Plans to develop the Newberries car park in Radlett have been put on hold following a public outcry.

This week Hertsmere borough council (HBC) leader Cllr Morris Bright revealed the scheme to build a hotel and supermarket on the site has been paused.

He said: “From meetings I have had and conversations I have held with colleagues, residents and other local parties, I am convinced that Hertsmere Borough Council needs to put the current plans for Newberries Car Park on hold.”

Opposition to the development was spearheaded by the Residents Against Newberries Car Park Scheme (TRACKS), who campaigned vigorously against the scheme and collated a petition with more than 1,100 signatories.

The annual general meeting of Aldenham parish was attended by dozens of members of the campaign group, who demanded a referendum on the issue.

The crux of their objections was that the development will put additional strain on Radlett’s traffic system.

TRACKS chair Will Grimsey said at the time: “TRACKS members and other Radlett citizens turned out in force to use this last public opportunity before the scheme goes to planning in order to demonstrate their anger, frustration and complete objection to the Newberries car park development scheme.

“I think that councillors left the meeting shocked at the level of dissatisfaction with them from their constituents.”

TRACKS claim the development will take business away from existing shops, and exacerbate traffic problems in the village.

However in light of Cllr Bright’s statement, Mr Grimsey struck a more conciliatory tone: “TRACKS will assist the council in any way possible to achieve the new objectives of developing ideas that will not only benefit and improve Radlett, but also raise some revenue for HBC.

“To this end, TRACKS intend to ask their membership for viable proposals, and then put them before members of the TRACKS Committee, before presenting them to HBC for consideration.”

Newberries car park has been owned and operated by the council for the past 20 years, and was made a target for development after the government cut HBC’s grant.