberries site."

Judy Weisser of TRACKS said: "This welcome statement from Hertsmere comes hard on the heels of the support given by Cllr Caroline Clapper against the proposed scheme.

"In her statement she said that after countless meetings with residents and observing the overwhelming numbers against it, she could not support the scheme currently being proposed by council officers.

"We applaud Hertsmere and Cllr Clapper for listening."

Will Grimsey the chairman of TRACKS said they will assist the council in any possible to achieve the new objectives of developing ideas to benefit and improve Radlett.

He said: "To this end, TRACKS intend to ask their membership for viable proposals and then put those before the TRACKS committee who have the requisite expertise to judge whether any of these proposals are achievable before presenting them to Hertsmere for consideration."

Aldenham Parish Council has also welcomed the announcement by Hertsmere.