Herts County Council announced today it is to launch legal proceedings against the Secretary of State s decision to approve planning permission for 3,600 homes west of Stevenage. But the decision was met with differing views by two leading councillors. Cl

Herts County Council announced today it is to launch legal proceedings against the Secretary of State's decision to approve planning permission for 3,600 homes west of Stevenage.

But the decision was met with differing views by two leading councillors.

Cllr F John Smith, leader of North Herts District Council who has always been against the plans, supported the legal move saying: "This has come as no surprise to me and good luck to them.

"I doubt whether they would have taken these steps without there being a reasonable sporting chance of success with their challenge. I sincerely hope they are successful."

But Cllr John Gardner, deputy leader of Stevenage Borough Council hit back saying: "The council deeply regrets that once again the county council is using tax payer's money against many people having homes in the area."

Robert Gordon, leader of Herts County Council, said: "We have always been opposed to this development in principle, but it seems increasingly likely this will go ahead.

"This application has been ongoing for years and we have been worried since the outset about the delivery and subsequent upkeep of the infrastructure required to support such a large development.