Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

Following the recent publication of the above document, please find beneath representations to the proposals as they specifically affect the sites in the Parish of Ickleford. For clarity, the site itself is listed, together with the reason(s) why the objection is made:

Site IC1 (Duncots Close) - 9 Homes
1. Building on Green Belt - the site is located on Green Belt and any development would conflict with both National Planning Policy Framework and NHDC's Strategic Objectives on Green Belt. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.
2. Sewerage and Flooding - previous instances of surface flooding of both stormwater and effluent have shown that the main sewerage network cannot cope with the current demand in the village. Therefore adding additional housing in this location will inevitably exacerbate the likelihood and frequency of this issue. Anglian Water is already aware of this issue and have attended many recent Parish Council meetings to answer questions from residents who have been affected. In addition, development would specifically conflict with NHDC policies not to develop in areas prone to flooding, and to reduce the risk of flooding from new developments. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.
3. Traffic - as a largely autonomous document, the NHDC modelling associated with the Local Plan does not take into account the increased traffic from neighbouring local authorities, in particular from Central Bedfordshire associated with the proposed developments including those at RAF Henlow, Lower Stondon and Fairfield Park (among others). In addition, the increased traffic pollution conflicts with NHDC policy on air quality. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.

Site IC2 (Burford Grange) - 40 homes
1. Building on Green Belt - the site is located on Green Belt and any development would conflict with both National Planning Policy Framework and NHDC's Strategic Objectives on Green Belt. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.
2. Traffic - as a largely autonomous document, the NHDC modelling associated with the Local Plan does not take into account the increased traffic from neighbouring local authorities, in particular from Central Bedfordshire associated with the proposed developments including those at RAF Henlow, Lower Stondon and Fairfield Park (among others). In addition, the increased traffic pollution conflicts with NHDC policy on air quality. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.

Site IC3 (Bedford Road) - 150 Homes
1. Building on Green Belt - the site is located on Green Belt and any development would conflict with both National Planning Policy Framework and NHDC's Strategic Objectives on Green Belt. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.
2. Sewerage and Flooding - previous instances of surface flooding of both stormwater and effluent have shown that the main sewerage network cannot cope with the current demand in the village. Therefore adding additional housing in this location will inevitably exacerbate the likelihood and frequency of this issue. Anglian Water is already aware of this issue and have attended many recent Parish Council meetings to answer questions from residents who have been affected. In addition, development would specifically conflict with NHDC policies not to develop in areas prone to flooding, and to reduce the risk of flooding from new developments. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.
3. Traffic - as a largely autonomous document, the NHDC modelling associated with the Local Plan does not take into account the increased traffic from neighbouring local authorities, in particular from Central Bedfordshire associated with the proposed developments including those at RAF Henlow, Lower Stondon and Fairfield Park (among others). In addition, the increased traffic pollution conflicts with NHDC policy on air quality. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.
4. Lack of Proper Consultation - this site was not included in the previous iteration of the Local Plan and therefore hasn't been consulted on formally, either on its own or in the wider context of the other sites. For this reason, it is considered that the Local Plan is "Not Legally Compliant".
5. Relocation of the School - the triumvirate of village school, church and village hall contributes significantly to the character and social fabric of the community of Ickleford. The consequent impact on the village of relocating one of these conflicts with NHDC policy to protect and enhance the historic character of villages. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.

Site LS1 (North Ickleford) - 120 homes (this site is within Ickleford Parish boundary)
1. Traffic - as a largely autonomous document, the NHDC modelling associated with the Local Plan does not take into account the increased traffic from neighbouring local authorities, in particular from Central Bedfordshire associated with the proposed developments including those at RAF Henlow, Lower Stondon and Fairfield Park (among others). In addition, the increased traffic pollution conflicts with NHDC policy on air quality. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.
2. Lack of Proper Consultation - this site was not included in the previous iteration of the Local Plan and therefore hasn't been consulted on formally, either on its own or in the wider context of the other sites. For this reason, it is considered that the Local Plan is "Not Legally Compliant".

