Residents fear 2,100 homes plan will destroy Hertfordshire villages

Residents claim plans to build 2,100 homes will destroy their three villages.

The proposed development is on countryside around Cockernhoe, Mangrove Green and Tea Green in Hertfordshire, just east of Luton.

Louise Pittkeathly, who has lived in the area for 11 years, said she felt "insulted and frustrated" after viewing the plans.

North Herts Council said the homes would help meet Luton's housing demand.

"The significant majority of these homes are included as an allowance towards unmet needs arising from Luton," said the council.

Luton Borough Council said it was aware of the development by the council in Hertfordshire "which will contribute towards meeting Luton's housing needs".

The site allocated for development at Cockernhoe is a joint project between the Crown Estate and Bloor Homes.

The Crown Estate said 40% of the new homes would be be affordable. A spokesperson added there would also be a "new community infrastructure including three schools, new parkland, sports facilities, public green spaces and a net gain in biodiversity for the area".

The plans will be considered by the council at the end of the year with a proposed completion date set for 2037.

A draft master plan for the development went on display at Cockernhoe village hall at the weekend.

Ms Pittkeathly said she was concerned a new housing estate would "devastate" the local wildlife and could also damage the close-knit community.

"We've got big herds of deer that roam the area," she explained. "The wildlife is going to be devastated by this.

"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 added that she was also concerned about a lack of infrastructure, traffic and losing the village's identity.

"It's going to be carnage," she said.

Neil Jay, who is the chairman of Offley Parish Council which serves Cockernhoe, also feared the plans would mean the three villages "will cease to exist".

"This will just expand Luton to Cockernhoe. We will be incorporated into Luton," he said.

"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 pointed out previous developments in the area had been opposed by Luton residents in the neighbouring Wigmore ward who walk in the green area.

Luton Borough Council said: "We are encouraging Luton residents, particularly those in Wigmore ward, to participate in the public consultation which is running until Thursday 29 February."

North Hertfordshire Council argues it is trying to meet housing needs for people in Luton. However, Mr Jay, 66, believes Luton is already on course to achieve its target for housing without this development and feels the authority "is not really interested in us at all".

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