I am writing to you with reference to BK3 planning application, and the North Hertfordshire Local Plan, to express my concerns about the transparency of the planning and planning review process.

Having received yet another letter from the parish council, following the latest update which shared the request from NHDC to the inspector to remove BK3 from the Local Plan, I now understand that BK3 is still in the plan.

There has been no public correspondence published on the discussion between the Inspector and NHDC on the Draft Schedule of Further Modifications, and no reason published on the Inspector's decision not to remove BK3 from the Local Plan. We have not had a fair or proportionate opportunity to put our collective case against the inclusion of BK3 in the local plan.

Further, there has been a fundamental failure from the beginning on behalf of the developer to engage with the community on the planning process. I am dismayed to have to write to yet again to share concerns in what feels like a drawn out, non transparent and undemocratic process.

Just to reiterate my specific concerns,

- No sustainable transport plan, significant concerns about the volume of traffic that will go down Barkway Road. Particular bottleneck in Royston. As a cyclist, particular concerns about the lack of viable options to either use public transport (no bike friendly bus service), or safely cycle to longer distance public transport option via the Barkway to Royston road. Entirely unclear how this aligns with the governments new plans to reduce carbon emissions in the short term. Aside from public transport concerns, there are not even plans to add in public charging points for electric vehicles.

- NHDC will normally permit development proposals if: The site lies within the main area of the village; and the proposal would maintain or enhance the character or visual quality of the village. NHDC were seeking to move the permitted development boundary of the village to include BK3 without prior consultation with the surrounding area. NHDC are now thankfully requesting BK3 be removed, but we now have the latest twist with this issue of lack of transparency between the NHDC and Inspector.

- Impact on the environment - the proposed site sits on the Chiltern Ridge, in a historic coaching village. New development would not form part of the village, impact on character

- Almost comical lack of local services in the village to support such an increased development. Pub that only serves beer, no shop, small school, inevitable Increased traffic to Barley and Royston (all via road) as a result.

Copying local elected representatives to flag my concerns about lack of transparency and poor governance on this critical planning process.