Other Objections that apply to all sites:
* No coordination with, or recognition of plans from neighbouring authorities - NHDC have not accounted for any impact associated with the Central Bedfordshire Local Plan. Due to this lack of joined-up approach for what is essentially a National strategic policy may result in unnecessary overdevelopment throughout the region as a whole. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.
* No account of other "approved" developments - the Local Plan does not take into account any recently approved developments, such as the 8 houses on the former Green Man site and an additional 19 proposed at Ickleford Manor.

Whilst not materially related to specific planning issues, I would like to make the additional salient point:
1. Need for additional housing - I recognise that there is a need for additional housing within the local area and am not against development per se. However, this should be in proportion to the size of the community. I believe the proposal for Ickleford is grossly disproportionate and will negatively affect both the quality of life for residents and the intangible character and historic fabric of the village as outlined above.

In summary, I believe that both the specific sites and the overall housing allocation for Ickleford should be reassessed and request that the above information be included in the independent inspector's examination.

Following the recent publication of the above document, please find beneath representations to the proposals as they specifically affect the sites in the Parish of Ickleford. For clarity, the site itself is listed, together with the reason(s) why the objection is made:

Site IC1 (Duncots Close) - 9 Homes
1. Building on Green Belt - the site is located on Green Belt and any development would conflict with both National Planning Policy Framework and NHDC's Strategic Objectives on Green Belt. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.
2. Sewerage and Flooding - previous instances of surface flooding of both stormwater and effluent have shown that the main sewerage network cannot cope with the current demand in the village. Therefore adding additional housing in this location will inevitably exacerbate the likelihood and frequency of this issue. Anglian Water is already aware of this issue and have attended many recent Parish Council meetings to answer questions from residents who have been affected. In addition, development would specifically conflict with NHDC policies not to develop in areas prone to flooding, and to reduce the risk of flooding from new developments. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.
3. Traffic - as a largely autonomous document, the NHDC modelling associated with the Local Plan does not take into account the increased traffic from neighbouring local authorities, in particular from Central Bedfordshire associated with the proposed developments including those at RAF Henlow, Lower Stondon and Fairfield Park (among others). In addition, the increased traffic pollution conflicts with NHDC policy on air quality. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.

Site IC2 (Burford Grange) - 40 homes
1. Building on Green Belt - the site is located on Green Belt and any development would conflict with both National Planning Policy Framework and NHDC's Strategic Objectives on Green Belt. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.
2. Traffic - as a largely autonomous document, the NHDC modelling associated with the Local Plan does not take into account the increased traffic from neighbouring local authorities, in particular from Central Bedfordshire associated with the proposed developments including those at RAF Henlow, Lower Stondon and Fairfield Park (among others). In addition, the increased traffic pollution conflicts with NHDC policy on air quality. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.

Site IC3 (Bedford Road) - 150 Homes
1. Building on Green Belt - the site is located on Green Belt and any development would conflict with both National Planning Policy Framework and NHDC's Strategic Objectives on Green Belt. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.
2. Sewerage and Flooding - previous instances of surface flooding of both stormwater and effluent have shown that the main sewerage network cannot cope with the current demand in the village. Therefore adding additional housing in this location will inevitably exacerbate the likelihood and frequency of this issue. Anglian Water is already aware of this issue and have attended many recent Parish Council meetings to answer questions from residents who have been affected. In addition, development would specifically conflict with NHDC policies not to develop in areas prone to flooding, and to reduce the risk of flooding from new developments. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.
3. Traffic - as a largely autonomous document, the NHDC modelling associated with the Local Plan does not take into account the increased traffic from neighbouring local authorities, in particular from Central Bedfordshire associated with the proposed developments including those at RAF Henlow, Lower Stondon and Fairfield Park (among others). In addition, the increased traffic pollution conflicts with NHDC policy on air quality. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.
4. Lack of Proper Consultation - this site was not included in the previous iteration of the Local Plan and therefore hasn't been consulted on formally, either on its own or in the wider context of the other sites. For this reason, it is considered that the Local Plan is "Not Legally Compliant".
5. Relocation of the School - the triumvirate of village school, church and village hall contributes significantly to the character and social fabric of the community of Ickleford. The consequent impact on the village of relocating one of these conflicts with NHDC policy to protect and enhance the historic character of villages. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.

