AN all-party group is being set up by Harlow Council to discuss future development plans for the town, and consider research from David Lock Associates on possible future growth plans over the next 20 years.

The research was commissioned in response to a number of expected developments, including the expansion of Stansted airport and the development of the M11 corridor.

The study looks at four scenarios focusing on the implications of growth for infrastructure, leisure, education, the local economy, health, environment, quality of life and social issues.

They take into account natural population growth, moderate growth up to 100,000 and sequential growth up to 160,000 and 200,000.

A council report said: "David Lock proposes there should be four guiding principles upon which any growth should be based and these are that it benefits residents, is sustainable, it respects the Gibberd legacy and is built on the principle of Harlow as a learning community."

Natural growth would take the population up to 87,600 by 2021.

Future development would include around 3,000 new homes, two doctors surgeries, a community centre, two primary schools and a secondary school.

Moderate growth would increase the population to 97,300 and development requirements would include some 6,900 new homes, two doctors surgeries, four primary schools and a secondary school.

Development for population growth up to 160,000 would include over 30,000 new homes, seven health centres, three libraries, 19 primary schools and six secondary schools, and for growth up to 200,000 would include some 50,000 homes, eight community centres, four libraries, 26 primary schools and eight secondary schools.

December 10, 2001 15:18