(4) 5. THE NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN POLICIES

The following sections on our Policies begin with our overall approach to sustainable development which have thereafter been organised under the Key Themes identified by the community. 

Each Policy is accompanied by supporting text identifying the evidence and justification for the policy, the local community's views on the subject, and its supporting plans, documents and strategies. Each policy will advance one or more of the Plan's objectives shown above the policy.

List of Policies

Key Themes	Policies
Housing and Development (Section 5)	PNP 1: PNP 2: PNP 3:	Meeting Local Need Design and Character Residential Extensions (Excluding Those Covered by 'Permitted' Development)
Biodiversity, Environment and Heritage (Section 5.3)	PNP 4: PNP 5: PNP 6: PNP 7: PNP 8:	Hedgerows, Trees and Verges Wildlife Local Green Spaces Key Views and Vista Heritage Assets and Archaeological Heritage
Amenities and Facilities (Section 5.4)	PNP 9: PNP 10:	Community Facilities Support for Local Business
Transport and Connectivity (Section 5.5)	PNP 11: PNP 12: PNP 13:	Safety of Pedestrians, Cyclists and Motorists Connectivity Car Parking

The Pirton Parish Council intends to take a positive approach to development. Planning applications that accord with the policies in this Plan will be approved, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. The Pirton Parish Council will seek to work with applicants and other stakeholders to encourage the formulation of development proposals that can be approved.

5.1 Housing and Development

PNP 1 - Meeting Local and Wider Need - by wider need we mean that of Pirton parish and the district of North Hertfordshire.

Justification and Evidence for PNP 1

• The intention of this Policy is to encourage the delivery of a wide mix of high-quality homes during the next 15-20 years which is sustainable for the village of Pirton, meets local and wider need, is in accordance with the wishes of the village and is broadly compatible with NHDC Strategic policy.
• The intention is also to ensure that in meeting these needs that any development enhances rather than damages the character of the village and its harmony with the surrounding countryside.
• All of these points are addressed in more detail below.
• It should be particularly noted that the need for housing for the elderly, first time buyers and those wishing to downsize have been identified throughout the consultation process, as essential during the next 15-20 years in order to support and maintain a sustainable and vibrant community. It will help future-proof the imbalance of an ageing population and declining numbers of working age adults by allowing older people to remain in the community and attract young families to settle in it.
• Without more appropriate housing, older residents will either have to remain in larger houses which are difficult for them to manage or move out of the village in order to find more suitable accommodation.
• Without appropriate housing for younger families, including social housing, young people will continue to be priced out of living in the village.
• It is important that any development proposal plans should be drawn up in conjunction with Pirton Parish Council.

Compliance with Strategic Local Policies

• The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that 'the ambition of the Plan should be aligned with the strategic needs and priorities of the wider local area. Neighbourhood Plans must be in general conformity with the strategic policies of the Local Plan. To facilitate this, Local Planning Authorities should set out clearly their strategic policies for the area.
• The NHDC does not yet have an up-to-date Local Plan. It has therefore been a challenge for the Steering Group to prepare housing policies which reflect the views of the community, that are in general conformity with existing strategic policies and which are also in general conformity with 'emerging' Strategic Policies at District Level. However, as far as possible we have identified these with assistance from the NHDC.
• Our approach is to accept that the overall housing numbers allocated by NHDC for the District are   unlikely to reduce; rather, we may see some increase. This means that Pirton will need to play its part in meeting these numbers. The thrust of the policies contained in the Plan is:
  • To support sustainable development that is sympathetic to the character of Pirton and the Parish of Pirton, which meets the needs of the local community and the wider North Herts community and ensures its well-being.
• As part of its strategic policies the emerging NHDC Local Plan will set the agenda for overall housing growth within which Pirton is seeking to plan positively to meet identified local need.
• The Pirton Neighbourhood Development Plan has adopted the proposed village development boundary based on the criteria used by the NHDC and set out in the NHDC's "Preferred Options" Local Plan Consultation Dec. 2014. One site within this boundary at Elm Tree Farm (marked 'PT2' on the Preferred Options Map on page 4) has already been granted outline planning permission for up to 82 houses. The Plan does not seek to identify further specific sites. Also during the Neighbourhood Plan period we have seen the building of 11 affordable and social rented houses, and planning permission granted for 5 houses across another two sites. There are a number of small and medium size plots within the development boundary which may come forward as "windfall" during the Plan period, with a likelihood of the housing stock increasing by more than 20% during the period of the Plan.
• Although Pirton is described as a 'Category A' village in the emerging Local Plan, it is nonetheless a medium size village, with limited facilities. The rural nature of roads within and outside of the village, its position at the foot of, and therefore within the setting of the Chilterns AONB, mitigates against the proliferation of large, urbanising estates as the contribution to development. Such development is not sustainable for Pirton. Historically, development has been limited to a maximum of about 30 houses per development, with much of the development in the past 100 years being considerably less than that, per development. This has enabled unobtrusive assimilation of new housing and new people, and not proven to place any stress on the social cohesion that is so much part of the village, and community life. The NP Survey 2015 revealed the community's preference for development up to a maximum of 25 houses. However, we understand from our discussions with NHDC that it is not realistic to expect developers to be able to achieve much in terms of the addressing any adverse impacts of development, if development is limited to less than 30 dwellings. A maximum figure of 30 houses per development will also help those who own or manage village facilities to plan and prepare for increased use in a measured way, to the benefit of both current and new residents and visitors.
  