Site LS1 (North Ickleford) - 120 homes (this site is within Ickleford Parish boundary)
1. Traffic - as a largely autonomous document, the NHDC modelling associated with the Local Plan does not take into account the increased traffic from neighbouring local authorities, in particular from Central Bedfordshire associated with the proposed developments including those at RAF Henlow, Lower Stondon and Fairfield Park (among others). In addition, the increased traffic pollution conflicts with NHDC policy on air quality. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.
2. Lack of Proper Consultation - this site was not included in the previous iteration of the Local Plan and therefore hasn't been consulted on formally, either on its own or in the wider context of the other sites. For this reason, it is considered that the Local Plan is "Not Legally Compliant".

Other Objections that apply to all sites:
* No coordination with, or recognition of plans from neighbouring authorities - NHDC have not accounted for any impact associated with the Central Bedfordshire Local Plan. Due to this lack of joined-up approach for what is essentially a National strategic policy may result in unnecessary overdevelopment throughout the region as a whole. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.
* No account of other "approved" developments - the Local Plan does not take into account any recently approved developments, such as the 8 houses on the former Green Man site and an additional 19 proposed at Ickleford Manor.

Whilst not materially related to specific planning issues, I would like to make the additional salient point:
1. Need for additional housing - I recognise that there is a need for additional housing within the local area and am not against development per se. However, this should be in proportion to the size of the community. I believe the proposal for Ickleford is grossly disproportionate and will negatively affect both the quality of life for residents and the intangible character and historic fabric of the village as outlined above.

In summary, I believe that both the specific sites and the overall housing allocation for Ickleford should be reassessed and request that the above information be included in the independent inspector's examination.

Following the recent publication of the above document, please find beneath representations to the proposals as they specifically affect the sites in the Parish of Ickleford. For clarity, the site itself is listed, together with the reason(s) why the objection is made:

Site IC1 (Duncots Close) - 9 Homes
1. Building on Green Belt - the site is located on Green Belt and any development would conflict with both National Planning Policy Framework and NHDC's Strategic Objectives on Green Belt. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.
2. Sewerage and Flooding - previous instances of surface flooding of both stormwater and effluent have shown that the main sewerage network cannot cope with the current demand in the village. Therefore adding additional housing in this location will inevitably exacerbate the likelihood and frequency of this issue. Anglian Water is already aware of this issue and have attended many recent Parish Council meetings to answer questions from residents who have been affected. In addition, development would specifically conflict with NHDC policies not to develop in areas prone to flooding, and to reduce the risk of flooding from new developments. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.
3. Traffic - as a largely autonomous document, the NHDC modelling associated with the Local Plan does not take into account the increased traffic from neighbouring local authorities, in particular from Central Bedfordshire associated with the proposed developments including those at RAF Henlow, Lower Stondon and Fairfield Park (among others). In addition, the increased traffic pollution conflicts with NHDC policy on air quality. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.

Site IC2 (Burford Grange) - 40 homes
1. Building on Green Belt - the site is located on Green Belt and any development would conflict with both National Planning Policy Framework and NHDC's Strategic Objectives on Green Belt. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.
2. Traffic - as a largely autonomous document, the NHDC modelling associated with the Local Plan does not take into account the increased traffic from neighbouring local authorities, in particular from Central Bedfordshire associated with the proposed developments including those at RAF Henlow, Lower Stondon and Fairfield Park (among others). In addition, the increased traffic pollution conflicts with NHDC policy on air quality. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.

