Neighbours expressed fury as councillors rejected a motion to abandon “unacceptable” plans to turn a former community centre into 17 flats for homeless families.

Crowds gathered at a Three Rivers District Council policy and resources committee meeting tonight in protest over the development - which was approved by planning officers last month despite people in the area “not being consulted first”.

The former Royal Voluntary Service centre in Bury Lane, Rickmansworth, is set to be torn down and replaced with 17 flats which will be used as temporary accommodation.

READ MORE:  'Council prioritises profit over people's lives': Councillor slams plans for homeless accommodation in Rickmansworth

Concerns were raised throughout the meeting that the proposed building will “not be suitable for vulnerable people needing shelter”.

However, the council chambers echoed with groans of disbelief as nine out of 15 councillors voted for the development to still go ahead despite the numerous objections.

Mrs Burn, who lives in Rickmanswoth, spoke at the beginning and called the proposals an “ill thought out scheme to the detriment of residents”.

She also asked: “Why was it included in the council’s budget before planning permission was approved?”

Jean Harper feared The Bury will now undergo changes in order to safeguard the children that move into the flats.

She said after the meeting: “It is heart-breaking, as it is ruining the history and the heritage of the area.

“They will have to fence off the stream and pull down all the trees to make sure the area is safe for the children of the families who move in.”

Rosalind Shelley believed people should have had more of a say in the decision.

She also said at the end of the meeting: “It feels like a dictatorship. The voices of the people in Rickmansworth should have been listened to.”

Philip McAteer added afterwards: “It is unacceptable housing for families who are in need.”

A number of Three Rivers District Councillors also spoke against the proposals during the committee meeting.

Ralph Sangster said: “We’re building this in cold blood. We cannot condemn families to a miserable existence.

“It is a shabby excuse for a refuge.”

David Sansom, who represents Rickmansworth, thought the plans were “unacceptable”.

He said: “It is appalling that we’re going to put the most vulnerable in a poorly supported housing scheme. It is ridiculous.”

Paula Hiscocks added: “Local people live and work in the area and many have done so for generations. They are not saying they do not want a homeless shelter – they are saying this is not the best place.”

Other councillors pointed out that the accommodation was neither a refuge or a hostel but 17 self-contained flats and that "no changes were proposed to the Bury open space".

Martin Trevett, the lead member for Housing, Planning and Strategic Schemes, disagreed with the objections and asked people to consider those who need a place to stay.

He said: "Money is important but it is the people who are more important. These are our people and it could be any of you who will fall on hard times.”

Council leader Sara Bedford summed up at the end: “It is not the best accommodation we could be providing but it is far better than what we and other local councils can currently offer. We need to do the best we can with the resources we have.

“Who is looking at the homeless people who have been placed into bedsits and one bedroomed flats in Harlow, Potters Bar, Borehamwood or Slough? These people are our residents too.

"They are desperately hoping they will one day be living back in their community where they work, go to school and have family support. Until we can provide more of the families with the permanent homes they deserve, we will give them the best we can.”