North Hertfordshire Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Local Plan Consultation Wednesday 19 October 2016 to Wednesday 30 November 2016

With regards to the above planning application I wish to register my strongest possible objections to this development of 660 dwellings adjacent to Copthorne, Luton.

No proper regard seems to have been taken in respect of improving the road infrastructure. The minor alterations listed on the planning application would have little or no effect. The existing roads cannot currently cope with rush hour traffic in the mornings and evenings. Eaton Green Road, Crawley Green Road, A505, East Circular are nearly almost stationary. The road network could not possibly cope with any increase in traffic from any developments built in this area. At peak times it can take up to an hour to get to and from Junction 10 of the M1. There is also the added problem of expansion at Luton Airport which would certainly add to traffic problems.

Many local roads in the vicinity of the proposed site are narrow country lanes with single track stretches and they too would be unable to cope with the increased traffic, particularly public transport vehicles and large vans and lorries which will be required to serve the development.

I noticed on the plans that there are three proposed footpaths, cycle ways adjoining Copthorne to the new estate this will encourage people to use Copthorne as a cut through as well as a safe place to park their vehicles as it says in the plan that there is only one garage/parking per dwelling. As for the ridiculous suggestion that most people will be using cycles and walking, DREAM ON.

I noticed also that surface drainage is going to be collected in three unfenced ponds (SUDS). Government rules state that (SUDS) should not be located close to airports as they could encourage flocks of birds which could endanger aircraft with bird strikes.

I noticed from the layout of the plan that the high density/social housing have been placed closest to the County View estate which mainly consists of 3, 4 and 5 bedroomed detached properties and will most certainly not blend in with these existing properties. I understand that 40% of this development is going to be affordable housing with the possibility of flats which is totally out of character with the area.

I understand that there are no plans for schools or infrastructure upgrades until after the site has been completed. The GP surgeries in the area are over subscribed and one dental surgery is not taking on any new patients. Local schools at Cockernhoe and Wigmore are already over subscribed. The application does not indicate where the additional children will be educated.

I feel that your development, which is in Hertfordshire, should not be entitled to Luton's services and as a local rate payer I should not be subsiding Hertfordshire rate payers. It seems you are dumping all Hertfordshire's problems on the Bedfordshire rate payers. Luton Borough Council have not done any air particulate studies into air quality in our area, in spite of there being a massive airport expansion going ahead. Nor have they conducted traffic studies to address the terrible congestion in the surrounding area.

This development would destroy a large amount of North Herts Green Belt land. Government policy on Green Belt land is completely ignored in this proposal. Green Belt policy is to prevent urban sprawl.

Also, I understand that the area you are proposing to build on is under consideration to be included as an area Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and was at one time Grade 'A' agricultural land but in your latest bulletin this is no longer the case, how convenient.

Many people from the area use the surrounding countryside for recreational purposes, walking, cycling, and taking an interest in the wildlife. The villages of Tea Green and Cockernhoe should not be allowed to be swallowed up by the town of Luton in this way.

Once again I strongly object to any of the proposed developments as this is an overwhelming number of dwellings for such a small area.