Demographic trends

The 2011 Census data clearly shows that Pirton has a higher than average proportion of over 65 year olds, and a lower proportion of working age adults compared to North Herts and England as a whole. 

Proportion of adults under and over age 65 in Pirton compared to North Hertfordshire and England:

Age group	Pirton	North Herts	England
18-64	75%	78%	79%
65+	25%	22%	21%

Source: ONS Neighbourhood Statistics from 2011 Census

The responses to the NP Survey 2015 household questionnaire, was in line with the 2011 Census, in that 25% of respondents were aged 65+. This gives further validity to the responses in the Survey representing the views of the community.

The Office of National Statistics population projections show that from 2012 to 2032 the populations of 65–84 year olds and the over 85s are set to increase by 39% and 11% respectively whereas 0-14 and 15–64 year olds are set to increase by 11% and 7% respectively. It is likely therefore that the number of people aged over 65 in Pirton will continue to increase.

Housing Stock

Currently Pirton is made up of predominantly larger houses, many with 3 or more bedrooms, and these are mainly owner occupied.

From 2011 Census data it can be seen that:

• Pirton has a higher proportion of detached and semi-detached houses than in Hertfordshire or England.
• Pirton has a higher proportion of owner occupied and lower proportion of rented properties than Hertfordshire or England.
• 4% of houses in Pirton had 1 bedroom, 19% had 2 bedrooms, 44% had 3 bedrooms, 23% had 4 bedrooms and 9% had 5+ bedrooms.

Type of housing in Pirton compared to Hertfordshire and England:

	Detached	Semi-detached	Terraced	Purpose Built Flats	Other Flats
Pirton	40%	33%	26%	1%	<1%
Herts	21%	28%	28%	20%	3%
England	22%	31%	25%	17%	5%

Source: Community Rural profile for Pirton Area 2013 from 2011 Census

Housing Tenure in Pirton compared to Hertfordshire and England:

	Owner Occupied	Local Authority Rented	Housing Association Rented	Other Rented
Pirton	78%	6%	6%	10%
Herts	68%	9%	9%	14%
England	64%	9%	8%	18%

Source: Community Rural profile for Pirton Area 2013 from 2011 Census

Pirton is a sought after place to live due to its character and rural position with no major roads passing through it. House prices in Pirton are higher than the average for England. The Community Rural Profile for Pirton Area 2013 highlights that:

• The affordability ratio in Pirton is 19.2 in comparison with the National average of 15.4.
• Pirton has 26% of its housing stock within the 3 highest Council Tax bands (Band F, G and H) compared to 19% in Hertfordshire and 9% in England.

Pirton Housing stock by Council tax band compared to Hertfordshire and England

	Band A	Band B	Band C	Band D	Band E	Band F	Band G	Band H
Pirton	2%	13%	29%	19%	12%	13%	11%	2%
Herts	2%	10%	28%	25%	13%	9%	8%	1%
England	25%	20%	22%	15%	11%	5%	4%	1%

Source: Community Rural profile for Pirton Area 2013

Analysing the household characteristics of respondents in the NP Survey 2015 shows they are in line with the 2011 Census figures:

• 84% are owner occupied, 6% social rented and 8% private rented. Just 1% of households in Pirton are currently shared ownership.
• 4% of houses in Pirton had 1 bedroom, 16% had 2 bedrooms, 42% had 3 bedrooms, 26% had 4 bedrooms and 11% had 5+ bedrooms.

Local need

Pirton has a high number of older people living as a couple or a single occupancy. It has a high number of people who want to remain living in the village.

