A proposal to slow down drivers on a "rat-run" road has been refused by councillors.

Three Rivers district councillors considered a scheme last week to gate off a road in Chorleywood.

The plans included the installation of two gates at either end of South Park Avenue between the junctions of Berry Lane and South Cottage Drive.

The applicant, Kathleen Bray, spoke in the meeting and described South Park Avenue, used to get to other streets in Chorleywood, as a "rat run".

She proposed that two automatic gates, which would open to any driver, be put at either end of the road, and five bumps installed along the track.

Ms Bray said: "We seek safe and unrestricted access for all. The south gate prevents a rat run for passing motorway vehicles.

"The gates system would give controlled traffic flow and speed cushions would restrict fast moving vehicle which fly down and gives more reaction time as they meet traffic from Berry Lane."

The plans that were put forward to the Three Rivers District planning committee on November 12 – but they were only just rejected by members, who felt the proposal was "too urban" for the area and "harm the rural nature of the roads".

Members felt the gates would cause issues for emergency vehicles and were concerned the gates would deter walkers and cyclists from using the road, which has been popular with walkers during lockdown.

Case officer Matthew Roberts, who recommended the scheme be approved, said there would be a 1.5 metre distance near the gate to allow easy access for cyclists and pedestrians.

Chorleywood North councillor Allison Wall, spoke at the meeting, calling for the scheme to be refused.

She said: "The land owner hasn't been consulted, the residents do not own this road - who is going to be accountable lawfully for an accident on the road?

"Who is going to be liable for the gates when people move out of their properties? New people moving into the houses may not even be aware of their responsibilities and who will shoulder the cost of regular inspections?

"I'm concerned that the costs could fall back at some point onto the council and impact our council tax payers."

Some councillors agreed with resurfacing the road due to varying gradient but felt that the bumps and gates "impacted the character" of the road and was described as "street clutter".

Cllr Sara Bedford put forward a motion to refuse the scheme – five voted with her, while four voted against the reason for refusal and two councillors abstained.