Personally, I believe in green belt. It should be cherished and preserved for the future of our children. I therefore make the following points against the proposed development at Cockenhoe.
* Why are the council considering this huge development at Cockernhoe, in an area already blighted by noise and air pollution, which is only going to get worse, as Luton Airport expands?
* Why has the council chosen to expand a village of 200 houses, by building more than 2,000 houses? Similar plans for Codicote (a nearby village) of 1,500 homes, are to get just 73 new homes. Cockernhoe has only recently been expanded by some 20 homes which is in keeping for such a small country hamlet.
* A development of these proportions require more infrastructure than is being proposed. Hertfordshire County Council and the Developer should be encouraged to improve the access to Cockernhoe village, to and from the north, via Chalk Hill and the Lilly Bottom road, to the A505 prior to any development.
* All of the benefits of this development will go to North Hertfordshire Council the land owners and developers. There are no advantages for the Borough of Luton and residents, who will have their facilities and infrastructure overwhelmed; and not a penny in council tax revenue. If this land were ever to be developed, it would be fairer to allow Luton Borough Council to purchase the land and make the appropriate development, within its own boundaries.
* Where are the schools, doctors, shops, roads and parking for all the cars; not to mention the 4,000 to 6,000 people, who my live in these new homes?