• The 2011 Census showed 25% of households in Pirton are pensioner occupied compared with 21% for England. 
• The NP Survey 2015 showed that 29% of the dwellings are occupied by either couples or single occupants over the age of 65 and a further 20% occupied by a couple where one of them is over 65.
• The Pirton Parish Plan shows that people tend to stay in the village once they have moved here. There are a number of families who have lived in Pirton for generations. Approximately 55% of residents have lived in the village for more than 16 years. Many of whom came here as young families and are now the older generation who wish to remain in the village.

The community is very keen to attract young families into the village as well as provide housing for people who have grown up in the village and want to continue living there and start their own families here.

There is a strong desire within the community to provide houses for downsizing, retired people and as first homes for young families. Therefore, there is a need for smaller properties for example with three or less bedrooms. There is a desire for a mix of housing with less emphasis on large detached houses and new properties to include bungalows and terraced housing.

• The NP Survey 2015 shows a strong preference in the community for two and three bedroom properties to be built between now and 2031 particularly for young first time buyers or those wishing to downsize. 70% of respondents said there was a need for two and three bedroom dwellings for first time buyers.  61% stated there was a need for two and three bedroom dwellings suitable for downsizing.
• The NP Survey 2015 also shows a strong preference in the community (64%) for single storey bungalows and other smaller properties to be built between now and 2031 particularly for older residents.

Community feedback

• Consultations with the Pirton community revealed the following key issues. All new development should:
  • Respect the current village character in accordance with the Pirton Character Assessment.
  • Meet local needs as identified in the Pirton Housing Needs Survey and the NP Survey 2015.
  • Show preference for several small developments over the lifetime of the Plan, providing that adequate infrastructure is in place or planned. 24% of respondents to The NP Survey 2015 wanted several developments of 10 to 25 houses; 46% wanted all developments to be of fewer than 10 houses.
  • Consider a variety of styles and sizes of housing including for first time buyers, downsizing and the elderly.
  • Take account of the community's views e.g. 70% of respondents to the NP Survey 2015 would like to see development with homes for first time buyers and 64% for the elderly.

Additionally:

• Over 60% would prefer two and three bedroomed homes, with 41% stating houses of four or more bedrooms. 
• 45% thought new development should provide sheltered/warden-controlled accommodation for the elderly.
• 70% thought all new homes within a development should have a garden.
• The preference expressed is for development to be within or just outside the village development boundary as detailed in the current NHDC Local Plan 1996.
• 73% of adult respondents to the NP Survey 2015 preferred to see development within the current village boundary and 46% were prepared to accept some development outside.

The following plans, documents and strategies support Policy PNP 1

• The National Planning Policy Framework 2012
• North Herts District Council – Local Plan Preferred Options 2014
• North Herts District Council Local Plan Saved Policies 2007
• Rural Community Profile for Pirton 2013
• Pirton Character Assessment 2016
• Pirton Housing Needs Survey 2010
• The NP Survey 2015
• NP Youth Survey 2015   
• Pirton July 2015 Village Consultation

5.2 Design and Character

PNP 2 and PNP 3 - Design and Character.

Justification and Evidence for PNP 2 and PNP 3.

• The NPPF paragraph 17 includes in its Core Principles that the different roles and character of different areas should be taken into account as well as the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside.
• Pirton is one of the most attractive and unspoiled medium-size villages in North Hertfordshire.
• Throughout the consultation processes the residents of Pirton have stressed the need to conserve the beauty and character of the village and Parish.
• In accordance with the NPPF and the wishes of the village the main aims of and justification for these policies are to:

Encourage carefully thought out, sensitively designed and innovative development, which is in accordance with the existing rural character and surroundings of the village and Parish (as illustrated and described on the following pages) and which will conserve and enhance Pirton as a beautiful rural village.

Below is a summary of the main elements which make up Pirton's Character (further detail can be found in the Character Assessment in Evidence Base 1.)

