Without exception, all members of the Hertsmere Planning Committee overturned the officer's recommendation to build 280 houses and a mobility hub on the Harts Farm fields.
Despite arming the officers with support from the Local Lead Flood Authority at the County Council, Members were not convinced that there was sufficient evidence in the outline planning application that flood risk had been mitigated.
Nor were the committee convinced that the landscape issues had changed since the Inspector dismissed the appeal on the first application three years ago. Several argued that the scheme would majorly impact on the openess of the green belt.
Highways issues were raised again, particularly in relation to increased joourneys on Little Bushey Lane and traffic impacts at the junction of Aldenham Road and Hartspring Lane, together with junction 5 of the M1.
Daren Nathan, Chair of Little Bushey Community, spoke against the application and Cllr Shailain Shah was the community advocate who supported residents.
In a strange turn of events, the speech in favour of the application didn't come from Redrow themselves, but an organisation called Just Build Houses. They are known for cold calling residents asking for their support. But this was not declared, rather presenting the exercise as a consultation when in the the eight year battle with Redrow no public engagement has ever been attempted.
It is expected that Redrow will appeal the decision.