The end looks finally in sight for the long-awaited Elstree eruv following the unanimous approval by Hertsmere Borough Council planners of a revised application.
An eruv trust representative said the decision would "bring closure to all planning related matters within 30 days".
The hope is that the religious boundary, covering most of the Elstree and Borehamwood residential areas, could be operational by the end of autumn. Only a small number of the eruv poles require modification or re-siting.
Most of the conditions set out by planning officers over pole colours and security precautions formalise suggestions made by the applicant at earlier stages in the process.
In a show of support, 60 members of the local community attended the planning meeting and the eruv trust spokesman commended "the manner in which the professional planning officers have handled this complex application. The committee enabled us to accommodate the specific requests of a number of local residents. By utilising a humanitarian provision of Jewish law, this eruv will enhance many lives. Experience elsewhere shows that the impact upon the wider community is minimal."