• A nucleated layout, and isolation in the landscape from other villages and the town of Hitchin. The aerial view of the village photograph in section 2 shows this clearly.
• The narrow lanes and its green feel.
• The easy accommodation of diversity of building in age and style and size.
• The feeling of harmony between the village setting and the surrounding landscape. Most properties in the Village, both traditional and modern, sit in their own grounds, separated by open space and are generally set back from small cul-de-sacs or the narrow country lanes leading to the Village and within the Village.
• The amount of space interspersed between buildings and groups of buildings is variable but often generous and a vital component in the character of the village.
• Density is expressed as the number of dwellings within a given area of land, where the area of land does not include such items as Scheduled Monuments (mainly open fields in Pirton, within the Development Boundary, which existed prior to the NHDC Preferred Options proposed changes, which with the absence of Site PT1, is now part of the emerging NHDC Local Plan). The average density of housing in Pirton is below 17 dwellings per hectare, significantly less in areas containing large houses, somewhat more in areas of terracing (e.g. Bunyan Close), but tends to be much less in those parts of the Village which merge with the adjoining countryside. The greatest density in Pirton village is about 22 dwellings per hectare.
• The coherence and fit within the village of existing developments. There are a number of developed areas of housing within the village, ranging from small to substantial in size. All have been within or closely attached to the fabric of the existing village, often as cul-de-sacs with all but one following the underlying irregular road patterns and character of the village and with matching spaciousness. In almost all areas the coherence and fit within the village is enhanced by easy, safe and direct access to other areas of the village via a network of inter-connecting footpaths and, where these do not exist, by pavements and roads. This adds to the pervading impression that Pirton is a village of one community rather than a collection of disjointed zones.
• The considerable diversity of dwellings, which range in age from medieval to modern, with sizes varying from large detached houses to small terraced cottages.   The surviving historic original houses are typically thatched, with exposed timber frames, or clay tiled with handmade brick or rendered walls.  During the Victorian period, development was typified by the use of Arlesey White brickwork with soft red brick feature banding and arched lintels.  A common feature of this period was the terrace of cottages with several examples being seen in the High Street, Holwell Road and West Lane.
• The integration of development of individual houses, or small groups of houses into the village street scene. Development has taken place continuously on infill sites throughout the village.  These generally respect the village scale and appearance with common materials being red facing brick or rendering.
• The height of its buildings. Most of the housing, traditional and modern, are of a maximum of two storeys in height.  The main exceptions to this are a traditional cottage and a house extension, both of which, although of three storeys, have the height of a typical two-storey building.
• Its mix of traditional housing styles and materials provide a large palette of opportunity for future design.

Community Consultation Feedback (throughout the consultation process)

• Concern regarding the possible loss of village atmosphere and ambiance.
• Respect the current rural character and position of the Village within the Parish of Pirton.
• Respect the current housing density in the Village, particularly ensuring that the density of any new development on the edge of the Village, is less than the current density in those adjacent areas of the Village which merge with the countryside.
• Concern regarding increased "pavement" parking.
• Concern that extensions do not lead to overdevelopment of a site.
• Concern regarding the loss of neighbour privacy from extensions.
• Concern relating to extensions not being in character with the host building or the existing street scene.

The following plans, documents and strategies support Policies PNP 1, PNP 2 and PNP 3.

• National Planning Policy Framework 2012
• NHDC Pirton Lowlands Character Assessment 2004
• Pirton Character Assessment 2016
• Pirton Parish Plan 2013
• The NP Survey 2015
• Chilterns Conservation Board Position Statement "Development Affecting the Setting of the Chilterns AONB 2011."
• Build for Life Principles

5.3 Biodiversity, Environment and Heritage

PNP 4 and PNP 5 - Biodiversity, Environment and Heritage- Overview

Pirton Village and its environs attract many visitors, notably walkers and cyclists drawn to the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), including the Chilterns Cycleway and the Icknield Way long-distance footpath.  Others visit the Scheduled Monuments of Toot Hill and The Bury or simply to enjoy a few hours in the countryside. The AONB provides opportunities for leisure activity and attracts walkers, cyclists and nature lovers keen to enjoy the beauty of the area and its wildlife. Many of those who use this AONB for leisure also visit the Village. This gives opportunities for improving the economy of the Parish and Village as well as acknowledging the contribution this 'asset' makes to the well-being of Pirton residents and visitors.  The following policies have been prepared to conserve and enhance the Environment, Wildlife and Heritage of the village of Pirton and the beauty of the surrounding parish countryside and their special heritage. These policies will enhance the enjoyment of the area for current and future members of the community and for the wider public and contribute towards the health and well-being of all. Additionally, the policies will contribute to maintaining and enhancing Pirton as an attractive environment for visitors.

