A vote on whether to build a new highway and rail crossing between Harlow and East Hertfordshire has been delayed after councils received “extensive” last minute comments.

Councillors from East Herts Council were set to vote on the controversial proposals this evening (November 16) before their counterparts in Harlow Council voted tomorrow.

However, that has now been delayed which East Herts council said was due to “extensive representations being received very late in the afternoon on Monday, November 15”.

East Herts council said the comments raise legal considerations from interested parties, and time would be needed to take any comments on-board.

Read more: Future of Stort crossing and Gilston Garden Town to be decided

The committee were due to make decisions on three separate planning applications which would add significant capacity to the road network between Hoddesdon and Harlow.

The infrastructure works are seen as vital to unlocking land to accommodate up to 10,000 homes as part of the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town.

The plans would include the widening of the existing crossing over the River Stort between the A414 and Fifth Avenue, as well as a new roundabout in River Way.

The new roundabout, referred to as the Eastern Stort Crossing, would connect to Eastwick Road and Pye Corner past woodland and over the River Stort.

Read more: ‘Nobody wants this crossing, it’s vandalism’ says angry protesters

That has raised concerns with some local residents, with 358 objections recorded on the district council’s planning portal. One comment has been submitted in favour.

The Campaign to Protect Rural England said they were concerned at the “sprawling nature” of the concept, with the new infrastructure built on green belt land.

However, officers have recommended all three proposals are backed by councillors, saying that the benefits of the new infrastructure will outweigh the visual harm. 

Following the postponement of the meeting, East Herts Council added: “We apologise to any members of the public who were due to attend or speak at the committee. ”

Read more: MP tells River Stort crossing developers to 'go back to the drawing board'

No new date has been set for councillors to decide whether the approve the plans.

The next scheduled Development Management Committee is on December 1, but it is not clear whether these proposals will be discussed during this meeting.

ENDS

Confirmation meeting has been postponed https://www.eastherts.gov.uk/latest-news/2021/development-management-committee-meeting-postponed-0