Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

I am writing to object to the NHDC's Local Plan for Codicote, on the grounds that it has not been positively prepared and is not justified, effective or consistent with the National Policy Planning Framework.

The plan will increase the total area of the village by one third, and not 25 percent as stated, as this would be added to the village of Codicote only and not the Parish of Codicote as a whole, which includes Pottersheath, Danesbury and Nup End . Adding an additional 364 homes (including those with previously granted planning permission) to the current total of around 1500 existing homes, will add between 500 and 1000 extra people to the existing village population of 3500. This will hugely increase traffic into and out of Codicote, which is already congested at peak times, contributing more noise and exhaust pollution to a relatively quiet rural village.

It is also my understanding that Ashill developers intend to submit a planning application for 200 homes on the Heath Lane site and not the 140 homes originally proposed. This does not accord with any sustainability proposals for development in this area.
Demand on local schools, GP services and Hospitals is already very high. Waiting times are up and parents already have difficulty in getting their children into the local JMI school.

Demand for water and drainage facilities are already causing concern as stated by Thames Water. Precious Green Belt land, designed in part to create separation between rural villages, will be lost. Specifically, the development South of Cowards Lane will link the village with the farm next door creating a conurbation between Codicote and Welwyn.

If 14,500 new homes are needed, and that is highly questionable, it would be much better to develop a new Garden City. This has already been proposed and would address the housing and infrastructure requirements for the size of development envisaged by NHDC.

The current plan, if implemented will adversely affect the character of the village of Codicote, taking away the very reasons why people choose to live here. The attractive layout and design, village community, ease of transport, natural environment and good facilities will all suffer under the pressure of the proposed new development.

I am writing to object to the NHDC's Local Plan for Codicote, on the grounds that it has not been positively prepared and is not justified, effective or consistent with the National Policy Planning Framework.

The plan will increase the total area of the village by one third, and not 25 percent as stated, as this would be added to the village of Codicote only and not the Parish of Codicote as a whole, which includes Pottersheath, Danesbury and Nup End . Adding an additional 364 homes (including those with previously granted planning permission) to the current total of around 1500 existing homes, will add between 500 and 1000 extra people to the existing village population of 3500. This will hugely increase traffic into and out of Codicote, which is already congested at peak times, contributing more noise and exhaust pollution to a relatively quiet rural village.

It is also my understanding that Ashill developers intend to submit a planning application for 200 homes on the Heath Lane site and not the 140 homes originally proposed. This does not accord with any sustainability proposals for development in this area.
Demand on local schools, GP services and Hospitals is already very high. Waiting times are up and parents already have difficulty in getting their children into the local JMI school.

Demand for water and drainage facilities are already causing concern as stated by Thames Water. Precious Green Belt land, designed in part to create separation between rural villages, will be lost. Specifically, the development South of Cowards Lane will link the village with the farm next door creating a conurbation between Codicote and Welwyn.

If 14,500 new homes are needed, and that is highly questionable, it would be much better to develop a new Garden City. This has already been proposed and would address the housing and infrastructure requirements for the size of development envisaged by NHDC.

The current plan, if implemented will adversely affect the character of the village of Codicote, taking away the very reasons why people choose to live here. The attractive layout and design, village community, ease of transport, natural environment and good facilities will all suffer under the pressure of the proposed new development.