I am writing to the planning inspector to express concerns about the Proposed Local Plan 2011-2031 and its impact on Ickleford and Hitchin.
For sites IC1, IC2, IC3 and LS1 increased traffic from the proposed housing in Lower Stondon and Ickleford is a concern. Traffic currently queues along Bedford Road in Hitchin at peak times, and drivers use Turnpike Lane and Arlesey Road in Ickleford as a detour. Traffic also queues in peak time along Arlesey Road in the village towards Hitchin. No current provisions have been made for an increase in traffic on the Bedford Road in Hitchin or in Ickleford village. My eldest child now attends secondary school in Hitchin as do many other children in Ickleford and there is nothing in the proposals which indicate that this journey will be improved. Cycling towards Hitchin is currently busy and often dangerous there are is no provision in the plans which would improve safety for cyclists.
For site IC3 the closure of Ickleford school will result in loss of an important heritage site in the village which is situated next to the conservation area of Upper Green. Our children have flourished and benefited both academically and socially at Ickleford school due to its size, facilities, quality of teaching and traditions and its closure and would result in the loss of a successful, well respected and expertly lead village school.