Site IC3 (Bedford Road) - 150 Homes
1. Building on Green Belt - the site is located on Green Belt and any development would conflict with both National Planning Policy Framework and NHDC's Strategic Objectives on Green Belt. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.
2. Sewerage and Flooding - previous instances of surface flooding of both stormwater and effluent have shown that the main sewerage network cannot cope with the current demand in the village. Therefore adding additional housing in this location will inevitably exacerbate the likelihood and frequency of this issue. Anglian Water is already aware of this issue and have attended many recent Parish Council meetings to answer questions from residents who have been affected. In addition, development would specifically conflict with NHDC policies not to develop in areas prone to flooding, and to reduce the risk of flooding from new developments. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.
3. Traffic - as a largely autonomous document, the NHDC modelling associated with the Local Plan does not take into account the increased traffic from neighbouring local authorities, in particular from Central Bedfordshire associated with the proposed developments including those at RAF Henlow, Lower Stondon and Fairfield Park (among others). In addition, the increased traffic pollution conflicts with NHDC policy on air quality. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.
4. Lack of Proper Consultation - this site was not included in the previous iteration of the Local Plan and therefore hasn't been consulted on formally, either on its own or in the wider context of the other sites. For this reason, it is considered that the Local Plan is "Not Legally Compliant".
5. Relocation of the School - the triumvirate of village school, church and village hall contributes significantly to the character and social fabric of the community of Ickleford. The consequent impact on the village of relocating one of these conflicts with NHDC policy to protect and enhance the historic character of villages. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.

Site LS1 (North Ickleford) - 120 homes (this site is within Ickleford Parish boundary)
1. Traffic - as a largely autonomous document, the NHDC modelling associated with the Local Plan does not take into account the increased traffic from neighbouring local authorities, in particular from Central Bedfordshire associated with the proposed developments including those at RAF Henlow, Lower Stondon and Fairfield Park (among others). In addition, the increased traffic pollution conflicts with NHDC policy on air quality. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.
2. Lack of Proper Consultation - this site was not included in the previous iteration of the Local Plan and therefore hasn't been consulted on formally, either on its own or in the wider context of the other sites. For this reason, it is considered that the Local Plan is "Not Legally Compliant".

Other Objections that apply to all sites:
* No coordination with, or recognition of plans from neighbouring authorities - NHDC have not accounted for any impact associated with the Central Bedfordshire Local Plan. Due to this lack of joined-up approach for what is essentially a National strategic policy may result in unnecessary overdevelopment throughout the region as a whole. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.
* No account of other "approved" developments - the Local Plan does not take into account any recently approved developments, such as the 8 houses on the former Green Man site and an additional 19 proposed at Ickleford Manor.

Whilst not materially related to specific planning issues, I would like to make the additional salient point:
1. Need for additional housing - I recognise that there is a need for additional housing within the local area and am not against development per se. However, this should be in proportion to the size of the community. I believe the proposal for Ickleford is grossly disproportionate and will negatively affect both the quality of life for residents and the intangible character and historic fabric of the village as outlined above.

In summary, I believe that both the specific sites and the overall housing allocation for Ickleford should be reassessed and request that the above information be included in the independent inspector's examination.

Following the recent publication of the above document, please find beneath representations to the proposals as they specifically affect the sites in the Parish of Ickleford. For clarity, the site itself is listed, together with the reason(s) why the objection is made:

Site IC1 (Duncots Close) - 9 Homes
1. Building on Green Belt - the site is located on Green Belt and any development would conflict with both National Planning Policy Framework and NHDC's Strategic Objectives on Green Belt. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.
2. Sewerage and Flooding - previous instances of surface flooding of both stormwater and effluent have shown that the main sewerage network cannot cope with the current demand in the village. Therefore adding additional housing in this location will inevitably exacerbate the likelihood and frequency of this issue. Anglian Water is already aware of this issue and have attended many recent Parish Council meetings to answer questions from residents who have been affected. In addition, development would specifically conflict with NHDC policies not to develop in areas prone to flooding, and to reduce the risk of flooding from new developments. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.
3. Traffic - as a largely autonomous document, the NHDC modelling associated with the Local Plan does not take into account the increased traffic from neighbouring local authorities, in particular from Central Bedfordshire associated with the proposed developments including those at RAF Henlow, Lower Stondon and Fairfield Park (among others). In addition, the increased traffic pollution conflicts with NHDC policy on air quality. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.

