Neighbours fear a green belt site could be lost as a developer eyes it up for up to 175 new homes.

Developer Angle Property has announced it hopes to apply for planning permission to build 70 homes on Rectory Farm in Hempstead Road, Kings Langley.

The proposal includes one-, two- and three-bedroom homes, a care home and care apartments and site access from a new junction via Hempstead Road.

40 percent (28) of the homes will be affordable. There will also be open space and play equipment.

If a new planning application is approved, it would replace the developer's plans for 55 homes, which was given planning permission earlier this year.

Read more: Council approves plans for 55 homes

Rectory Farm is currently green belt land, but Dacorum Borough Council's has suggested the land could be removed from the green belt as part of its draft local plan.

But at a public exhibition last month, Angle revealed it intends to build 175 homes if the site is removed from the green belt.

Chairman of Kings Langley and District Residents’ Association, Gary Ansell, fears Angle Property will be able to push for a 175-home scheme if the council takes Rectory Farm out of the green belt.

He says residents are worried the development will change the historic character of the village and will put pressure on schools, doctors’ surgeries and roads.

Mr Ansell said: “Kings Langley is a historic village and its character is defined by the green belt areas that form its borders.

“The association is against the development of the green belt.

Read more: Site wrecked by fire could be turned into 55 homes

“Villagers are concerned that we will not be a village anymore of the council continue to allow the green belt to be covered with development.”

A spokesperson from Angle said the company believes the 70-house scheme will be better suited to the site and will have significant community benefits in the short term.

James Good from Angle Property said: “We have a strong commitment to working closely with local communities in the areas in which we operate.

“We will be reviewing all the feedback and will look to incorporate this into our evolving plans, where possible and appropriate.”