A region-wide consultation has shown that high housing growth is the last thing residents would want to see.
The East of England Regional Assembly (EERA) did a public consultation that was responded to by over 16,000 individuals, businesses and councils, asking about the future of house building in the region up to 2031. The majority said that it would prefer the lowest growth scenario.
A report, published last week, said that a growth rate similar to or lower than 26,000 homes per year ? which is the lowest of the four government scenarios – was preferred by two thirds of residents. However, developers preferred a situation that would see higher growth.
West Hitchin Action Group, who is against building more homes around the town, was part of the response via a petition with 5,000 signatures.
Chairman of the EERA planning panel, Herts county councillor Derrick Ashley, told The Comet: ?The consultation was a really valuable exercise. We are looking closely at all the responses before publishing, in March, a detailed plan for how many new homes are needed up to 2031.?
He continued: ?We reject just aiming for higher and higher numbers of houses in the region. Although we need to plan for new homes so that first-time buyers, young families and others in housing need can buy or rent a home at a price they can afford, we also want to protect the environment and the quality of life for existing and future residents of the east of England.?
The 12-week consultation was part of a wider review of the East of England Plan, which should be completed next year. The review covers housing, transport, environment and energy and waste in the region. Where the new homes will be built is up to local councils.
