GREEN Belt land in Bishop's Stortford could be under threat following the introduction of a new planning policy by Hertfordshire County Council.

Changes to the Structure Plan, which sets planning and development guidelines over the next ten to 15 years, will see 49,000 new homes built in the county by 2016.

A public consultation exercise begins next month to find the best way to meet demand for affordable housing.

There are currently three options available.

Option A would see 47,000 homes built in urban areas, leaving 2,000 to be build on greenfield sites.

Option B would see 35,600 homes built in urban and another 13,6000 homes built on greenwedge land.

Option C sets a target of building 3,280 homes per year, with the council reviewing its options in 2006.

The county council supports option C because it avoids "rushing headlong into unnecessary greenfield development".

Iris Tarry, executive member for environment, said: "The key issue is how to accommodate 49,000 homes in the county by 2016 and to do it in a way which protects the countryside and the character of our towns, and takes into account the need to provide affordable homes.

"We are confident that there is enough housing land to meet all our needs up until at least 2011 without major greenfield development. That's why we are recommending a 'plan, monitor, manage' option in line with Government policy.

"There is no reason to take irreversible decisions now on whether to release greenfield sites for housing. We need to wait until we have a clearer picture of what's happening in our towns and in the whole region."

The decision has also received support from the Liberal Democrat group who believe Option C takes into account "uncertain regional economic growth plans".

Group leader Chris White said: "We have always wanted to avoid using the green field sites or cramming development into towns. This option usefully allows us to try and avoid the green fields but equally to revisit the situation in the light of events."

However, the Labour group believes too many greenfield sites may be threatened by development.

Group leader Bob Mays said: "The Tories claim they are protecting the green belt. In fact they want to cram more houses onto every bit of green land in urban areas."

Copies of the consultation document are available at all district council offices and libraries, or at www.hertsdirect.org. The public consultation ends in September.

June 28, 2002 11:30