Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

Paragraph 13.155 - Ickleford exists as a village and community in its own right, but its close proximity to Hitchin affords easy access to the higher order facilities therein by foot, bike or public transport as alternatives to private motor vehicles. Indeed, the village is closer, and has easier access, to the town centre of Hitchin, than some of the towns own suburbs.

As a longstanding "Excluded Village" reclassification of Ickleford as one of the Category A villages is commended, as is the allocation of housing sites and the redefining and extension of the settlement boundary with the Green Belt, whilst still preserving the gap with Hitchin along the River Oughton.

The identification of Site IC1 - Duncotts Close, for 9 dwellings, is supported. This site has featured throughout the site allocations/SHLAA process and, for the avoidance of doubt, it remains suitable, available and deliverable in the Plan period.
Mindful of the Regulation 18 consultation statement comments and in response to the three subsequent policy bullet points, numbers 1 and 3 (drainage and archaeology) are in principle appropriate and reasonable as pre-development caveats. The second point, relating to views from the Parish Church, presumably to and across the site, are not readily understood bearing in mind levels, orientation and the intervening vegetation and buildings. Needless to say, the detailed design and layout of the site would have regard to existing surrounding development, the nearby Conservation Area and any Listed buildings therein.