PNP 4 and PNP 5 - Biodiversity

Justification and Evidence for Policies PNP 4 and PNP 5

The parish and village of Pirton is home to a wide variety of trees, hedges, wildflowers and animals. A detailed list of these (including protected species) can be found in the accompanying Character Assessment (Evidence Base 1). New developments, of whatever size can have significant effect on the natural environment and the purpose of the above policies is to ensure that all new development makes the most of opportunities to conserve and promote diversity. The map provided on page 31 shows the location of wildlife areas (shaded blue) and one Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

• Hedgerows and trees are an important part of the Village landscape and of the Pirton Lowland area. The NHDC Pirton Lowlands Character Assessment guidelines, promote the planting of new woodland and the preservation and restoration of hedgerows. Preservation is essential for the character of the landscape. Pirton already has a history of successful tree planting projects run by the Pirton Parish Council.
• Over the past 50 years many trees have been lost to disease, housing development and agricultural changes. It is most important for the character of the village and surrounding area that existing trees and hedgerows are preserved where possible and new ones planted.
• Pirton Parish is underlain by chalk geology which, combined with past and present management of the land, has produced some valuable wildlife habitats and rare species of flowers; Pirton is rich in wildlife diversity. Any new developments must not damage this aspect of the rural setting.  The following will encourage the protection and encouragement of wildlife generally. 
  • Protection of open spaces.
  • Management of and/or creation of hedging and careful management of old trees will help to maintain the bird population.
  • Hedge planting rather than hard fencing or walled boundaries will provide valuable green routes for small mammals such as hedgehogs and can link open spaces.
  • New planting of hedges and trees with locally native species supported by a number of flowering plants at their base will encourage and provide a variety of nesting and feeding opportunities for a wide range of animals, insects and birds.

The map provided on page 31 shows the location of wildlife areas (shaded blue) and one Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Wildlife Sites and SSSI(*NB. Tingley Wood is privately owned and there is no public access.)

PNP 6 - Local Green Spaces and Open Spaces

Village Open Spaces (*NB. Bannisters Close allotments are privately owned and there is no public access.)

Designated Green Space	Significance
Great Green	Remains of a historic village green i.e. vestiges of an ancient green. Centre of the village and focal point for village activities e.g. the annual maypole dancing.
Chipping Green, also known as Village Green, Bury End	On the other side of the road from Great Green also remains of the historic village, centre of the village and focal point for village activities e.g. the annual maypole dancing.
Little Green, junction of High St, Walnut Tree Road and Royal Oak Lane	Historic Green. A focal point in that area of the village which has a well-used wooden seat often used by the elderly, dog walkers and hikers as a resting spot or just to enjoy contemplating that part of the village; there is a map of the parish on the green.
Middle Green, Coleman's Close recreation area, orchard and children's play area	Last vestige of Middle Green, an historic Green now preserved as an open space and children's recreation area in the Coleman's Close development.
The Knoll	Remains of an ancient Green at the Junction of High Street, Shillington Road, West Lane and Burge End Lane.
Allotments, Little Lane	Main village allotment area - very well used by villagers wishing to grow their own produce.
The Bury and Toot Hill	Scheduled  Monument purchased for the village by the PPC a managed by the Bury Trust for the benefit of the village community.
Pirton Vicarage Nature Reserve	A wild space in the centre of the village created specifically by the village for quiet contemplation  The Pirton craft group has  designed and made a beautiful mosaic seat. The hedgeing that encloses it is maintained in accordance with traditional hedging methods.
Recreation Ground and Outdoor Sports Facilities, off Walnut Tree Road	Main village area for recreation and sports activity. The area houses the Sports and Social Club, all weather football and cricket pitches and tennis courts.
The Blacksmiths pond	This is a registered Common, and is an iconic area of the village, inhabited by ducks and other wild fowl, and popular with children. Also with adults just to sit on the seat by it for a few minutes of quiet contemplation.

Justification and Evidence for Policy PNP 6

• Green spaces are an essential feature of the village and contribute to its character, adding to the distinctive open rural feel of the village and harmony with the surrounding landscape, while providing quality recreational space and wildlife habitat.
• The designated Green Spaces listed above which are in close proximity to the community, are demonstrably special to the community, hold a particular significance, are local in character and are not extensive tracts of land. (The NPPF).

PNP 7 - Key Views and Vistas

Justification and Evidence for Policy PNP 7

• Pirton is bounded on one side by the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and on another by the Pirton Lowlands landscape and is surrounded with outstanding and expansive views. This positioning affords excellent views of Pirton Village from the Chilterns AONB.
• The Chilterns Conservation Board position statement (Evidence Base 24) list of adverse impacts of development includes:
  • Blocking or interference of views out of the AONB particularly from public view points or rights of way.
  • Blocking or interference of views of the AONB from public view points or rights of way outside the AONB.
• This policy seeks to conserve the position of Pirton in the landscape and minimise any adverse impacts on the setting of the AONB.
  • The approaches by road give tantalising glimpses of the village through hedges and trees or across fields and it is important conserve the rural approaches to the village.
  • This policy seeks to maintain the rural approaches to the village.
  • In such a location it is essential to conserve the 'visual feel' which underpins the character of the village. There are views or glimpses of the surrounding landscape from most areas of the village.
  • From within the village there are opportunities to enjoy views of the Chilterns AONB and out across the Pirton Lowlands to Bedfordshire, or up to the Letchworth Ridge.
• This policy seeks to maintain the close connection between the village and the surrounding rural landscape.

