Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

We are writing to object to the proposed Local Plan 2011-2031 that NHDC has recently submitted for consultation. As a resident of Letchworth Garden City I do not feel that any of the plan relating to Letchworth has been accessed adequately with respect to impact on local infrastructure - schools, traffic load and environmental. Furthermore, the plans are not in line with current Garden City developments or historic character housing.
Section 4.187 of the plan comments that "Letchworth holds a special place as the world's first garden city. Although development of the town to Ebenezer Howard's original vision of 32,000 residents has been achieved, it is considered there remains scope for a sensitive extension of the town to the north, which respects the town's original ideals while making provision for the needs of the 21st Century."
The area, marked as LG1 in the plan is North of the Grange is GREENBELT LAND. The proposed area of development expands the town to nearer to Stotfold and comes within 50m of Bedfordshire border at Fairfield Park. This is such a huge development that I wonder if thought has really been given to how the town will cope with such an influx in its population? Doctors, dentists, schools and other amenities will be required. Traffic between Stotfold and Norton has already seen a dramatic increase since we moved to the area in 2012, with increased traffic speeds and indeed accidents. This area can not contain further development. Additionally with the increase of traffic through the Estate (estimated at 3000-6000 vehicles) the pollution levels of the town will greatly increase.
As a resident it also concerns me greatly that NHDC are considering building on GREENBELT land. Land that has historically been there to preserve the green nature of our towns and cities. Surely it is well known that councils no longer need to invade greenbelt land to meet housing needs??
The true local need of housing in North Hertfordshire (as determined by Consultants for the Council) is 6000 new dwellings. Why then, does the Local plan suggest 12000? DOUBLE WHAT THE STATED NEED ACTUALLY REQUIRES. This strikes of purely a fund raising exercise.
Building on Greenbelt should be a last resort. We should utilise all the brownfield sites around the town (of which there are several - Icknield Way East, Radburn Way, Station Road, The Wynd and Arena Parade) In particular I would prefer to see the Wynd and Station Road shops redeveloped to include flats above.

Also of great concern to our family is the proposed building of 37 houses on the old Norton School playing field (LG10). I can see no logical argument that can show 37 properties will positively impact housing shortages. This is clearly a money making exercise by NHDC. It will have a huge negative impact on the conservation area within Norton and Norton Pond. Massively increased traffic on the small roads of Cashio and Croft Lane and increase traffic on Norton Road, which is already far busier than a residential road should be. The school field is also rich with wildlife and plants (Woodpeckers, Herons, King Fishers, Foxes and Deer) and an area of beauty for the residents of Cashio Lane, Croft Lane and Norton Road. Additionally the area is also prone to flooding and the field is a flood plain. Building houses on this area will be an unwise move. The field is also a relatively small areas -and packing 37 houses onto it will not be in keeping with the character heritage houses which surround the field and which the Heritage Foundation fight so hard to keep looking the same as when they were built!

I agree there is a need to provide access to affordable housing for all, however the plans laid out in the North Hertfordshire District Council 3 Local Plan 2011-2031 are way above local needs will destroy GREENBELT and areas of natural beauty and have a massive negative impact on the local infrastructure of Letchworth and surrounding area. We are completely against these plans.

We are writing to object to the proposed Local Plan 2011-2031 that NHDC has recently submitted for consultation. As a resident of Letchworth Garden City I do not feel that any of the plan relating to Letchworth has been accessed adequately with respect to impact on local infrastructure - schools, traffic load and environmental. Furthermore, the plans are not in line with current Garden City developments or historic character housing.
Section 4.187 of the plan comments that "Letchworth holds a special place as the world's first garden city. Although development of the town to Ebenezer Howard's original vision of 32,000 residents has been achieved, it is considered there remains scope for a sensitive extension of the town to the north, which respects the town's original ideals while making provision for the needs of the 21st Century."
The area, marked as LG1 in the plan is North of the Grange is GREENBELT LAND. The proposed area of development expands the town to nearer to Stotfold and comes within 50m of Bedfordshire border at Fairfield Park. This is such a huge development that I wonder if thought has really been given to how the town will cope with such an influx in its population? Doctors, dentists, schools and other amenities will be required. Traffic between Stotfold and Norton has already seen a dramatic increase since we moved to the area in 2012, with increased traffic speeds and indeed accidents. This area can not contain further development. Additionally with the increase of traffic through the Estate (estimated at 3000-6000 vehicles) the pollution levels of the town will greatly increase.
As a resident it also concerns me greatly that NHDC are considering building on GREENBELT land. Land that has historically been there to preserve the green nature of our towns and cities. Surely it is well known that councils no longer need to invade greenbelt land to meet housing needs??
The true local need of housing in North Hertfordshire (as determined by Consultants for the Council) is 6000 new dwellings. Why then, does the Local plan suggest 12000? DOUBLE WHAT THE STATED NEED ACTUALLY REQUIRES. This strikes of purely a fund raising exercise.
Building on Greenbelt should be a last resort. We should utilise all the brownfield sites around the town (of which there are several - Icknield Way East, Radburn Way, Station Road, The Wynd and Arena Parade) In particular I would prefer to see the Wynd and Station Road shops redeveloped to include flats above.

Also of great concern to our family is the proposed building of 37 houses on the old Norton School playing field (LG10). I can see no logical argument that can show 37 properties will positively impact housing shortages. This is clearly a money making exercise by NHDC. It will have a huge negative impact on the conservation area within Norton and Norton Pond. Massively increased traffic on the small roads of Cashio and Croft Lane and increase traffic on Norton Road, which is already far busier than a residential road should be. The school field is also rich with wildlife and plants (Woodpeckers, Herons, King Fishers, Foxes and Deer) and an area of beauty for the residents of Cashio Lane, Croft Lane and Norton Road. Additionally the area is also prone to flooding and the field is a flood plain. Building houses on this area will be an unwise move. The field is also a relatively small areas -and packing 37 houses onto it will not be in keeping with the character heritage houses which surround the field and which the Heritage Foundation fight so hard to keep looking the same as when they were built!

I agree there is a need to provide access to affordable housing for all, however the plans laid out in the North Hertfordshire District Council 3 Local Plan 2011-2031 are way above local needs will destroy GREENBELT and areas of natural beauty and have a massive negative impact on the local infrastructure of Letchworth and surrounding area. We are completely against these plans.