Developers were praised for going back to the drawing board to address safety fears over plans to build 26 new homes.
The Crown Estate - owners of land between Westwick Row and Pancake Lane in Leverstock Green - changed the proposed access to the housing estate after concerns were raised.
The original proposed access was off Pancake Lane, but householders said an existing entrance in Westwick Road should be used.
Dacorum Borough Council’s development control committee considered a new outline planning application for the homes with access off Westwick Row on Thursday evening.
The revised application came about after the committee asked developers to reconsider their plan after hearing objections from neighbours when it was first considered back in April.
Householders said they were not against building there but argued that creating access off rural Pancake Lane would be dangerous.
Chairman of the committee Councillor Graham Sutton said: “I would like to commend all the people involved in this because I think that common sense has prevailed and it is very unusual that applicants and objectors get together and come to a sensible conclusion. I commend everybody for the work that has been put into this to ensure it moves ahead in a sensible and approved way.”
The revised plans were backed by previous objector and parish councillor for the area Margaret Griffiths. She said: “Thanks to everybody working together and listening to each other and taking on board what was said, I think we have come to an excellent position.”
But the owners of neighbouring Westwick Farm are still against the building. The couple are unhappy about the piecemeal approach being taken to developing the agricultural land.
The committee voted to approve the application subject to a list of planning terms being met, including a 106 agreement - this involves the developer making a financial contribution towards local facilities.