Hertfordshire County Council’s leader has welcomed this week’s decision that saw an agreement to approve 8500 houses for Harlow & Gilston Garden Town.
And Cllr Richard Roberts says that those homes, forming six of the proposed seven villages for the Gilston area of the Garden Town, will continue the county’s 100 year association with Garden communities.
“Hertfordshire has always played a unique role in the history of new towns and garden villages which, as places, embrace the balance of town and country living,” said Cllr Roberts who became the Leader of Hertfordshire County Council in May 2021.
“Gilston can build on this legacy, in line with our priorities as a council and county to create a cleaner, greener, healthier Hertfordshire.”
The agreement of approval was made by Hertfordshire’s Garden Town partner, East Herts Council, on Tuesday 28 Feb and Cllr Roberts sees the supporting infrastructure as a great place for people wanting to stay in the local area and raise a family in the future.
“This project will see the creation of 8,500 new homes, two secondary and six primary schools, travel corridors dedicated to public transport with great walking and cycling links, healthcare facilities and significant sports and leisure facilities.
“We want Gilston villages to showcase the best development Hertfordshire can offer, beautiful, connected, cared for and above all offering new residents fabulous energy efficient homes fit for a new future.”
Joining Cllr Roberts in reacting to the agreement for approval was Leader of Epping Forest District Council, Cllr Chris Whitbread.
“This is good news as the East Herts approval reinforces the positives of the cross boundary Harlow & Gilston Town partnership,” said Cllr Whitbread who wrote a Garden Town blog last year.
“With consultation having taken place on the strategic site in our own district at Latton Priory, we’re starting to see the Garden Town move towards delivery.”
