Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

I wish to register my objections to site IC3 and IC2 and LS1, as follows:

1) Lack of proper consultation

The Preferred Options Plan on which the public were consulted included only sites IC1 and IC2. The proposed Local Plan now includes the new site IC3, three times as large as the other two put together. Development of this site would dramatically increase the population of the village and fundamentally change its character. For this reason I consider the proposed Local Plan for site IC3 'not legally compliant' as no opportunity for prior public consultation on this site has been given.

2) Relocation of Ickleford Primary School

Ickleford Primary School is a key element in the historic centre of the village, contributing greatly to the village atmosphere and sense of community. The impact on these of relocating the School to a new site distant from the historic centre would be significantly detrimental, and conflicts with NHDC policy to protect and enhance the historic character of villages. For this reason I consider the Local Plan for site IC3 is "Not Sound".

3) Traffic

The development of sites IC3, IC2 and LS1 would create very substantial extra traffic, along the A600 and also through the village towards Letchworth. The bland statement in section 1.158 of the Plan does not appear to reflect this adequately, particularly as no account appears to be taken of other possible developments in Central Bedfordshire such as that on the RAF Henlow site. The Plan is required to take account of the plans of nearby authorities. For these reasons I consider it is 'Not Sound'.

I wish to register my objections to site IC3 and IC2 and LS1, as follows:

1) Lack of proper consultation

The Preferred Options Plan on which the public were consulted included only sites IC1 and IC2. The proposed Local Plan now includes the new site IC3, three times as large as the other two put together. Development of this site would dramatically increase the population of the village and fundamentally change its character. For this reason I consider the proposed Local Plan for site IC3 'not legally compliant' as no opportunity for prior public consultation on this site has been given.

2) Relocation of Ickleford Primary School

Ickleford Primary School is a key element in the historic centre of the village, contributing greatly to the village atmosphere and sense of community. The impact on these of relocating the School to a new site distant from the historic centre would be significantly detrimental, and conflicts with NHDC policy to protect and enhance the historic character of villages. For this reason I consider the Local Plan for site IC3 is "Not Sound".

3) Traffic

The development of sites IC3, IC2 and LS1 would create very substantial extra traffic, along the A600 and also through the village towards Letchworth. The bland statement in section 1.158 of the Plan does not appear to reflect this adequately, particularly as no account appears to be taken of other possible developments in Central Bedfordshire such as that on the RAF Henlow site. The Plan is required to take account of the plans of nearby authorities. For these reasons I consider it is 'Not Sound'.

I wish to register my objections to site IC3 and IC2 and LS1, as follows:

1) Lack of proper consultation

The Preferred Options Plan on which the public were consulted included only sites IC1 and IC2. The proposed Local Plan now includes the new site IC3, three times as large as the other two put together. Development of this site would dramatically increase the population of the village and fundamentally change its character. For this reason I consider the proposed Local Plan for site IC3 'not legally compliant' as no opportunity for prior public consultation on this site has been given.

2) Relocation of Ickleford Primary School

Ickleford Primary School is a key element in the historic centre of the village, contributing greatly to the village atmosphere and sense of community. The impact on these of relocating the School to a new site distant from the historic centre would be significantly detrimental, and conflicts with NHDC policy to protect and enhance the historic character of villages. For this reason I consider the Local Plan for site IC3 is "Not Sound".

3) Traffic

The development of sites IC3, IC2 and LS1 would create very substantial extra traffic, along the A600 and also through the village towards Letchworth. The bland statement in section 1.158 of the Plan does not appear to reflect this adequately, particularly as no account appears to be taken of other possible developments in Central Bedfordshire such as that on the RAF Henlow site. The Plan is required to take account of the plans of nearby authorities. For these reasons I consider it is 'Not Sound'.