NEW housing could be built in Royston after two Greenfield sites were identified as potential developments. Plots of land off Newmarket Road, near to the A505, and at Ivy Farm, on Baldock Road, are named in a list of sites for development released by Nort

NEW housing could be built in Royston after two Greenfield sites were identified as potential developments.

Plots of land off Newmarket Road, near to the A505, and at Ivy Farm, on Baldock Road, are named in a list of sites for development released by North Herts District Council. Both are recommended for residential use.

Consultation on the future of the land, which has been identified as part of the Local Development Framework, began on Monday, and runs until September 14.

Councillors said any housing developments would have to be accompanied by appropriate improvements to local infrastructure.

Cllr Fiona Hill, chairman of the district council's Royston area committee, said: "It's no good just having large amounts of housing built if we don't have the right facilities to go with it.

"We know that flooding is becoming a serious problem in Royston, so the sewer system and drainage network would have to be looked at to make sure that it could cope with more houses being built.

"We also need to make sure there are the appropriate amount of doctor's surgeries and school places available."

Cllr Hill also expressed concern that the individuality of the town may be lost if too many areas become "merged together".

"We don't want Royston to turn into a concrete jungle," she said.

The Ivy Farm site has previously been identified as a possible area for development, and in 2004 looked set to become the home of Royston Town Football Club, only for the East of England Government Office to block plans for a new stadium.

District councillor Tony Hunter said: "Royston has got to the stage where it's not only housing that needs to be considered, but also the industrial and leisure needs of the town.

"More thought needs to be given about facilities for the people of the town, rather than just huge housing estates."

Six villages in Crow Country - Ashwell, Barley, Barkway, Reed, Sandon, and Therfield - also have potential development sites.

The full consultation document can be viewed on the district council website, www.north-herts.gov.uk