An application to build a 150-bed hotel on Green Belt land in St Albans has been resubmitted, 25 per cent smaller.

51 Pegasus confirmed the design concept for a Hitlon Hotel and conference centre at the Copsewood site in Chiswell Green remains the same but has been reduced in size.

The scheme was given the go ahead more than two years ago.

The amended plans will see realignment of the roundabout and the retention of an existing bungalow on site, known as Cleveland.

The original application met with opposition from St Stephen parish councillors and residents, but was supported by the St Albans and District Chamber of Commerce and the Royal National Rose Society.

At a recent St Stephen parish council meeting, councillors again criticised the project’s approval and suggested it would affect the openness of the area and lead to "coalescence" between Bricket Wood and Chiswell Green.

Park Street councillor Steve Bowes-Phipps said: "This application appears to be a more sensitive replacement to the original outlying planning approval for the same, in that it provides for 26 per cent less built-up area.

"While this is still 100 per cent more building than we want in the Green Belt, we have to face the fact that if this application is refused, the hotel, as originally planned, is likely to go ahead anyway."

Consultation ends tomorrow.