The document discusses a proposed housing development in Stevenage West that has faced opposition from campaigners. It presents perspectives from different groups involved in the debate. Developers argue the development will create jobs and homes close together, reducing commuting. The County Council says it will be a sustainable development with transport and energy infrastructure. Employers and homebuyers say more housing is needed to support the local economy. However, conservationists oppose losing greenbelt land and habitats.
![Campaigners say ‘No!’ to Stevenage greenfield home plan Stevenage West The grand plan Remember the government wants to build nearly half a million new homes in the South East. Hertfordshire authorities think we need 85,000 new homes by 2016. In 1998, the county council decided to allocate 800 hectares of greenbelt land to the west of Stevenage for 5,000 homes of which 3,600 are to be built by 2011. (1 hectare = 10,000 sq metres). There is a long-term possibility of 10,000 houses. After targeting almost 70% of house building to brownfield sites and conversion opportunities, the county council decided most of the remainder should be accommodated through a well-planned extension of Stevenage rather than at alternative sites or by allowing it to be “pepperpotted” around Hertfordshire’s smaller towns and villages. ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],What the greenfield site looks like * * * Case study of pressure on the rural-urban fringe * * *](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)