MM269 - Page 169 Policy IC2 (ED148B) (ED148C)

It is noted that it proposed to include reference to the preparation of a detailed drainage strategy for this allocation site consistent with the wording including for other allocated sites in the Local Plan.

The wording as proposed is consistent with the requirements of Policy NE10 (as amended) and is fully supported

I agree and support the Plan now calling-out the potential for a significant impact on key aspects of infrastructure in Ickleford, as a result of the planned developments (IC1, IC3 and LS1) - affecting primarily the Bedford Road/Turnpike Lane intersection. However, to future-proof any remedial action undertaken to address this identified challenge, it would be necessary to avoid future cumulative and unplanned for impact resulting from subsequent development in the immediate vicinity. I would therefore ask that this modification is expanded, to reverse the recommendation to expand the current village boundary to the south of Lodge Court/Turnpike Lane and avoid immediate cumulative and unplanned for impact resulting from subsequent development (land which was defined in the 2016 SHLAA as 'not meeting the tests for development).

See Attached

I am writing to you in response to the most recent iteration of the North Herts Local Plan.

I wish to protest in the strongest possible terms the continued failure of the Council to accept the flaws in the plan as well as the flawed process that has been followed in its development, as highlighted by Ickleford Parish Council.

Specifically I wish to object to the impact that the inclusion of sites IC1, IC2 and IC3 and their impact on the whole community in Ickleford and the adjacent villages.

The current house building works at Ickleford Manor and in the village centre together with the large number of house to be built at the Bowmans Mill site, will max out the ability of the village to cope with traffic, drainage and schooling. These sites should be recognised by the North Herts Plan and accepted as the villages' contribution to the required housing numbers. The already dreadful traffic on the A600 at peak times will become unsustainable if IC1, IC2 and IC3 go ahead.

In order to preserve Ickleford as a village distinct from the town of Hitchin it is essential that the designated Green Belt serves the purpose for which it is intended. This is particularly important at the southern end of the village where an already narrow belt and the extremely narrow, at this point, Oughtonhead Local Nature Reserve, provide the only separation that that prevents the village being subsumed into Hitchin. There is no justification to overturn the Green Belt status at IC2.

Ickleford Village is an asset to North Herts. The local plan, as currently written, will cause server damage to the village and the surrounding area.

I request that the Council removed sites IC1, IC2 and IC3 from the plan and seeks to preserve the sustainability of the village of Ickleford.