Residents in Abbots Langley will be able to help "shape" the village after plans to give Abbots Langley Parish Council greater powers were passed.

Abbots Langley Parish Council submitted an application to become a Neighbourhood Area, which means the parish council would be able to draw up plans for how the land would be used and developed across the village.

However, councillors at Three Rivers District Council's sustainable development, planning and transport committee meeting, passed these plans, allowing Abbots Langley Parish Council to develop the plan and this is expected to take place from March.

The cost of a neighbourhood plan ranges from £15,000 to £50,000, depending on the level of detail in the plan and whether or not extra studies need to be carried out.

The parish council carried out a public consultation to gauge villagers' views on the proposed change.

Mr Allan, of Oak Green, told the consultation: "The area has been subject to excessive housing development in recent years and has already lost much of its village atmosphere.

"A neighbourhood plan could help preserver the semi-rural nature of Abbots Langley and resist pressure for further development." 

However, information on Three Rivers District Council’s website states that neighbourhood planning cannot restrict development within an area and future plans must be "equal or greater" to development plans set out by them or national guidelines.

Tim Perkins, clerk to Abbots Langley Parish Council, said: "The parish council will be delighted to hear that the designation of a Neighbourhood Planning area for Abbots Langley was approved by Three Rivers District Council. 

"There is a lot of preparation work to do and there will be many opportunities for residents to contribute to the plan which will take some time to develop. 

"We expect to launch the plan process at our Annual Parish Meeting, which takes place early in March 2015."

Councillor Sara Bedford, greeted the plans and said: "This will enable local residents from all parts of the Abbots Langley parish to get involved and shape not only the housing but other local facilities for the next 20 years. 

"It is not just housing, it is open land and shops.

"I hope lots of people will get involved so it is not just councillors having their view and they can have their voices heard."