We support the fact that the amendments proposed to Policy SP16 go some way towards resolving our objections in relation to infrastructure. The addition of references to sustainable travel, medical infrastructure, retail facilities, more detailed educational requirements and sensitive design related to heritage assets are welcomed.

However, the modifications have still been worded to enable the developers of site NS1 to rely on infrastructure being provided on an entirely separate adjoining allocation in Stevenage Borough. The policies within the Stevenage Borough Local Plan only require the developers of the adjoining site (Policy HO3) to provided infrastructure sufficient to support the Stevenage site (800 homes). This will not be sufficient to serve the NHDC site (900 homes) as well. All other site specific policies within the NHDC Local Plan make specific requirements for retail, education and other infrastructure to be provided on-site. Policy SP16 should follow the same approach.

In terms of primary school provision, this is now even more crucial as Hertfordshire County Council (in responding to the now-submitted planning application for HO3) have advised they require two entirely separate primary schools for the Stevenage and North Herts sites, not one larger school. As such, a 'site-wide' approach would clearly not be appropriate or sound.

We would propose the Modifications are amended, as follows, to reflect these comments. A site-wide solution integrating with the adjoining Stevenage development is appropriate and welcomed for access and sustainable travel, but education, retail and other social infrastructure should be provided on the NHDC site in accordance with the evidence of need used to inform the Local Plan and in line with other site specific policies within the plan - a consistent approach should be taken. This is not a joint allocation with the Stevenage site.

As written, the NHLP is unsound in relation to this issue as it may result in a shortfall of infrastructure to meet the needs resulting from NS1.

We would also maintain our position in relation to consideration of the design principles of Stevenage being included as a requirement of this policy, as has been included in Policy SP15 relating to Letchworth design principles (criterion a. i.) and suggest a new criterion should be added to this policy, as per the below track changes version.

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b. Integration with adjoining development in Stevenage Borough including site-wide solutions for access and sustainable travel to include:
ii. Travel provision designed having regard to the Stevenage Mobility Strategy and including:
* Effective links into the existing pedestrian and cycle, public transport and road networks; and
* an upgraded junction at the intersection of Graveley Road / North Road.
c. 2FE of primary-age education provision;
d. Neighbourhood-level retail facilities subject to an up-to-date assessment of local demand and supply;
e. Other medical and social infrastructure, as necessary, in accordance with an up-to-date assessment of need;
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i. Stevenage design principles should be considered and reflected in any development scheme.