The loss of a village green in Borehamwood has been met with widespread disappointment from politicians.

Last week, a Government planning inspector gave the go ahead for 33,000 square metres of Woodcock Hill to be deregistered of its village green status despite more than 4,000 people signing a petition against it.

Landowner and housebuilder Taylor Wimpey is offering a slightly larger piece of land in exchange but locals, including members of the Woodcock Hill Village Green Committee, say this land does not “adequately represent nor compensate the valuable green space lost”.

Read more: Bid to stop land from losing village green status lost

Following the inspector’s decision, members of both the local Conservative and Labour groups have expressed their “dismay” and upset.

The Hertsmere Conservative Association said it was “surprised and concerned” by the outcome of the public inquiry.

Harvey Cohen, the lead councillor for planning at Hertsmere Borough Council, said: “We’re disappointed for our residents and those who have supported Woodcock Hill Village Green Society’s campaign to defeat this application by Taylor Wimpey.

“Woodcock Hill Village Green is loved by the community, enjoyed by many and a lifeline for anyone seeking mental and physical wellbeing in nature.” 

“As a council, we made it clear we thought this proposal was unjustified and linked to potential plans to build homes on the site. 

“We will wait to hear from Taylor Wimpey how they now wish to proceed.”

Hertsmere MP Oliver Dowden, who registered objections to deregistration with the Secretary of State, said: “I am incredibly disappointed to hear the planning inspectorate has approved the deregistration and exchange of village green land at Woodcock Hill.”

The MP, who is also chairman of the Conservative party, added: “I know the Woodcock Hill Village Green Association fought tooth and nail against the application, and I commend them for all their hard work. I will be working closely with them to explore further options to resist the plans.”

Conservative Elstree & Borehamwood town councillors Sandra Parnell and Pat Strack, who also sit on the village green committee, said they were “gutted” by the inspector’s “terrible” decision.

The Hertsmere Labour group said it stood in “solidarity” with Cllrs Parnell and Strack. The party described the decision as “unjust” and said it was “appalled”.

During the application process, Taylor Wimpey said it understood concerns about losing village green status but moved to “reassure” the community its proposals include the creation of a “new, improved and larger” area of village green land adjacent to the existing village green.