PLANS for a widespread public consultation on the future of housebuilding in Hertfordshire are likely to be put on hold.

District councils across Hertfordshire have reacted angrily to the lack of consultation afforded by the county council, which is proposing to build 62,000 new dwellings between now and 2016.

The proposed number of homes is 13,000 above the level required by government and district councils are united in calling for a chance to offer initial comment on the plans before the public is involved.

Members are suggesting that district councils formulate a consensus position before releasing a revised Housing Document later this year.

The county council's executive member for environment, Iris Tarry, said: "If the executive committee backs the recommendation of the panel, we will take stock of how the review of the structure plan should progress once the district councils have discussed the findings of the study.

"We will not lose sight of our commitment to public consultation but we will need to review when and how this will take place in the face of the views of districts."

October 12, 2001 19:33

Shannon Price