Concerned residents took a recent opportunity to take a first look at proposals to redevelop a local landmark.

They were joined by two district councillors from the village at the exhibition held by Comer Homes which has bought the All Saints Pastoral Centre in London Colney and plans to redevelop the site for housing.

The current proposal is for over 200 new homes and underground parking but with no indication yet about any affordable housing.

The developer would renovate the existing building, which dates from the early 1900s, turning the former religious retreat site into a approximately 30 luxury apartments. The adjoining chapel would be restored but has been deconsecrated so is unlikely to be returned to its previous use.

Around 170 new homes, of various sizes, would be built on the land to the west of the building.

Cllr Jacob Quagliozzi pointed out that the development would be just ‘a stone’s throw’ from the site of a forthcoming application to develop land at the former Harperbury Hospital into several hundred new homes.

He added: “I was pleased there was a strong turnout from residents at the consultation event which underlines the strength of feeling from local people over the future of this building and the wider site.

“I have been to visit sites which have been developed by the same developer and there remain a number of areas which I would like to see more detail on when it comes to these proposals.”

His colleague, Cllr Dreda Gordon, added: “We want to ensure public access to the site remains and particularly access to the historic Chantry Island”