Below and on the following pages are a map and details of the views which are of importance to the visual feel of the village, its position in the landscape and its setting adjoining the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Views into the VillageViews Out of the Village

1. The view from Highdown north to the Bury, the village and the Pirton Lowlands beyond.

Marks the position of Pirton in relation to the Pirton Lowlands and its setting in the countryside, and its wooded environs.

Uninterrupted views from the Chilterns over Pirton Parish and the surrounding Pirton Lowlands area.

2. The view from Shillington Road and the Driftway looking southwards to Priors Hill (water tower) and St Mary's Church Tower.

Historic perimeter view of the mediaeval church and soft green edge of the village from the road into the village from Shillington, showing how the village merges onto the surrounding countryside.

Important Local Views

3. The view from Punch's Cross on Hitchin Road north to the SE corner of Pirton village.

Beautiful view of the village which gradually comes more and more into focus travelling along the road from Hitchin. The road is lined with hedges, with green fields on one side and the beginning of the Chiltern Hills on the other side.

4. View across to the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the approach to the NE corner of village from Holwell Road.

View across the village when entering from Holwell with the flat fields of the Pirton Lowlands, merging into the Chiltern Hills.

Views from the Village to the Pirton lowlands

5. The view from Priors Hill northeast towards Langford Water Tower and beyond.

A view from the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty of the important blending of the village into its rural setting.

6. View from Little Lane across the Pirton Lowlands.

A panoramic view from all along the north side of the village over the Pirton Lowlands into Bedfordshire.

7. View from Hambridge Way E across the Pirton Lowlands and Hertfordshire to the Letchworth ridge.

An expansive view towards the boundary with Hitchin from the ancient Hambridge Way Bridle path (and now cycle track) frequently used by hikers and cyclists.

8. View on entry to Pirton village at Holwell Turn across Elm Tree Farm field towards the Chiltern ridge with Tingley Wood on the right, High Down centre right, and the Icknield Way and Punch's Cross on the left.

This view places Pirton in its setting at the foot of the Chiltern Hills AONB.

9. View NNW from the Baulk public footpath across Priors Hill towards the westwards extension of the Chilterns ridge and the famous local landmark of Sharpenhoe Clappers.

This view firmly places Pirton village within the setting of the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

PNP 8 - Heritage Assets and Archaeological Heritage

Justification and evidence for Policy PNP 8.

• Among the major distinguishing features of Pirton and the Parish of Pirton are its long history and rich archaeology. These contribute significantly to the character of the village and make it one of the most historically important settlements in the region (described in detail in the Character Assessment at Evidence Base 1).
• The purpose of this policy is to enrich and conserve the heritage and archaeological assets of the village and the Parish and encourage residents and visitors alike to be better informed about and enjoy this heritage, and in the process encourage local business.
• Below are the main elements of Pirton's historical and archaeological heritage which this policy seeks to conserve and enhance:

Historic Buildings

Much of Pirton Village is designated as a Conservation Area. See map in section 2.1.

• Pirton Parish has 55 listed buildings and 5 Scheduled Monuments, the majority within Pirton Village. These contribute significantly to the character of the village and make it historically one of the most important settlements in the region. See map on page 13. A full list of Pirton's many and varied Listed Buildings, and Scheduled Monuments can be found in the Character Assessment at Evidence Base 1.

Additionally, Pirton has a number of non-listed historic buildings of local interest see map below and list in the Character Assessment at Evidence Base 1.

Archaeology.

A large part of Pirton Village is covered by Archaeological Alert Areas as designated by the Hertfordshire County Council working with the NHDC. The Saved Policies of the Local Plan 2007 designate Areas of Archaeological Significance (AAS), the Archaeological Area (AA) to which Saved Policy 16 refers. In the wider Parish there are other Archaeological Alert Areas that protect specific parts of the archaeological landscape.

These are noted on the Map Archaeological Alert Areas and outlined in purple – see page 42.

