Borehamwood's old Gate Studios faces redevelopment, following a decision by Hertsmere Borough Council not to appeal against the Government's refusal to list it.

Following advice from English Heritage, Tessa Jowell, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, decided not to list the 1928 building, in October last year.

Hertsmere Borough Council's museums officer Julie Massey, who made the application for listed status and was backed by individuals and organisations including Hertsmere MP James Clappison and Watford MP Clare Ward, has decided not to appeal against the Government's decision.

She said this week: "It is very hard to overturn a decision once it has been made."

The Department of Culture, Media and Sport said the Gate had been quickly-constructed and played a minor role in British film-making.

But those wanting to save the building said it was probably the oldest-surviving purpose-built sound stage in the country and was symbolic of a past era of film production.

The borough council's planning department received a plan for homes from a prospective developer last year, although, so far, this has not progressed further, and no planning applications have been submitted.