Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

I am writing to object to the proposed Local Plan 2011-2031 that NHDC has recently submitted for consultation. As a resident of Letchworth Garden City I do not feel that any of the plan relating to Letchworth and surrounding areas is in line with current Garden City developments or historic character housing.
Section 4.187 of the plan comments that "Letchworth holds a special place as the world's first garden city. Although development of the town to Ebenezer Howard's original vision of 32,000 residents has been achieved, it is considered there remains scope for a sensitive extension of the town to the north, which respects the town's original ideals while making provision for the needs of the 21st Century. "
This area, marked as LG1 in the plan is north of the Grange. This area of the town is GREENBELT LAND. The proposed area of development expands the town to nearer to Stotfold and comes within 50m of Bedfordshire border at Fairfield Park. This is such a huge development that I wonder if thought has really been given to how the town will cope with such an influx in its population? Doctors, dentists, schools and other amenities will be required. Along with the increase of traffic through the Estate (estimated at 3000-6000 vehicles) the pollution levels of the town will rocket - this is totally against the councils own policies!
It also alarms me greatly that NHDC are considering building on GREENBELT land. Land that has historically been there to preserve the green nature of our towns and cities. Surely it is well known that councils no longer need to invade greenbelt land to meet housing needs??
The true local need of housing in North Hertfordshire (as determined by Consultants for the Council) is 6000 new dwellings. Why then, does the Local plan suggest 12000? DOUBLE WHAT THE STATED NEED ACTUALLY REQUIRES.
Building on Greenbelt should be a last resort. We should utilise all the brownfield sites around the town (of which there are several - Icknield Way East, Radburn Way, Station Road, The Wynd and Arena Parade) In particular I would prefer to see the Wynd and Station Road shops redeveloped to include flats above.
Other developments in the north of Letchworth will also have a negative impact to the town. Building 37 houses on the old Norton School playing field (LG10) will negatively impact the conservation area within Norton and Norton Pond. Massively increased traffic around Cashio Lane, Croft Lane and Norton Road will be detrimental to the toads in the pond. The area is also prone to flooding and the field is a flood plain. Building houses on this area will be an unwise move. The field is also a relatively small areas -and packing 37 houses onto it will not be in keeping with the character heritage houses which surround the field and which the Heritage Foundation fight so hard to keep looking the same as when they were built!
Ton conclude, we need to be creative with our housing - not tacking huge developments on to the top of the town without a creative thought or process behind it. Not squashing houses onto every green space we can find regardless of wildlife! We need to save our green fields for future generations to enjoy. We should not build houses that are not currently required just because we can. We need to think about how to meet the need for local housing in a unique, creative and inspirational way. We should follow the example of Ebenezer Howard and create a Garden City nearby - a town that we can be proud of. A town that is not crowded, busy, polluted and without character!

I am writing to object to the proposed Local Plan 2011-2031 that NHDC has recently submitted for consultation. As a resident of Letchworth Garden City I do not feel that any of the plan relating to Letchworth and surrounding areas is in line with current Garden City developments or historic character housing.
Section 4.187 of the plan comments that "Letchworth holds a special place as the world's first garden city. Although development of the town to Ebenezer Howard's original vision of 32,000 residents has been achieved, it is considered there remains scope for a sensitive extension of the town to the north, which respects the town's original ideals while making provision for the needs of the 21st Century. "
This area, marked as LG1 in the plan is north of the Grange. This area of the town is GREENBELT LAND. The proposed area of development expands the town to nearer to Stotfold and comes within 50m of Bedfordshire border at Fairfield Park. This is such a huge development that I wonder if thought has really been given to how the town will cope with such an influx in its population? Doctors, dentists, schools and other amenities will be required. Along with the increase of traffic through the Estate (estimated at 3000-6000 vehicles) the pollution levels of the town will rocket - this is totally against the councils own policies!
It also alarms me greatly that NHDC are considering building on GREENBELT land. Land that has historically been there to preserve the green nature of our towns and cities. Surely it is well known that councils no longer need to invade greenbelt land to meet housing needs??
The true local need of housing in North Hertfordshire (as determined by Consultants for the Council) is 6000 new dwellings. Why then, does the Local plan suggest 12000? DOUBLE WHAT THE STATED NEED ACTUALLY REQUIRES.
Building on Greenbelt should be a last resort. We should utilise all the brownfield sites around the town (of which there are several - Icknield Way East, Radburn Way, Station Road, The Wynd and Arena Parade) In particular I would prefer to see the Wynd and Station Road shops redeveloped to include flats above.
Other developments in the north of Letchworth will also have a negative impact to the town. Building 37 houses on the old Norton School playing field (LG10) will negatively impact the conservation area within Norton and Norton Pond. Massively increased traffic around Cashio Lane, Croft Lane and Norton Road will be detrimental to the toads in the pond. The area is also prone to flooding and the field is a flood plain. Building houses on this area will be an unwise move. The field is also a relatively small areas -and packing 37 houses onto it will not be in keeping with the character heritage houses which surround the field and which the Heritage Foundation fight so hard to keep looking the same as when they were built!
Ton conclude, we need to be creative with our housing - not tacking huge developments on to the top of the town without a creative thought or process behind it. Not squashing houses onto every green space we can find regardless of wildlife! We need to save our green fields for future generations to enjoy. We should not build houses that are not currently required just because we can. We need to think about how to meet the need for local housing in a unique, creative and inspirational way. We should follow the example of Ebenezer Howard and create a Garden City nearby - a town that we can be proud of. A town that is not crowded, busy, polluted and without character!