FURTHER development sites have been earmarked as part of North Herts District Council s Local Development Framework. The sites have been listed in a document which is currently going through the process of public consultation. It has been drawn-up as the

FURTHER development sites have been earmarked as part of North Herts District Council's Local Development Framework.

The sites have been listed in a document which is currently going through the process of public consultation.

It has been drawn-up as the district council prepares the way to build 6,200 homes in the district up to 2021.

Cllr Richard Thake, the planning and transport portfolio holder, said the public response to the document would give the district council an idea to "better gauge" views on "significant issues" for future development.

The council will have to meet the development requirement under Government-set targets in the East of England Plan.

"The district council is commited to involving the public in deciding where new developments and facilities are needed," said Cllr Thake.

The document points out that although a variety of sites have been earmarked there are more than are actually needed.

Once the public consultation period comes to an end on March 19 the district council will draw up a list of "preferred options" for development sites.

These will be submitted to the Department of Communities and Local Government which will appoint an independent inspector to examine the proposals.

Sites in the document include Royston Town Football Club's ground in Garden Walk where it is estimated 44 homes could be built.

But the club would need an alternative site and it is suggested that a new ground could be developed at Ivy Farm between Baldock Road and the A505 Royston bypass.

Ironically, this was the site that the club originally pencilled-in for a move from Garden Walk but the proposal was turned down after a public planning inquiry.

The district council document says that supporting the move could mean that plans would proceed "relatively quickly".

The document, too, suggests possible housing development on the Royston & District Hospital site in London Road; development of the town hall site and work on Angel Pavement.

It says there is potential to improve the site and although redevelopment could be seen as an option there would have to be "considerable co-ordination" between all the landlords.

An alternative would be to refurbish the parade.

Other sites in Royston will depend on the outcome of the Royston Town Centre strategy.

* Details of the district council's report are available on its website at www.north-herts.gov.uk