Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

As a resident of Ashwell, I am writing to you to object to the settlement boundary extension in Ashwell to include the Claybush Rd (site AS1) for 33 houses for the following reasons:

Site AS1 fails to meet the requirements for highway safety to protect pedestrians and other road users as defined in both the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and NHDC's own current and emerging planning policy for Highway Safety. (Policy T1)

Site AS1 fails to meet the requirements to protect valued landscapes. The site in within the North Baldock Chalk Uplands Character Area and development is restricted under National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and NHDC's own local planning policy, both current and emerging.

Site AS1 fails to meet the requirements to protect the historic environment. The site is within the setting of the scheduled ancient monument Arbury Banks and is protected by NPPF and NHDC policy. (SP13, para 4.151)

NHDC has failed to consult on the proposals to extend the settlement boundary in locations other than AS1 (within which there would be a presumption in favour of development; Policy SP2).

Finally we are in danger of destroying what it means to live in a village by expanding and expanding our villages until they become towns, and then in due course there will simply be a merging of these towns with the consequence that Southern and Eastern England is finally concreted over.

I look forward to receiving an acknowledgement of my objections.