Last minute dirty tricks by developer, Redrow, mean that the planning application for hundreds of houses and a school will no longer be heard at the Hertsmere planning committee on 19 January.

The additional archaeological report requested by Hertsmere has failed to materialise, despite the fields being excavated at the end of November.

As a result, the application's determination has been postponed at the last minute. At the same time, Redrow have submitted an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate for non determination of the application within the statutory eight week period.

Said Little Bushey Community spokesperson, Nik Oakley: "Unscrupulous developers have a range of tactics open to them if they suspect their application will be refused. This is one of them."

Despite the appeal to the Planning Inspectorate, the application will be heard by the committee and Little Bushey Community expects to be party to that appeal with planning consultants Chroma.