We welcome the continuing recognition of
Harlow as a place for investment by the Government and feel the
plan is a positive step in delivering homes that are needed,
regenerating Harlow and providing infrastructure improvements
needed to accompany growth.
We welcome that the location of housing will
be decided through local coordination and decision making by the
three affected councils – Harlow, Epping Forest and East
Hertfordshire. We are also pleased that the Plan recognises the
role of the Harlow Stansted Gateway Transportation Board in
assessing the best solutions to meet the transport needs of the
Harlow area.
In supporting the general thrust of growth in
and around the town we are clear that the growth is a means to an
end and not an end in itself. We believe that growth should
be on the basis of enhancing Harlow as a community and as an
important sub-regional centre.
In supporting growth we look to work with our
neighbours and partners to ensure:
- Investment in transport and other infrastructure precedes or at
least is provided at the same time as the growth to minimise
disruption to the people of Harlow.
- The growth is located to best take advantage
of the infrastructure currently available and proposed for the
future.
- The development principles on which Harlow
was built continue to be acknowledged with protection of the Green
Wedges.
- The number of additional houses to be
provided within Harlow as part of the growth agenda reflects the
current transport infrastructure deficit within the town and the
existing significant provisions within the Local Plan.
- The regeneration needs within Harlow are
fully recognised and addressed through the growth agenda proposed
for Harlow and the surrounding area.
- The provision of additional employment
opportunities is accompanied with the investment necessary to
enable local people to gain access to the economic benefits of
those opportunities.
- The democratically elected representatives of
the town play a full role in any proposals for growth affecting the
town.
Clearly there is now the important task of
evaluating the proposals fully. We remain jointly committed
to ensuring that Harlow and its community gain real benefits from
the proposed growth.
Bill Rammell, MP for Harlow said:
“This Government response to the East of
England plans for growth is solid progress in delivering homes we
need for Harlow residents, but also ensuring we get the
infrastructure improvements we need to go alongside growth. I
particularly welcome the fact that it will be for local councils
locally to decide exact housing numbers in particular locations,
which means that major developments can take place north of Harlow
to avoid overcrowding in Harlow. I will continue to work with
all Harlow’s political leaders across parties, to press for the
best deal for Harlow.”
Andrew Johnson, Leader of the Conservative
Group, Harlow Council said:
"We welcome the positive messages on
infrastructure in the Plan, and will work to ensure that
Harlow benefits in real terms from investment in road, sewerage and
regeneration improvements. We also welcome recognition
in the Plan of the importance of protecting our Green
Wedges and Gibberd's planning principles
"Although it is disappointing that
the plan still includes some limited development to the south
and west of the town we will seek to work with our neighbouring
Councils and partners to create clear boundaries to the town
and avoid urban sprawl "
Chris Millington, Leader of the Liberal
Democrat Group, Harlow Council said:
“The Plan is stronger in a number of key areas
that we have long argued for – protection of the green wedges,
decisions to be taken locally, the critical need for affordable
housing and a more coherent approach to tackling the town’s
transport problems. I also welcome the understanding by the
Government that any development needs to be sustainable and deliver
greater opportunities for Harlow people.”
Mark Wilkinson, Leader of the Labour Group,
Harlow Council said:
“The plan represents a good deal for Harlow. I
am particularly pleased to see that transport improvements are
highlighted to reduce congestion and access in the town. The
infrastructure improvements need to come alongside growth for us
all to benefit.”
For more information about the East of
England Plan, visit the
Go East website.