Massive increases in housing targets mean Hertsmere’s Green Belt land will “inevitably” be built on.

The Government has called for all regions to increase their targets for housing over the next 23 years, meaning Hertsmere could face a hike in new developments.

The borough must create at least 5,000 extra homes by 2021. But the East of England Regional Assembly (EERA) has now extended the date to 2031, and has increased the original target by around 60 per cent.

The news has angered Elstree and Borehamwood’s Green Belt Society, which is concerned about the impact on protected land.

Ann Goddard, press secretary for the group, said: “We are horrified. This is administrative madness. This plan is quite unsustainable, especially in the current economic climate.

“The time frame that has been given to make changes to the plan is a cynical manoeuvre to get this legislation through. We don’t wish to live in a polluted urban sprawl and want to protect the green land. It is so depressing to feel we are fighting a losing battle but we have to remain optimistic we can at least save some of the Green Belt.”

Richard Grove, head of planning at Hertsmere Borough Council, said: “The timetable which has been set is very tight and we consider it does not leave adequate time for proper consideration of all the issues and public consultation.

“Also the housing targets being put forward by the Government could have significant implications for Hertfordshire’s environment and infrastructure and will inevitably result in the loss of some Green Belt land.”

Derrick Ashley, executive member for planning at Hertfordshire County Council, said: “We would support Hertsmere 100 per cent with its intentions to protect the Green Belt but with the numbers we are looking at, it is going to be very difficult to resist applications from developers.”

EERA only has until the end of next year to report back to the Government with changes to the original plan, sparking fears from both the county and borough councils that not enough time is available for a thorough public consultation.

The borough and county councils have until the end of the year to put forward the number of houses they think they can accommodate. Following this, EERA will hold a public consultation on numbers and possible sites for development.

The regional assembly has already received 100 proposals for new housing after inviting developers across the region to come forward with possible sites. Of these, 20 are in Hertfordshire.

Mr Ashley added: “EERA is at a very early stage in its review and already we have cause for concern. The very tight timetable it is working to will significantly limit opportunities for proper public consultation and certainly won’t give us time to understand the long-term impacts of issues, such as the credit crunch, on our ability to meet existing stretching housing targets.

“Not surprisingly, developers have come forward with their entire wish-lists for potential new housing in Hertfordshire. I reassure residents we will do everything to ensure EERA undertakes a thorough assessment of these proposals, alongside the more considered advice it will receive from planning authorities over the next few weeks, to ensure they take proper account of likely impacts such as urban sprawl, congestion and impact on infrastructure.”

The East of England Plan has already gone through one rise in housing targets with the number for Hertsmere rising from 4,000 to 5,000 in May.

EERA is also considering the possibility of creating a new town in the east of England of around 20,000 homes — about the size of Elstree, Borehamwood and Radlett put together.

A schedule of proposals from developers and a public information pack on the East of England Plan — Review to 2031 is available at eera.gov.uk