Site IC2 (Burford Grange) - 40 homes
1. Building on Green Belt - the site is located on Green Belt and any development would conflict with both National Planning Policy Framework and NHDC's Strategic Objectives on Green Belt. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.
2. Traffic - as a largely autonomous document, the NHDC modelling associated with the Local Plan does not take into account the increased traffic from neighbouring local authorities, in particular from Central Bedfordshire associated with the proposed developments including those at RAF Henlow, Lower Stondon and Fairfield Park (among others). In addition, the increased traffic pollution conflicts with NHDC policy on air quality. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.

Site IC3 (Bedford Road) - 150 Homes
1. Building on Green Belt - the site is located on Green Belt and any development would conflict with both National Planning Policy Framework and NHDC's Strategic Objectives on Green Belt. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.
2. Sewerage and Flooding - previous instances of surface flooding of both stormwater and effluent have shown that the main sewerage network cannot cope with the current demand in the village. Therefore adding additional housing in this location will inevitably exacerbate the likelihood and frequency of this issue. Anglian Water is already aware of this issue and have attended many recent Parish Council meetings to answer questions from residents who have been affected. In addition, development would specifically conflict with NHDC policies not to develop in areas prone to flooding, and to reduce the risk of flooding from new developments. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.
3. Traffic - as a largely autonomous document, the NHDC modelling associated with the Local Plan does not take into account the increased traffic from neighbouring local authorities, in particular from Central Bedfordshire associated with the proposed developments including those at RAF Henlow, Lower Stondon and Fairfield Park (among others). In addition, the increased traffic pollution conflicts with NHDC policy on air quality. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.
4. Lack of Proper Consultation - this site was not included in the previous iteration of the Local Plan and therefore hasn't been consulted on formally, either on its own or in the wider context of the other sites. For this reason, it is considered that the Local Plan is "Not Legally Compliant".
5. Relocation of the School - the triumvirate of village school, church and village hall contributes significantly to the character and social fabric of the community of Ickleford. The consequent impact on the village of relocating one of these conflicts with NHDC policy to protect and enhance the historic character of villages. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.

Site LS1 (North Ickleford) - 120 homes (this site is within Ickleford Parish boundary)
1. Traffic - as a largely autonomous document, the NHDC modelling associated with the Local Plan does not take into account the increased traffic from neighbouring local authorities, in particular from Central Bedfordshire associated with the proposed developments including those at RAF Henlow, Lower Stondon and Fairfield Park (among others). In addition, the increased traffic pollution conflicts with NHDC policy on air quality. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.
2. Lack of Proper Consultation - this site was not included in the previous iteration of the Local Plan and therefore hasn't been consulted on formally, either on its own or in the wider context of the other sites. For this reason, it is considered that the Local Plan is "Not Legally Compliant".

Other Objections that apply to all sites:
* No coordination with, or recognition of plans from neighbouring authorities - NHDC have not accounted for any impact associated with the Central Bedfordshire Local Plan. Due to this lack of joined-up approach for what is essentially a National strategic policy may result in unnecessary overdevelopment throughout the region as a whole. The Local Plan is therefore considered "Not Sound" in this regard.
* No account of other "approved" developments - the Local Plan does not take into account any recently approved developments, such as the 8 houses on the former Green Man site and an additional 19 proposed at Ickleford Manor.

Whilst not materially related to specific planning issues, I would like to make the additional salient point:
1. Need for additional housing - I recognise that there is a need for additional housing within the local area and am not against development per se. However, this should be in proportion to the size of the community. I believe the proposal for Ickleford is grossly disproportionate and will negatively affect both the quality of life for residents and the intangible character and historic fabric of the village as outlined above.

In summary, I believe that both the specific sites and the overall housing allocation for Ickleford should be reassessed and request that the above information be included in the independent inspector's examination.