Latest projections from the Office of National Statistics show the number of new houses required in North Herts from 2011 to 2016 down from around 14,000 to 10,000.

The Local Plan inspector has asked North Herts Council whether this change should have any effect on the local plan. Clearly it should, since it could reduce the number of houses built on Green Belt sites by around 4,000 whilst still providing the housing needed to meet local needs.

It is not clear how the council plans to respond to this request.