Community Feedback

• The community of Pirton Parish and village is active in investigating and preserving its built and archaeological heritage. It has an active Local History Society which has published a number of books and articles on Pirton Village and the Parish. Since 2007 the community has actively participated in an archaeological project managed by Cambridge University and guided locally by the North Hertfordshire Archaeological Society which investigates, through archaeological excavation, the patterns of population within Pirton from prehistoric times to the present day. 
• The following responses were recorded from the NP Survey 2015:
  • 95% of respondents want to minimise impact of development on woodland, hedges, footpaths and bridleways.
  • 93% of respondents want to minimise the impact of development on historic and heritage sites.
  • 93% of respondents say that the views/vistas on approaching and leaving the village are important.
  • "It's peaceful, and beautiful, great for walks". (NP Youth Survey 2015).

The following plans, documents and strategies support Policies PNP 4, PNP 5, PNP 6, PNP 7 and PNP 8.

• National Planning Policy framework 2012
• The NHDC Pirton Lowlands Character Assessment 2004
• The NP Survey 2015 & Youth Survey
• The Pirton Parish Plan 2013
• The Pirton Village Design Statement 2003
• Pirton Character Assessment 2016
• Chilterns AONB Management Board Guidance on development within the setting of the AONB
• Natural England
• Hertfordshire Biological Records Centre
• Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust
• Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act (1979)
• Historic England Guidance for Neighbourhood Planning
• The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990
  

Pirton Parish Alert Areas

The Archaeological Alert Areas and outlined in purple.

5.4 Amenities and Facilities

PNP 9 - Community Facilities

Justification and Evidence for Policy PNP 9

• In the NHDC 2013 Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) Consultation, Pirton is described as a Category A village, and as such, its facilities are expected to support communities beyond both Village and Parish boundaries. Development therefore is expected to sustain and enhance current facilities, and wherever possible, to assist in the creation of new ones, or the refurbishment of existing facilities.
• To maintain its Category A status and promote the on-going prosperity, health and well-being of the village and other communities, it is essential to conserve and enhance Pirton's essential amenities and facilities.
• The following facilities are important to village life and must be retained, unless new replacements are provided which expand and improve such facilities and/or equipment for the benefit of the community:
  • Pirton's main retail facility is a shop/Post Office which provides additional services such as laundry, dry cleaning, newspapers and magazines.
  • Two pubs (under the same ownership).
  • Places of worship - St Mary the Virgin Anglican church and the Methodist chapel.
  • The Village Hall – the venue for a number of groups and clubs in the parish.
  • The Sports and Social Club – the venue for sporting facilities in the village.
  • The Recreation Ground with its children's play area, multi-use games area and football and cricket pitch.
  • A second children's play area on Middle Green.
  • The village primary school, which currently has a capacity of 147 pupils; pupil numbers at present are at just over 90% of the school's capacity.
  • The village pre-school which has been in successful operation since 1973 and moved to a purpose-built facility within the school grounds in 2011. It can accommodate up to 32 pre-school children per session.
  • The Little Lane Allotments.
• The following facilities and amenities were identified in the NP Survey 2015 as needing expanding or improving if more houses were built in Pirton.

Facilities / Amenities	%age of respondents.
Primary School Broadband and phone signal Facilities for Young People Pre-school The village shop Lack of village medical facilities Facilities for older people Leisure facilities Pubs and dining Village Hall	78% 71% 65% 65% 65% 54% 49% 36% 31% 27%

PNP 10 - Support for Local Business

Justification and Evidence for Policy PNP 10

• As a rural community Pirton has limited formal employment opportunities within the Parish. Local businesses include long-established farms, two pubs, a small shop and post office, school, pre-school, Play Aloud, a small number of horticultural maintenance contractors, and some small-business units including those at Pirton Grange.
• However, the results of the NP Survey 2015 revealed that Pirton is the regular place of work for almost a fifth (19%) of working adults living in the Village. A third (32%) of working adults in Pirton work from home at least once a week and a further half (55%) occasionally work from home in Pirton. One of the major barriers to home working is the poor Broadband speeds, and mobile phone signals in the village.
• Given Pirton's village position, narrow winding roads and limited public transport the aim of this Policy is to encourage investment and expenditure in the local economy by:
  • Encouraging home based and self-employed working (and the technology required to support this).
  • Conserving, encouraging and enhancing the limited current employment opportunities in the Parish including new opportunities for existing businesses, provided that this is in accordance with the character of the village, e.g. bed and breakfast accommodation, farm shop or other such rural enterprises.
  • Encouraging visitors for the enjoyment of the Pirton's rich heritage and biodiversity.

