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New housing hotspots revealed
Dozens of potential development sites have been identified across Dacorum as planning chiefs find room for 17,000 new homes by 2031.
Sites ranging in size from just one house to thousands have been compiled into a list that is likely to prove controversial.
A scout hut, youth centre and tennis club have been included on the list, along with a day centre for the disabled and acres of open green belt farmland.
However, the list is only the beginning and a long planning process must take place before any final decisions are made.
People who feel strongly about any of the proposals should act quickly because a public consultation by Dacorum Borough Council runs out in a month's time on December 15.
Land between Hemel Hempstead and the M1 has been listed with room for 8,850 homes and agricultural land to the west of the town for 1,400 houses in a 'potential new residential neighbourhood'.
Pouchen End Farm is listed for 700 homes, Boxted Farm to the north of Gadebridge for around 1,000, and Holtsmere End for 1,760.
Adeyfield Youth Centre has been identified with space for 74 homes, Leverstock Green Tennis Club for 40, and Greenhills Day Centre in Adeyfield for 60.
Hemel Hempstead Hospital has been listed with room for 209 homes, Boxmoor House School for 75, and Boxmoor Trust land at Two Waters for 21 homes, though planners do not recommend pursuing this option.
In Kings Langley land around the A41 has been identified with space for 8,960 homes while the scout hall in Great Park is listed, but not recommended by planners, for six homes.
Possible locations for extra gypsy and traveller sites, which have been previously identified, are also included in the consultation.
It is proposed the number of pitches, currently 36, will increase by around 59 by 2031.
Ian Reay, cabinet member for planning and environment at the council, said: "This consultation will shape the future landscape of our borough and I would urge all residents to take part.
"The council faces a difficult task in identifying possible sites for development and we have to weigh up our desire to protect our green spaces with demands for housing.
"We want to make sure that whatever solution we arrive at for the future is going to be sustainable and one that meets the needs of Dacorum and its residents.
"Residents' opinions are vital in helping us make the right decision."
Comments will be considered by the council's cabinet before a shortlist is drawn up in 2010, while a decision on gypsy sites is expected next year.
Full details of all the proposed sites, along with a consultation document and a questionnaire, are available from council offices, libraries or HERE.
Comments can be sent to the Senior Manager (Spatial Planning) at Hemel Hempstead Civic Centre in Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead HP1 1HH, emailed to development.plans@dacorum.gov.uk or submitted HERE.
HOW WOULD THE PROPOSALS AFFECT YOU? TELL US HERE
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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