District councillors from London Colney have launched a petition objecting to plans to build new homes on Green Belt land in the area.

The petition was created by Cllr Mike Hobday and Cllr Emma Turnbull - both representing Labour in the London Colney ward on St Albans City and District Council.

SADC's draft Local Plan has earmarked the site to the west of London Colney and Napsbury Park for the building of up to 400 homes.

Earlier this week, initial plans were submitted that would see nine new homes built on currently derelict land consisting of storage units. 

The petition claims that the proposed development is "contrary to the interests of residents" and should be stopped.

It argues that building on the proposed site would 'devastate' the village and have an adverse impact on the mental health of residents.

Cllr Hobday said: "There's a lot of concern in London Colney and Napsbury Park that the area of Green Belt west of Shenley Lane and south of Napsbury Park has been proposed for housing development.

"This is an open attractive field that residents have walked alongside since London Colney was built."

He says that he's "astonished" by the decision to "prioritise some of the most attractive agricultural land for house-building".

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Last month, deputy prime minister Angela Rayner told councils that they have a "moral obligation" to build more homes. 

Cllr Hobday said in response: "As Labour councillors, Emma Turnbull and I recognise the need for more housing and we support the government's mission to achieve the housing we need. 

"We welcome the new government's focus on brownfield and grey belt development first - which SADC has neglected so far in developing its new Local Plan."