4 Strategic Policies

Policy SP1(a): Sustainable Development in North Hertfordshire:
This part of the policy is supported. This is because maintaining the role of the key settlements both within and adjoining (i.e. North Stevenage) the District as the main focus for housing, employment and new development is the most sustainable approach and is consistent with the guidance in both the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the Government's web-based Planning Practice Guidance (PPG).

Policy SP1(b): Sustainable Development in North Hertfordshire:
This part of the policy is supported. This is because Item (b) sets out an appropriate framework to guide development proposals on the allocated sites, and is consistent with the guidance in both the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the Government's web-based Planning Practice Guidance (PPG).

I hope the expansion will include a high quality village for the elderly. Which will include leisure facilities so that people can continue to live in the area and maintain a good quality of life.

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I wish to object to the allocation of the site of SP2 for inclusion in the local plan.

This site is preferred to be allocated as Green Belt and this is supported by the Parish Council and residents. This site is needed to mitigate for Green Belt losses elsewhere in the District.

The NPPF require that local people should be included in taking decisions in forming their surroundings and this is stated in paragraph 150. This emerging local plan has not been inclusive of our local community. The Planning department are insistent on recommending this plan despite widespread objection, environmental and flooding concerns, no sewerage capacity and an identified negative visual impact on the area. Additionally this site has had a refusal by the Planning Committee in August 2016.

I would like to object to chapter 13 for SP2. This site is not sustainable. The planning department require sustainable drainage and any development here would have an unacceptable impact on the visual aspect of the area. Unsustainable pumps and tanks are not a solution.

I would like to add my objection to chapter 13. This site has a known and identified risk of surface water flooding and the NPPF states that development should be steered away from areas at risk.

I further point out and object to Chapter 13 by noting that there is no need for the site to be allocated to meet the housing need. This site has been added at a late stage without due consideration and without reasonable alternatives. Importantly, this allocation is against the Council's evidence that large extensions in the small village of Whitwell (only 371 homes currently) would have a negative and unacceptable visual impact to the surrounding countryside.

I would also like to object to Chapter 4. This plan is not sound because the isolated villages have no facilities and very little public transport (one bus per hour and no direct links to Harpenden). The NHDC should use travel to work patterns to better understand lifestyle trends and to establish sustainability of a village.

Most fundamentally, and objecting to Chapter 4, this plan is not sound as it provides too much housing that would be of detriment to the beautiful open valley countryside that attracts walkers and cyclists to relax and enjoy.

SP2 should be removed from this plan and instead be given over to Green Belt and alternative sites that do not have such limiting constraints should be investigated.

We would like to make it known that whilst we feel that building a few houses is acceptable and protocol, the current bid and scale of building is very unfair and unsustainable.

Why is all this building work going on in just our area of North Hertfordshire. Surely a more fair system is that the entire borough have some housing thus splitting the impact of so many new houses.

Please please think of all us ordinary folk in the area who love north `hertfordshire so much and would really suffer if all the proposed houses were built here.

Would it be possible for you to explain why there are so many new houses being proposed in our area against other areas and what rights you have to impact on all of our lives in this way.

I would really appreciate some clarity on this.

Please be kind to your loyal public
I await your response

Culture and the Local Plan
I would argue that arts, culture and heritage be included as a key Strategic Priority in the North Herts. Local Plan. In recent years culture, arts and sport have been widely used to drive regeneration, build cohesive communities and change the way that places are perceived.
Arts Council England and the Department of Culture Media & Sport are both currently promoting the role culture has in building stronger, healthier and more cohesive communities. A good cultural life is an economic draw to an area; 'Culture Drives Growth' is the title of the East's Cultural Strategy 2016 -2022.
Our history, culture and heritage contribute significantly to the character, sense of place and appeal of North Herts.; it is what makes this district special. The new North Herts. Museum in Hitchin; the Broadway Gallery, Theatre and Cinema in Letchworth; the Queen Mother Theatre and the Benslow Music Trust in Hitchin; the North Herts. Leisure Centre in Letchworth are all examples of the excellent and improving cultural facilities we have in the District. Our natural landscapes play a significant role in improving the quality of life for residents, and the archaeological heritage of the District is exceptional, and should be cherished.
The North Herts. Museum Service engages with communities of all kinds and all ages throughout the District. Once the new museum is open it will do even more to ensure that heritage and culture is embedded in the daily life of residents and visitors, improving their health and well-being, and adding to their quality of life. I hope that the Local Plan will recognise the importance of culture and heritage to this area.

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