Housing building plans will NOT see an increase in developments in North Herts, according to new figures. But there are still concerns about the 15,800 homes that have to be provided in North Herts under the East of England plan. In the past the amount of

Housing building plans will NOT see an increase in developments in North Herts, according to new figures.

But there are still concerns about the 15,800 homes that have to be provided in North Herts under the East of England plan.

In the past the amount of development has been criticised because it is claimed an area such as Royston could not support a high increase in the population.

Under new figures from the East of England Regional Assembly, new home proposals for Herts as a whole will see an increase from the original number of 79,600 to 83,200.

Herts County Council leader Councillor David Lloyd said he was "dismayed" at the proposed increase in the county and he could not "understand the logic" behind the move.

"No provision has been made for the extra pressure on roads and transport, health and water services," he said.

There has, however, been a reduction in the proposals for East Herts, with the figure now standing at 12,000 instead of the original 20,800.

Cllr John Reynolds, chairman of the East of England Regional Assembly's planning panel, said: "The region has a significant housing shortage, and we need to increase provision over the next 15 years."

The report on the proposals says: "The spectre of concreting over the countryside is a gross exaggeration which has no place in serious debate."

The proposals are calling on Cambridgeshire to provide 9,000 more new homes above its original figure of 89,300.