The proposal to build a carpark on public sports facilities has caused outrage in the community.

An application to turn the basketball court on Meadow Close into a temporary public car park to deal with the demand for spaces at Brook Road was put forward on July 12 and validated on July 14.

The site will create an extra 62 parking bays to accommodate the expansion of the BBC Studioworks in Elstree, after annual parking permits were sold to drivers for £400.

The plans also state that the parking facilities will be temporary, lasting only two years, but more than 60 people have commented on the application and many people have objected to the loss of the space.

Many people are against the decision as there are few free facilities for children to use, and it is argued that not enough is put back in to replacing these things in the area.

Councillor Michelle Vince said: “I am absolutely disgusted with the lack of resources on offer.

“We have building after building go up and we do not have a hope in hell of getting this back. “We are an area of deprivation, and this is one of the only things here that kids can use for free,”

Councillor Seamus Quilty, for transport and the environment, said: “We want to do everything possible to strike a balance between finding workable solutions to current car parking pressures and maintaining excellent recreational facilities and green spaces.

“ We’ll be carrying out significant enhancements to Meadow Park as part of our on-going improvement programme..

“We’ll consult with local residents, users and Elstree & Borehamwood Town Council in due course so that we can include their views in these plans.”

The plans come as part of an improvement programme on parks throughout the area, which is upgrading existing play area for toddlers, a fitness station and tree-lined walkway.

The current proposals suggest retaining and refurbishing the current three tennis courts, and turning one of these into a basketball court.