NEIGHBOURS are furious over plans to "dump" steel containers outside their houses for temporary accommodation.

Developers hope to knock down garages in Crown Road, Borehamwood, and replace them with 28 giant, pre-fab style vessels to help those who urgently need it.

The new cul-de-sac will have just one entrance and exit, overlooking all the current residents' properties.

As a result, the application has prompted mass outrage, with more than 1,600 people joining a group to fight back.

Borehamwood Times:

Gerry Arlington, who has lived in Gateshead Road for 39 years, says the view from her back garden will be "distressing".

The 69-year-old said: "It will turn my life upside down. I was hoping to enjoy my retirement and whatever's left of my life.

"What makes me mad is that whoever came up with this thoughtless idea won't have these ugly buildings outside their houses.

Kristine Wilson said: "We all understand the need to provide housing for vulnerable people in Hertsmere but we believe this proposal is offering a sub-standard housing solution, in the wrong location and is a poor, backward-thinking strategy for Hertsmere.

"It will have a serious, lasting impact on the residents of surrounding properties and does not represent a long term, sustainable housing solution for those it is intending to help.

"This proposal shows a lack of respect for the current residents and the people these container homes are intended.

"I question what kind of vision the council has for Borehamwood for it to be acceptable to dump this here."

The containers will house 92 people and create 22 parking spaces, instead of the 52 which would be standard for an application of this nature.

They will only be accessed by metal stairs and many have raised concerns they will not be disability friendly.

Meanwhile, there is also concern emergency service vehicles will be unable to get through the narrow road.

Hertsmere Borough Councillor Michelle Vince said: “It’s shocking. They are trying to squeeze a lot into a tiny bit of land.

“It’s not right for our area. We are angry because we feel people needing temporary accommodation deserve better than this.

“It’s going to spiral out of control."

Hertsmere Borough Council has previously turned down an application for a private development in the same spot.

Grant Kramer said: "How can it be considering this scheme in good conscience knowing that their reasons for refusal and our objections are the same?"

Protestors also fear the new homes will drive the cost of their own houses down significantly.

In the meantime, one-bedroom flats in other, affluent parts of the borough are on the market for around £300,000.

A few miles away in Hanwell, Ealing, a woman was horrified when she came home to find the council had put temporary container residences outside her home without consulting her.

However Hertsmere Borough Council say the units in Borehamwood will not be shipping containers - and instead will be steel fabricated with a fibre cement cladding.

Councillor John Graham, who is responsible for housing and finance at Hertsmere Borough Council said, said: “This scheme would enable us to use our land to provide safe, comfortable and secure homes for local families in urgent housing need in a location close to schools and facilities, enabling them to stay in the area, near their relatives and friends.

“The council currently relies heavily on private sector accommodation for those in need of temporary housing. This can often be outside the borough and expensive.

"This proposal for a modular development would be a more sustainable way of helping to meet the council’s housing requirements."