Relief as Green Belt scheme is dropped

The plans to extend Century Park were withdrawn at the Luton and South Bedfordshire Joint Planning Committee on Friday (July 29), as Luton Borough Council and Central Bedfordshire Council voted to scrap the ‘core strategy’ document dictating where housing and employment growth should happen over the coming years.

The extension to the employment area to the east of the airport would have involved building on Green Belt land in Hertfordshire, something North Hertfordshire District Council (NHDC) did not support due to the environmental impact it would have.

At a meeting in May to discuss the core strategy, an independent inspector said the strategy was likely to be found unsound if it was not supported by North Herts.

Tom Brindley, in charge of planning, transport and enterprise for North Herts, said: “North Herts District Council acknowledges the resolution and affirms its commitment to continue to cooperate with both authorities on their future plans.”

Councillor Roy Davis, chairman of the committee, thanked NHDC for its contribution to the committee’s work and for its commitment to future cooperation.

Councillor Brindley added: “While we remain committed to cooperating with all neighbouring authorities, co-operation does not imply agreement to their plans.

“We will continue to defend our Green Belt against inappropriate development, while working with our neighbours to ensure sustainable development in both housing and employment areas.”