A bid to build a gas pressure reduction system yards from dozens of homes has been thrown out, with one neighbour describing it as a “monstrosity”.

More than 150 people objected to St William Homes' plan for 66 flats at the former gasworks site in Wharf Lane, Rickmansworth- but this application was withdrawn on Tuesday.

National Grid also wanted to build a gas pressure reduction station – which controls the amount of gas going into people’s homes – on the same site and it could be near homes in Salters Close.

This was unanimously thrown out by Three Rivers District Council’s planning committee last night.

Numerous members of the planning committee argued it was a “most unneighbourly” proposal, citing concerns over the location, smell and noise coming from the facility.

Rosalind Shelley, of Salters Close, has been fighting the plans since discovering it would be built yards from her home.

She said after the meeting: “I am relieved and delighted. I have spent the four and a half months since I have been here fighting this application.

“I was told the site was going to be cleared and prepared for 20 properties.

“I made enquiries with all the statutory bodies, including the Environment Agency and National Grid and I was not given any indication that there was going to be any form of on-going gas operation at the site.

“Why should we have to consider having some form of monstrosity stuck outside our house so when we look out the window it is all we can see and we can smell it and hear it when we have our windows open.”

Councillor Reena Ranger told the meeting she went down and visited a Gas Pressure Reduction System in Field Way and could hear a “low humming noise” despite being near the busy Uxbridge Road.

John Elliot, of Salters Close, also feared what would have happened if the plans went through last night.

He said: “The noise from the system would come towards the bedroom windows and one of those is where my daughter sleeps.

“The current one is making noise, but that is more than 50 metres away. The new one would still make noise, but it would be 50 metres closer.”

Councillor Ann Shaw said: “I can see no justification for it being near the existing residents of Salters Close. The only reason seems to be to maximise the financial potential of the site.”

Campaigners are expecting another planning application to be submitted for the former gasworks site.

National Grid representative Antony Quarrell said: “We are disappointed that members felt they could not support their officers’ recommendation for approval.

“We will review our options in light of tonight’s [Thursday’s] feedback and keep the Wharf Lane community up to date with our next steps.”