Published: 03/09/2010 07:48 -
Updated: 03/09/2010 09:33
LARGE-scale development on land north of Harlow could be back on the agenda just months after the East of England plan was scrapped by the new coalition Government.
To the dismay of campaigners, East Herts Council has added the Harlow North scheme – which could see thousands of new homes built on Green Belt land – to its options as it launches a public consultation on the long-term future of housebuilding in the district.
To the dismay of campaigners, East Herts Council has added the Harlow North scheme – which could see thousands of new homes built on Green Belt land – to its options as it launches a public consultation on the long-term future of housebuilding in the district.
Although East Herts Council stressed it remained “very strongly against” the growth of Harlow into the district, it included the scheme to avoid a future legal challenge from developers.
Nevertheless, protest group STOP Harlow North is set to strike back with a campaign to generate responses to the Local Development Framework Issues and Options consultation.
SHN secretary Nigel Clark, who serves as an independent district councillor for Sawbri-dgeworth, said: “We are disappointed that questions about Harlow North remain in the consultation documents even though the East of England Plan has been revoked and East Herts Council has recently reaffirmed its total opposition to any development north of Harlow.
“The Harlow North proposals would have a dramatic impact on the whole of the district. The demands on the district's infrastructure would be immense, affecting road, rail, health and education provision.
“There is no central Gover-nment money left to address the existing infrastructure deficit in Herts, let alone support large-scale new-build. The whole idea is unsustainable.”
But Harlow MP Rob Halfon told the Star he welcomed the scheme’s inclusion in the consultation.
“My main issue with the proposals for Harlow North has always been the total lack of public consultation on the plans.
“If East Herts Council is now properly engaging with local people on the issues surrounding the scheme then that is something to be welcomed. Residents are the ones who should be making the decision.”
A joint statement released by the three group leaders on Harlow Council said: “At last week’s executive committee the council confirmed its commitment to regeneration and growth for Harlow. This continues to have all-party support on the council.
“The council welcomes the fact that East Herts Council are consulting on Harlow North.”
NEWS HEADLINES
NATIONAL NEWS
LEISURE & LIFESTYLE
The Harlow Star provides all the latest local news from Harlow.
Find information on Harlow events,
including movie reviews,
and computer game reviews and search our events guide.
Read the latest top stories from around your local area in Harlow, Essex.
Catch up with the latest news 24/7 from the Harlow Star, national headlines and local sport.
Look through the Harlow jobs sections to see the latest vacancies and visit our property section with homes for sale and rent.
Even when you are away on business or holiday, stay up to date with local news stories and what's on in Harlow.
You can read the latest business news,
education news, health news,
and fashion features
as well as the latest on homes and gardens.
