PROPOSALS to add almost 4,000 new homes planned for Herts have been condemned. The new figure under the East of England Plan has increased new home proposals for Herts from 79,600 to 83,200. But the proposals do not see an increase in the planned 15,800

PROPOSALS to add almost 4,000 new homes planned for Herts have been condemned.

The new figure under the East of England Plan has increased new home proposals for Herts from 79,600 to 83,200.

But the proposals do not see an increase in the planned 15,800 homes for North Herts.

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.