Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

I wish to register my concern that although Ashwell Parish Council identified the need for small, affordable housing within our existing village boundary, and in spite of the fact that suitable building sites were identified to suit the needs of the young and elderly in particular, and they comply with the quota, you have chosen to completely ignore the wishes of our village on this very important matter.

To extend our existing village boundary without our wishes, in order to presumably build, is undemocratic. To allow building to take place on such an unsuitable site is beyond belief. Vehicle access to Claybush Road has already been deemed unsafe. Pedestrian routes to the village from any point is positively dangerous, especially for the young and elderly who need level ground and safe pavements on which to walk to school and the village centre. Also, the proposed site extends to Arbury Banks and would therefore adversely effect our historic environment.

In view of the above, I consider the proposals to be unsound as they do not meet National and NHDC planning policy on highway safety; unjustified, when more suitable sites within the village boundary have been suggested by the parish council; ineffective in terms of satisfying village housing needs for the young and elderly and inconsistent with Nation Policy regarding Highway safety and the need to protect our historic environment. I therefore ask that you reconsider your proposals and comply with the democratic wishes of the majority of Ashwell parishioners.

I wish to register my concern that although Ashwell Parish Council identified the need for small, affordable housing within our existing village boundary, and in spite of the fact that suitable building sites were identified to suit the needs of the young and elderly in particular, and they comply with the quota, you have chosen to completely ignore the wishes of our village on this very important matter.

To extend our existing village boundary without our wishes, in order to presumably build, is undemocratic. To allow building to take place on such an unsuitable site is beyond belief. Vehicle access to Claybush Road has already been deemed unsafe. Pedestrian routes to the village from any point is positively dangerous, especially for the young and elderly who need level ground and safe pavements on which to walk to school and the village centre. Also, the proposed site extends to Arbury Banks and would therefore adversely effect our historic environment.

In view of the above, I consider the proposals to be unsound as they do not meet National and NHDC planning policy on highway safety; unjustified, when more suitable sites within the village boundary have been suggested by the parish council; ineffective in terms of satisfying village housing needs for the young and elderly and inconsistent with Nation Policy regarding Highway safety and the need to protect our historic environment. I therefore ask that you reconsider your proposals and comply with the democratic wishes of the majority of Ashwell parishioners.