The decision to reject proposals for 10,000 homes north of Harlow is bad news for the town's residents, local Liberal Democrats have said.

The report of the Examination in Public panel overturns proposals in the Regional Plan for the East of England. Instead of 10,000 homes north of Harlow, the Panel recommends a rise in the number of extra homes to be built within Harlow's boundaries, and extra homes to the east, south and west of the town as well.

The report's recommendations will be considered by the Government before proposed changes to the draft Plan are published later in the year. Harlow's Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Chris Millington said:

"I am deeply disappointed by this report. The Panel's changes could mean much more housing in the town without better roads, more schools and the shops and services that Harlow desperately needs. We all need to work together to persuade the Government to think again."