Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

I am emailing regarding the proposed housing sites in Ickleford. We live in Ickleford and are concerned about the proposals for the following reasons.

We are a small historic village where community life focuses in the heart of the village. We fear that relocation of the school (sites IC3) will loose community spirit from the village. The green today is enjoyed by families every day - removal of the school will be a real shame to all that live here and the town will become a busy 'drive through' and conflicts with NHDC policy to protect and enhance the historic character of villages. It was a real shock to hear of this development plan at a recent meeting - a lack of consultation from NHDC and is not legally compliant.

Expanding the village by building on Burford Grange (site IC2) will mean Ickleford will become consumed by North Hitchin. The boundary of one field is a small but very important buffer of greenbelt land as well as a flood plain - building here will put a lot of demand on sewage, flooding and wildlife. The Bedford Road is already a fast and dangerous road with inadequate pavements and crossings. Building on Bedford Road (IC3) also will put huge demand on the the small round about on Turnpike Lane which already causes major congestion issues entering the village - increased traffic here would be a major problem. Pollution, noise and air quality will be affected and for these reasons are 'not sound' and conflicts with NHDC policy on transport.

There are many areas in the centre of Hitchin and Hertfordshire that could be built on and infilled rather than destroying our historic village. The industrial area on Bury Mead Road has masses of derelict industrial buildings - surely these would be of interest before building on unspoilt land?!

I am emailing regarding the proposed housing sites in Ickleford. We live in Ickleford and are concerned about the proposals for the following reasons.

We are a small historic village where community life focuses in the heart of the village. We fear that relocation of the school (sites IC3) will loose community spirit from the village. The green today is enjoyed by families every day - removal of the school will be a real shame to all that live here and the town will become a busy 'drive through' and conflicts with NHDC policy to protect and enhance the historic character of villages. It was a real shock to hear of this development plan at a recent meeting - a lack of consultation from NHDC and is not legally compliant.

Expanding the village by building on Burford Grange (site IC2) will mean Ickleford will become consumed by North Hitchin. The boundary of one field is a small but very important buffer of greenbelt land as well as a flood plain - building here will put a lot of demand on sewage, flooding and wildlife. The Bedford Road is already a fast and dangerous road with inadequate pavements and crossings. Building on Bedford Road (IC3) also will put huge demand on the the small round about on Turnpike Lane which already causes major congestion issues entering the village - increased traffic here would be a major problem. Pollution, noise and air quality will be affected and for these reasons are 'not sound' and conflicts with NHDC policy on transport.

There are many areas in the centre of Hitchin and Hertfordshire that could be built on and infilled rather than destroying our historic village. The industrial area on Bury Mead Road has masses of derelict industrial buildings - surely these would be of interest before building on unspoilt land?!