Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

We object to the allocations at Codicote on the basis of their impact on infrastructure and Environment. The plan proposes increasing the number of dwellings by more than 20%, A number which could be further increased by developer proposals. i.e. Ashill Group have suggested 200 dwellings on Site CD5 against the 140 in the NHDC local plan proposal.

1. INFASTRUCTURE
1.1. Traffic. The report prepared by Railton TPC Ltd on behalf of Save Rural Codicote highlights the issues around congestion at peak times, lack of parking and safety concerns, It concludes that Codicote is by far, the least sustainable location as a location for new development and does not minimise the need to travel or maximise the use of sustainable transport modes and the proposed development at Codicote is not, therefore, compliant with paragraph 34 of the NPPF.
1.2. Services. The proposed increase in dwellings will place a significant increase on the already overstretched services such as health care and schooling. Expanding the school next to its current physically constrained site will further increase congestion around peak times in the nearby roads.

2. ENVIRONMENT
2.1. Greenbelt. Part of the plan proposes development on greenbelt. This does not fall within 'exceptional circumstances' and should be classified as inappropriate development.
2.2. Scale. The scale of the proposals has a disproportionate impact on Codicote, is out of context with the rural surroundings and will significantly change the character of the village.