Nimbys or genuine concerns about overdevelopment? Speculative land grab on green belt land or attempt to solve housing problems? Residents have their say after planning application lodged for 52 properties near Hitchin

Countryside Properties have submitted an application to build 52 dwellings in St Ippolyts, on land behind Waterdell Lane, near Hitchin.

Hitchin and North Herts has been been facing a severe housing crisis for many years - along with the majority of the UK - with a growing population and a shortage of affordable housing.

Planners, developers, the government and numerous associated agencies has been struggling to find solutions to this problem for decades.

One of the main obstacles to resolving the housing crisis is nimbyism, or "Not In My Back Yard" syndrome. Nimbyism is a term used to describe the opposition of residents to new development projects, particularly housing problems.

However, do Nimby's have a point when it comes to developing in Green Belt areas - and elsewhere - or are they simply relentless opposition to much-needed change?

52 proposed dwellings in St Ippolyts

This has again been highlighted by the latest planning application in our area - which has already received more than 150 objections against plans for a housing development on Green Belt land near Hitchin.

The plans also include open spaces, landscaping, the building of a play area and access roads, but they have face strong opposition.

More than 150 objections have already been made to the development, with many taking issue with Green Belt land being built on, while others raised concerns about the plan exceeding Local Plan limits.

"I endorse with the compelling arguments submitted by many local residents, in particular regarding the loss of Green Belt land and the additional stresses placed on local infrastructure and services," said one St Ippolyts resident

"This development is unacceptable, unreasonable and inappropriate."

"The development endangers local wildlife, destroys habitat and woodland," said another.

"I strongly object to this development."

The latest application has seen Countryside Properties revise their original plans for 62 homes on the land, with one resident accusing them of attempting a "speculative land grab".

"It seems astonishing that Countryside Properties can make a planning application for 62 homes on Green Belt land whilst the draft Local Plan is still under consideration," they wrote.

"It is even more astonishing that the same company can make an amended application for 52 homes.

"This is a speculative land grab and put simply is the wrong development in the wrong place."

"We don't have a housing shortage problem. We have an overpopulation problem. Please don't approve this planning application. Let's keep some green space please."

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