Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

We are writing to express our deep concern at the extent of the proposed development identified in the Local Plan for the Parish of Codicote.

We have lived within the parish since 1994 and over the last 20 years have not only enjoyed the benefits of living in a rural environment but have also experienced the impact of development in the area.

Living on the Codicote Road (B656) between Codicote and Welwyn, we find ourselves affected by planning decisions in both Parishes. The B656 has always been an alternative to an overutilised A1(M) for those living north of Hitchin and, more recently the increase in development north of Stevenage (e.g. Biggleswade) has compounded the situation. The marked increase in traffic using the B656 over the last 5 years has not only caused long delays through the village of Codicote but also regular traffic queues stretching from junction 6 of the A1(M) on the south side of the village. In addition to the sheer volume of traffic, the type of vehicle using the road (especially the Codicote quarry lorries) has meant that walking, bicycling and horse riding along this stretch of road is now extremely hazardous and it will only be a matter of time before there is a serious incident. There are already issues with the poor quality of the road surfaces and inaccessibility of the pavements (overgrown and in places impassible due to parked cars) as well as poor maintenance of storm drains leading to recent incidents of flooding along the length of the Codicote Road. The impact of a further 315 houses in Codicote and a similar number proposed in Welwyn would bring the local network to a standstill and impact further on the environment and infrastructure.

However, it is not only the traffic, road safety, maintenance and drainage that is of concern but also the access to local healthcare. Within the last two years we have seen the Bridge Cottage surgery, which serves both Welwyn and Codicote, move from offering a successful daily drop-in surgery to an appointment only service which is over-subscribed and frequently inaccessible. The knock-on effect on the minor injuries unit at the New QEII Hospital and A&E at the Lister Hospital will be exacerbated by these proposed developments unless additional provision of a medical practice is included in any development plan.

Acknowledging the need for additional housing, we strongly believe that the current infrastructure would not support the proposed development for the Parish of Codicote. For the above reasons, we believe that the proposal for Codicote within the North Herts Local Plan is unsound and totally unacceptable. We would therefore like our representation to be considered by any inspector reviewing the proposed plan on behalf of the Government.