Updated Friday 11th February 2005
Speak Up Against Prescottshire

Over 20,000 new homes could be built in East Hertfordshire until 2021, increasing the population by 36%.

The proposal forms part of the East of England Plan, also known as RPG14, which has been produced by the East of England Regional Assembly (EERA) as part of John Prescott's proposal to build up to 640,000 new homes in the south east of England.

The resulting increase in population could see up to 28,000 more cars using the district's roads and up to 7000 more places needed in local schools.

In Hertford an extra 300 peak time rail passengers would have to be accomodated every day.

Have your say and tell us what you think about housing development.

Although the plans were originally submitted by the EERA, they have recently withdrawn their support because of the governments "grossly inadequate funding of the transport infrastructure costs".

A public consultation is currently underway and residents and local authorities can make their views heard. There are various ways you can comment on the plans:

• register on the EERA website and fill in an online form
• download a form and email, fax or post it to EERA
• fill in and return a paper copy of the form available either with the hard copy of the plan
• or directly from EERA

The deadline for responses is 5.00 p.m. on Wednesday 16th March 2005.

You can get more information at www.speakuphertfordshire.org.uk.