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Councillors have tonight granted outline planning permission for the construction of the £1 billion Watford Health Campus.

Once again much of the debate centered around the need for a new link road, which will be built on playing fields next to Oxhey Park.

Councillor Iain Sharpe said he had undergone much "soul searching and heart ache" about building on greenery, but admitted the hospital could not be built without the road.

He said: "I would love to think we could have the Health Campus without the road but I think it is clear that is not possible."

He told Watford Borough Council's development control committee the huge project would definitely be a "net gain, not a net loss".

Councillors were also told about the Highways Agency's "holding objection" on the scheme.

Planners have submitted a transport model which detailed the percentage reduction of traffic congestion the scheme would have on junction 5 of the M1.

However, the Highways Agency has asked for more specific figures to be provided.

Green councillor, Steve Rackett, was the only member of the seven strong committee to vote against the plan.

He said he was concerned about making a decision without knowing all the facts and while the Highways Agency still had concerns.

10:35pm Thursday 15th May 2008

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