Plans for a new settlement at Gilston, north of Harlow, have been criticised as car-dependent sprawl, despite developers' claims to the contrary. In a letter to the Guardian, Jon Reeds of Smart Growth UK argued that the ultra-low-density development, located far from rail networks, will inevitably rely on cars. He noted that building primary schools does little to reduce car use when low densities extend walking distances.
Reeds also criticised the developers for reducing affordable housing commitments. East Herts council's aspiration for 40% affordable housing was cut to 23% through viability assessments, which he said allow developers to demand high returns and avoid obligations. He added that much 'affordable' housing is only slightly less unaffordable and often excludes social rent.
Richard Eltringham of Leicester also wrote, mocking the lengthy timelines for such projects. He pointed out that while the housing crisis unfolds in real time, new garden villages can take decades to plan and build. He suggested refurbishing empty buildings as a faster solution, noting that many already have roads and utilities.
