Councillors will finally vote on plans to build a new highway and rail crossing between Harlow and East Hertfordshire later this month, after meetings were delayed last autumn.

Both councils were set to discuss the proposals for the new Stort Crossing in November, but the meetings were delayed after receiving “extensive” comments at the last minute.

At the time, East Herts Council said some of the representations raised legal considerations, and more time was necessary to take the comments on board.

Councillors on both development management committees will discuss and determine the proposals at the end of this month.

Read more: Vote on new Stort crossing in Harlow delayed

East Herts will discuss the application during a meeting at 5.30pm on February 22, with Harlow District Council holding a meeting at 7pm on the following day.

The councils will be required to make decisions on three planning applications, which would unlock space to build up to 10,000 as part of a new Harlow and Gilston Garden Town.

People for Places, who are behind much of the new garden town, have submitted the applications saying the upgrades to the road network would ensure any new development could be supported.

The new infrastructure would include the widening of the existing crossing over the River Stort between the A414 and Fifth Avenue, as well as building a new roundabout in River Way.

Read more: Peaceful protest planned to save Harlow's River Stort

The new Eastern Stort Crossing would connect to Eastwick Road and Pye Corner past woodland and over the River Stort.

In response to this part of the application, 356 people raised objections to the proposal ahead of the November meeting, with issues including the loss of green belt and an increase of traffic being cited as cause for concern.

Council officers have recommended all three applications for approval, concluding the provision of new infrastructure to support the growth of the area outweighs concerns about the appearance of the roads.

Read more: ‘Nobody wants this crossing, it’s vandalism’ says angry protesters

Residents who have commented on the plans during the consultation are able to register to speak during the meetings by contacting the council.

Both councils will need to come to separate decisions about whether to support or reject the scheme, but approval from both committees is required for the scheme to go ahead.