The developer planning to build 700 homes at Highover Farm in Hitchin is currently carrying out an investigation to check for possible unexploded Second World War bombs.

A spokesperson for Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes said the investigation is being carried out as "the local area was targeted" during the war, though they "have no evidence to suggest any unexploded ordnance remains at our site".

They said the investigation was only a "precaution", and added: "In the unlikely event anything is found we will work with the relevant authorities to ensure its safe removal.”

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The investigation began after an Unexploded Ordnance Survey was carried out, using records including Home Office Statistics and Hitchin bomb mapping.

It found a low density of bombing across Hitchin's rural areas - around 6.2 items per 1,000 acres - but a higher density on the Highover Farm site.

Plans to build homes at Highover Farm were approved last year after councillors found "no legal reason" to refuse permission.