Secretary of State says 10,000 new homes for Welwyn Hatfield by 2021

The East of England Plan has been launched by the Secretary of State today designating Welwyn Hatfield as a growth area that will have to accommodate a minimum of 10,000 new homes in the borough before 2021, with potentially even more growth beyond that date.

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Councillor Mandy Perkins, Executive Member for Planning says: “It is unbelievable that the Government has confirmed this level of growth for Welwyn Hatfield, completely ignoring the detrimental impact this amount of development will have on the quality of life of the local community, and without any idea as to whether, or how, the necessary infrastructure can be provided to service this number of dwellings.  I am extremely disappointed by the announcement.  The Secretary of State has pushed ahead with this high level of housing in spite of the strong case put forward by the Council.

“What we need to do now is fully digest the plan, reflect on it and then consider our next course of action.”