Councillors wasted no time turning down an application to demolish existing buildings and build new homes.

The planning committee at Hertsmere Borough Council considered a proposal at Edgwarebury House Farm in Elstree.

The applicants sought outline planning permission to demolish buildings on the site, including locally listed buildings, and construct 25 homes - of which at the time of consideration, none had been identified as affordable.

Currently, the site is used for residential and business purposes.

The planning officer at the council recommended the scheme be refused for a number of reasons, primarily because it would amount to "inappropriate development in the green belt", adding "no special circumstances had been put forward".

The officer's report also stated the proposal would "fail to enhance the character and appearance" of the conservation area and adjacent grade II listed building, Hill House.

Historic England lodged an objection to the application.

There were no speakers registered to speak for or against the scheme.

During the debate last week, only two councillors spoke.

Speaking in the meeting, Councillor Glenn Briski described the application as "pretty shocking", while Councillor Brett Rosehill pointed out that no affordable housing had been proposed.

A vote was taken almost immediately and the application was unanimously refused.