PIGHEADED AND ARROGANT is how a neighbouring council have been described as the destruction of a huge swathe of Hertfordshire countryside looks more likely than ever. Papers seen by North Herts District Council (NHDC) last night (Thursday) reveal that

PIGHEADED AND ARROGANT" is how a neighbouring council have been described as the destruction of a huge swathe of Hertfordshire countryside looks more likely than ever.

Papers seen by North Herts District Council (NHDC) last night (Thursday) reveal that the proposed development to expand Luton to the west of the town has been rejected.

This leaves the proposed eastern development, most of which is on Herts Green Belt, as the most likely option to build a further 5,500 homes in line with government housing targets.

This follows a decision on Monday night by Luton Borough Council's executive in favour of a northern bypass to solve the town's traffic problems which would encroach into Hertfordshire.

The road would run near to Lilley before joining the A505.

An inner route that would have run close to the edge of Luton, joining the A505 in Round Green or Stopsley was rejected, as was a plan to massively improve public transport in and around the town.

Councillors agreed with a public consultation with Luton residents in which more than 1,700 of those who responded preferred the outer bypass option, 350 the inner road and 650 the improvements to public transport.

These decisions infuriated David Barnard, NHDC southern rural committee chairman, who said: "How can any collected figures have any credibility, when the people of North Herts in which the outer route lies, were not given an equal chance to vote or voice an opinion? Democracy is not a word well known to Luton Council and their pigheaded and arrogant disregard for their neighbouring councils and residents is more evident as each day goes by.

"Next the Luton and South Beds planning committee will make a decision to build in North Herts across our beautiful Green Belt land, without giving a full and fair consideration to the alternative and well structured west of Luton proposals."

A formal decision on a strategy for the entire project, which also includes an eastern bypass to Luton Airport through Herts, will be made at a meeting of the Luton and South Beds Joint committee next Friday. This will be followed by a six week public consultation.