A further 20 sites were identified for possible development in Hertsmere in August.

Hertsmere Borough Council released a list of 20 sites which had been put forward for consideration in its local plan.

The council has been told it needs to build thousands of new homes - and most of them will be on green belt land with 80 per cent of the borough designated as green belt.

This spring, after consultation with the public, the council will unveil its draft local plan - a document which sets out which sites it thinks are most realistic to be developed on for future housing and employment opportunities.

This draft local plan will then go out to consultation again.

Meanwhile, a shop in Borehamwood town centre had to temporarily close after a rat infestation was discovered during an inspection.

The Bees Supermarket in Shenley Road was forced to close by Hertsmere Borough Council after council officers found a serious accumulation of rat droppings, food debris, and rubbish.

A few days later, the mini-supermarket was given the all-clear to reopen.

The store was told they would have to pay the council’s full legal costs of £3,242, after the case went to St Albans Magistrates' Court.