PROPOSALS which could see green belt land in North Herts built on as part of a Luton redevelopment scheme will continue to be met with a “forceful fight” from residents, as part of an ongoing campaign.

Luton and Bedfordshire councils have faced resistance from local residents and councillors from any invasion to the land in Lilley Bottom, situated to the east of Luton.

Now, comments from the public and interested parties are being sought on the “soundness” and “legal compliance” of the regeneration scheme from this week up until January of next year.

Cllr David Barnard, who has campaigned against the Lilley Bottom housing development, is opposed against any other developments on the green belt area.

He said: “The main reason for our objection is that this is beautiful green belt land in our county, Hertfordshire.

“There has to be very special circumstances demonstrated for the renovation of the green belt and we do not believe that there are any which would justify ruining our countryside.

“We don’t believe that a lot of suitable sites have been properly investigated, such as the west of Luton. We want to know why there’s no mention of that.

“We may be rural residents but we are not country bumpkins and we will put up a forceful fight. We will be sending in lots of letters and comments and we implore for everyone to write in.”

Observations that are received from the public and councils will be used in a statement, which will form part of a core strategy to be submitted in spring 2011.

This will then be submitted to the secretary of state for independent examination.

The dispute over the land has been an ongoing issue, with previous proposals by councils to build 5500 houses fiercely campaigned against, with the Comet also lending its support.

Anyone who would like to comment on the redevelopment scheme can do so by visiting www.shapeyourfuture.org.uk