THE future of greenfield land in Hertfordshire is to be decided by residents, it has been announced.

People will be given the chance to comment on Hertfordshire County Council's structure plan, which sets planning and development guidelines for the next ten to 15 years.

They will be asked to choose whether to meet the Government target of 49,000 new homes countywide by developing in towns, on greenfield land or deferring the decision to 2006.

Escalating accommodation needs prompted the council to earmark thousands of Green Belt sites, including two in Watford, for the future construction of homes in a recent housing capacity study.

However, the two green plots in Sheepcot Lane and on land adjacent to Leveret Close have now been excluded from future development plans, pending the outcome of the consultation.

Councillor Iris Tarry, executive member for environment, said: "We've got a massive consultation programme planned and we're happy to explain the options and listen to what people have to say anywhere in the county.

"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, 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 are three options, offering a range of action plans.

Option A assumes 47,000 new homes could be built in urban areas, leaving 2,000 to be constructed on greenfield sites.

Option B relies on district council estimates that 35,600 dwellings could be put up in towns and therefore 13,600 would have to be found in the Green Belt.

The council's favourite is option C - to wait until 2006 to review the situation.

Councillor Tarry added: "Our preferred option in the consultation is option C because it takes the uncertainty into account and does not rush headlong into unnecessary greenfield development,"

"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 the whole region."

The structure plan documents will be available from July at the council's weepiest <www.hertsdirect.org> or from district council offices and libraries throughout the county.

A web forum for online debate will also be on offer.

Presentations and meetings to discuss the plans with the council can be organised by calling Mr Jon Tiley on 01992 556297.

Summary documents can be ordered on 01438 737320.

The consultation lasts until the end of September.

June 27, 2002 16:30