THE future size and shape of our town has triggered a huge debate in the local media, creating an image of beleaguered Epping Forest residents manning the barricades as the great and good of Harlow attempt to overrun their district.

One very important message has been lost along the way: growth will almost inevitably happen in our area and plans are already being developed for this at regional and national level. The London-Stansted-Cambridge regional study is just one example of this.

Epping Forest and East Herts councils are also aware of these issues. From the outset Harlow Council has aimed to work with its neighbours and attempted to secure crucial joint planning on these issues.

These moves predate the Harlow 2020 Vision. The Harlow 2020 Partnership became aware of them and investigated their implications for local people. It is the outcome of this research which is reported in the 2020 Vision.

It is absolutely true that the consultant who carried out the work has said that Harlow would benefit if new developments in surrounding areas became part of the town, bringing its population up to twice its current size.

But his other point, which has been almost entirely ignored, is that North Weald airfield and small pockets of east Herts are likely to be developed in any case. He also points out that the people who live in those new homes are likely to turn to Harlow, as the nearest large town, for many of the facilities they need.

So unless we plan carefully, Harlow could end up having to cater for a huge influx of people, without the infrastructure to cope.

Another scenario is that this area rejects growth so completely, that Government planners look to develop a new town elsewhere, possibly on land north of the A120, near Braintree. This would sound the death knell for Harlow, attracting away investment, businesses and jobs.

There are a few other myths it is important to dispel. One is no-one is talking about building on green belt land and the areas of Epping Forest and east Herts under discussion are a very small proportion of each posing no threat to the future viability of each district.

Growth would bring far more to Harlow than new shops. It would enable the development of new public transport systems, further education facilities and schools to name a few.

East Herts and Epping Forest councils should also be aware of these issues and be planning accordingly. We have had initial discussions with them.

But our remit is to work for Harlow and achieve the brightest possible future for our community. I personally want to see Harlow fulfil its potential and become a leading town in the south east region. Growth may well be the catalyst for this.

COUNCILLOR NICK CHURCHILL, chairman, regeneration committee, Harlow Council.

July 9, 2002 11:30