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Current Status
Planning applications for West Stevenage for 5,000 dwellings and 3,600 dwellings with associated development, both with an Environmental Statement, were the subjects of a lengthy planning inquiry during 2004.

The First Secretary of State issued on 20th October 2005 a minded to grant decision in respect of the 3,600 dwellings and associated development application and has invited representations on what measures could be taken to improve the current pedestrian and cycle route access between the applications site and the town centre, and requested a reformulated planning application to be submitted for his consideration by 20th April 2006, which the new Secretary of State has extended to the 20th September 2006 to allow for further negotiations with the Authorities.

The 5,000 dwellings and associated development applications were refused, on the basis that it would be premature to grant the applications in advance of the housing strategy before the period post 2011 has been established through the approval of the emerging East of England Plan. The West Stevenage Consortium appeared at the Examination into the East of England Plan on 2nd February 2005 and the Panel Report was published on 22nd June 2006 which re-confirmed the allocation of at least 5,000 dewellings at West Stevenage by 2021. Consultation on proposed changes are expected Autumn 2006. The East of England Plan is then expected to be published in its final form early 2007.

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