Community Feedback for Policies PNP 9 and PNP 10

• In the 21st century, opportunities for self-employment or homeworking require good digital communication and mobile telephone services. A major theme throughout the community consultation process has been the inadequacy of these services in Pirton.
• The 2015 Neighbourhood Plan Survey responses showed that:
  • 92% of those currently with Broadband said that improved services are important.
  • 89% said improve mobile phone service was important.
  • 57% did not think new development should include more business units in the village, 17% supported more business units and 19% were unsure or did not know.
• The following responses were revealed by the NP Survey 2015:
  • 89% of adult respondents believe it very important to retain all of the current village facilities.
  • 89% of adult respondents state that improved mobile phone connection is important to them.
  • 88% of adult respondents state that improved broadband connection is important to them.

The following plans, documents and strategies support Policies PNP 9 and PNP 10

• National Planning Policy Framework 2012
• Pirton Parish Plan 2013
• The NP Survey 2015
• NP Youth Survey 2015
• North Herts District Council Local Plan Saved Policies 2007

5.5 Transport and Connectivity

PNP 11 - Safety of Pedestrians, Cyclists, Equestrians and Motorists

Justification and Evidence for PNP 11, PNP 12 and PNP 13.

• The traffic, connectivity and parking policies are to be used to manage the impact of further traffic arising from any new local development and to improve the well-being of local residents. The Policies will improve highway safety and minimize conflicts between road traffic, pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. The safety and enhancement of the extensive network of village footpaths has been included, as it is a necessary and important part of village life and safety (see map on Page 50).
• Car parking standards have been carefully considered and are included because car ownership levels are high in the parish reflecting both the rural location and the limited availability of public transport. The 2011 Census showed that 61% of households in Pirton had two or more cars against the Hertfordshire average of 40%. The NP Survey 2015 showed that the average car ownership in the Parish is now 1.8 per household.
• The number of houses with no, or inadequate car parking on site, due to historic reasons, means that there is always significant on street parking in many areas of the village. This can lead to congestion on narrow roads and adversely affects safety and traffic flow, as well as being a simple inconvenience for visitors attempting to park their cars.
• A high proportion of residents travel outside Pirton to their place of work. The NP Survey 2015 also showed that 67% of the working age respondents performed their roles outside the village in diverse locations. Most people commute to work, with the main destinations being, Hitchin (12%), elsewhere in Hertfordshire (16%) and London (15%).  This need to travel out of Pirton to work also means that the lack of adequate public transport has an environmental impact on Pirton which must be taken into consideration.
• Listed below are further details of the key elements of the village life and environment which underpin the above policies:
  • The narrow village roads and blind bends are unsuited to modern day traffic and regularly become congested. Due to the rural nature of the village, a number of roads have no or limited footways.
  • On-road parking is currently seen as a problem in the village and throughout the consultation process respondents have expressed concern about the possible exacerbating impact of any increase in car numbers from new development.
  • Public transport is limited and thereby inadequate. Bus transport to Hitchin is available but necessitating long waits between the outbound journey and the return service (infrequent) creating particular difficulties for families with young children and especially for the elderly. Few buses are available at times convenient for commuting and none for evening social purposes or on a Sunday. The 2011-31 Herts Bus Strategy indicates there will be not be any improvement in the services available to Pirton between now and 2031.  A link to the Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) Bus Strategy can be found at Evidence Base 16.
  • The main form of transport to key services and facilities and for getting to work is by private transport. The two main routes into Hitchin (4 miles away) are narrow country roads which are dangerous for cycling or walking along at peak time. Any new development will further increase the number of cars on the roads in and around the village and the Parish of Pirton.
  • The village has a very well used, extensive network of internal public footpaths away from the roads which connect to the open countryside. It is also crossed by the Icknield Way and the Chilterns Cycle Way which are popular with walkers and cyclists. These are shown indicatively on the map below as purple dashed lines.

Rights of Way

Community Feedback

• Throughout the consultation process major concern has been expressed about the increased traffic from new development and its impact upon the safety of users of the narrow rural roads in and around the village. This has been further brought into focus by the fact that during the last year outline planning consent for up to 82 houses (all matters including access reserved) has been granted on one of the SHLAA sites:
  • 91% of adult respondents to the NP Survey 2015 consider it important to retain an adequate bus service, although only 14% use it at least once a month.  They would wish to see improved frequency, reliability and timing of bus services, which would in turn increase bus use.
  • Improve bus links and cycle routes to Hitchin.
  • 50% of the young people who responded to the NP Youth Survey 2015 thought that the roads in and around Pirton are safe.

The following plans, documents and strategies support Policies PNP 11, PNP 12 and PNP 13

• The NP Survey 2015
• The NP Youth Survey 2015
• Rural Community Profile for Pirton (Urban Area) 2013.
• Pirton No. 89 bus timetable and HCC Bus Strategy 2011-2031
• Pirton Parish Plan