COUNCILLORS are to push on with controversial plans to build thousands of new houses around Luton despite concerns that the massive scheme could be legally unsound.
The decision to proceed with a ‘core strategy’ housing plan which includes proposals for 4,000 homes to the north of Luton, 7,000 to the north of Houghton Regis and 2,500 to the east of Leighton Buzzard, was made by councillors from Luton Borough Council and Central Bedfordshire at a Joint Committee Meeting on Friday.
The meeting followed a report by planning inspector David Vickery raising several concerns with the draft strategy.
Of particular concern was the issue raised over whether the strategy adheres to East of England regional strategy.
The Luton and South Beds Core strategy was put together after the government revoked regional strategies last year.
But the decision to revoke the strategies was overturned after a challenge by Cala Homes, so the strategy, for the time being at least, still has to comply with regional strategy.
The legality of the Luton and South Beds core strategy could now depend on whether the government’s proposed Localism Bill, scraping regional strategies, is passed.
However there will also be a number of changes to the strategy to ensure that the inspector is satisfied, these will be presented to the committee on July 29.
A public consultation on the revised draft will follow in September, with a public hearing to be held in January 2012.
A statement released by the committee said: “At the Luton and South Beds Joint committee, it has been agreed to continue with the Core Strategy.
“We have responded positively to the suggestions of the Planning Inspector for improvements to our Core Strategy and we are grateful for the assistance that the Inspector has offered to date in ensuring we present the best possible plan to help our local communities grow in a sustainable way.
“Despite the challenges that remain, we are confident that goodwill on all sides will prevail, and that we will be allowed to provide the much needed jobs and housing for our area.”