THE plans risk leaving Stevenage as a dormitory town, says the borough council. The council s planning and policy manager Richard Javes told the meeting: Eleven per cent of the workforce in the town commutes to London so there is a risk new development c

THE plans risk leaving Stevenage as a dormitory town, says the borough council.

The council's planning and policy manager Richard Javes told the meeting: "Eleven per cent of the workforce in the town commutes to London so there is a risk new development could leave Stevenage as a dormitory town if businesses are not attracted to the town.

"We believe 15,000 jobs is a desirable target to have."

But responding to the council's assessment, John Tilley of Hertfordshire County Council said: "If the jobs are not created Stevenage will just become a commuter town."

One delegate, Edward Keymer, of Keymer Cavendish who was closely involved in the developments in Chells and Great Ashby, warned: "Houses must be built for the benefit of those who want to live in Stevenage. Not for the benefit of developers.