Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

I am writing to register my concerns over the planned development in and around the village of Ickleford, with specific reference to the proposed IC3 and IC2 sites.

Such a large development would have a significant impact on the village, affecting the amenities, transport, schooling and the overall character of the village, conflicting with NHDC policy to protect and enhance the historic character of villages. Furthermore, it would have a profoundly negative impact environmentally; the IC2 site would border Oughtonhead Nature Reservation, and feed traffic onto an already busy road into/out of Hitchin. This is against NHDC policy on transport.

The IC3 development is even worse; again, there would be a significant increase in traffic feeding onto the Bedford Road, which the infrastructure cannot cope with. There would be increased pollution, huge damage to wildlife and established flora and fauna, and would destroy the ancient Icknield Way. Furthermore, the school is a central focal point of the village, and plans to move the site away are not viable, as access would be a nightmare and moving it from the centre of the village would encourage vehicle use to reach it, once again resulting in heavy traffic and environmental problems, against NHDC policy on air quality. It would also completely change the feel of Ickleford as the school is at the heart of the our village situated on the green and would be a terrible loss to our community if it were it in that position.

Both the IC2 and IC3 sites are situated near rivers and water meadows, at high risk of flooding, and experts advise against building in areas prone to flooding.

I feel that no proper research has been done as to the highly negative impact these developments would have on Ickleford and, by extension, Hitchin.

I am writing to register my concerns over the planned development in and around the village of Ickleford, with specific reference to the proposed IC3 and IC2 sites.

Such a large development would have a significant impact on the village, affecting the amenities, transport, schooling and the overall character of the village, conflicting with NHDC policy to protect and enhance the historic character of villages. Furthermore, it would have a profoundly negative impact environmentally; the IC2 site would border Oughtonhead Nature Reservation, and feed traffic onto an already busy road into/out of Hitchin. This is against NHDC policy on transport.

The IC3 development is even worse; again, there would be a significant increase in traffic feeding onto the Bedford Road, which the infrastructure cannot cope with. There would be increased pollution, huge damage to wildlife and established flora and fauna, and would destroy the ancient Icknield Way. Furthermore, the school is a central focal point of the village, and plans to move the site away are not viable, as access would be a nightmare and moving it from the centre of the village would encourage vehicle use to reach it, once again resulting in heavy traffic and environmental problems, against NHDC policy on air quality. It would also completely change the feel of Ickleford as the school is at the heart of the our village situated on the green and would be a terrible loss to our community if it were it in that position.

Both the IC2 and IC3 sites are situated near rivers and water meadows, at high risk of flooding, and experts advise against building in areas prone to flooding.

I feel that no proper research has been done as to the highly negative impact these developments would have on Ickleford and, by extension, Hitchin.