Residents of retirement flats are furious about the likely impact of an adjoining development on their quality of life.

For despite the number of objections it received to the application to demolish garages in Watling Street, Radlett, and build two two two-storey live-and-work units next to Slade Court, a 25-flat retirement complex, Hertsmere council has given the scheme the go ahead.

Slade Court residents believe their concerns have been brushed aside and fear the impact on their quiet residential development which is set back from Watling Street.

Maureen Warner, 87, speaking on behalf of the Slade Court residents, said that 13 of them were over 90 and all of them required walkers or walking sticks to get about.

She explained that the residents had numerous concerns, not just about the proposal but also the demolition and construction period.

They feared the noise and disruption caused by the scheme as well as the loss of privacy and the inability of the emergency services to get to them.

She explained: “If anyone falls here, they have to call an ambulance.”

Aldenham parish council also came out strongly against the scheme, citing concerns about the increased level of traffic facing the residents of Slade Court particularly as the live-and-work units would attract business clients and visitors.

The council warned that the development would result in more traffic at all times of the day and night and argued that it was an inappropriate use of a building in an area occupied by elderly residents.

But granting permission under delegated powers, Hertsmere council maintained there would not be a significant increase in the number of vehicles entering and leaving Slade Court or any obstruction to emergency vehicles.

In addition, planning officers did not accept that the amount of work involved would spoil the peace and tranquillity of Slade Court or that there would be an additional threat to the security and safety of residents.

But Maureen and her neighbours are unconvinced. She added: “People moved to these premises for tranquillity. This is just horrendous.”