Located in the Hertfordshire countryside, approximately east of Luton, the proposed development will encompass the areas of Cockernhoe, Mangrove Green, and Tea Green.
Eleven-year local Louise Pittkeathly claimed she felt “insulted and frustrated” after seeing the proposals.
According to North Herts Council, the houses will aid in supplying Luton’s housing needs.
“The significant majority of these homes are included as an allowance towards unmet needs arising from Luton,” the municipality stated.
The Luton Borough Council declared that it was cognizant of the Hertfordshire council’s initiative, “which will contribute towards meeting Luton’s housing needs”.
The Crown Estate and Bloor Homes are working together on the construction of the Cockernhoe land.
Forty percent of the new homes would be affordable, according to the Crown Estate. Additionally, “new community infrastructure including three schools, new parkland, sports facilities, public green spaces, and a net gain in biodiversity for the area” would be included, a spokesman said.
The council will review the plans at the end of the year, with 2037 being the suggested completion date.
Over the weekend, a preliminary master plan for the development was on show at the village hall in Cockernhoe.
Ms. Pittkeathly expressed her fear that a new house development would “devastate” the surrounding fauna and maybe harm the tight-knit community.
She said, “We have large herds of deer that roam the area.” “This will have a devastating effect on the fauna.
“It’s a very special place; we describe it as a golden spot – you move in and you don’t want to move out.”
She went on to say that she was also worried about the village’s identity being lost, traffic, and infrastructure deficiencies.
The plans have also caused Neil Jay, the chairman of Offley Parish Council, to express concern that the three settlements “will cease to exist.” Offley Parish Council serves Cockernhoe.
“This will only make Luton as far as Cockernhoe.” We’re going to be part of Luton,” he declared.
“The need for these houses no longer exists, but North Herts Council still want it to go ahead because each house is worth a substantial amount of money to them.”
He also mentioned that Luton locals who stroll in the green space and live in the nearby Wigmore ward had resisted earlier developments in the region.
The Luton Borough Council stated: “We are encouraging Luton residents, particularly those in Wigmore ward, to participate in the public consultation which is running until Thursday 29 February.”
According to the North Hertfordshire Council, it is making an effort to provide houses for Luton residents. But Mr. Jay, 66, feels the government “is not really interested in us at all” and thinks Luton is already on schedule to meet its housing target even without this construction.
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