'No-one cares about this part of the world'

8:28am Friday 16th May 2008

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THE long-awaited announcement of thousands of new homes for the borough came as no surprise to MP Grant Shapps who claimed: "No-one cares about this part of the world."

The Government revealed its final housing targets for the east of England on Monday - demanding a minimum of 7,270 extra homes in Welwyn Hatfield by 2021.

An overall target of 10,000 homes was set, but the Government recognised that between April 2001 and March 2006, 2,730 homes were built.

A draft plan from the East of England Regional Assembly first emerged in 2004 and was instantly met with opposition, but following a public consultation the figure has increased.

Welwyn Hatfield MP Grant Shapps said: "It's disappointing. The Government has failed to properly consult local people.

"There's a huge number of homes and a lot of additional people to consider without proper infrastructure.

"People have a sense of recognition that this Government no longer listens to, or cares about, our part of the world. I'm going to be pushing for a much more common approach in our Government so we can actually get a say on what happens with local issues."

A Green Belt review will have to be undertaken in the next few years to allow for the developments.

Tory councillor Mandy Perkins said: "To say I am disappointed at the figures is an understatement. Although it wasn't unexpected. There has been no consultation with the community and no opportunity for local people to have their say.

"I live in a village so you cannot believe how upset I am about losing the Green Belt.

"What we have to now ensure is that we get the best possible deal for residents and we will bid for all the funding we can get."

But Labour councillor Lynn Chesterman defended the plans, arguing that housing in the area was a big concern for many residents.

She said: "Many people worry about where their children or grandchildren will live when they are older so this is necessary. We are in need of affordable housing and people know this.

"We need to take care with the development though, and make sure we build the right infrastructure with it. We will have to watch that very closely."