A memorial hall was packed to capacity on Monday with residents concerned over proposed developments on land east of Luton.
Residents in Cockernhoe on the border of the town heard Luton councillor Jenny Davies slam plans for an extra 2,500 homes on top of the 1,000 already proposed by Bloor Homes.
She said: “The green belt is just as important to us as it is to the people who live there. We want to protect the land from development which would change it completely.
“In addition our infrastructure would be completely swamped – Luton’s roads and schools simply couldn’t cope.
“In practical terms it’s not on in this area.”
North Herts District councillor David Barnard said: “Following the original Bloor Homes ‘Wandon Park’ proposal, The Crown Estates have tabled a plan for an additional 2,500 adjacent to the Bloor site.
“This will totally envelop our villages and lead to other land options.
“There is no proven need for houses in this area and we need to mount a vigorous opposition.
“Our beautiful countryside and green belt are under constant threat. If we concrete it over, it will be lost forever.”
He urged residents to send letters to the council, listing their objections and added: “Not writing implies acceptance.
“The more objections they receive, the more seriously they will take our opposition.”
l Deadline for comments is August 2. They should be sent by email to localplans@north-herts.gov.uk or posted to HALO 2013, NHDC, P O Box 480, M33 0DE.