Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

I am writing to register my concerns regarding the planned development in and around the village of Ickleford, with specific reference to the sites IC3 and IC2.
Such a large development would significantly impact the village, affecting the amenities, transport, schooling and the overall character of the village. This would be in conflict with NHDC policy to protect and enhance the historic character of villages in the area. Furthermore, there would be a notable environmental impact; the proposed IC2 site would border Oughtonhead Nature Reservation, and feed traffic onto an already busy road in and out of Hitchin. This is against NHDC policy on transport.
The scale of IC3 development would have even more damaging effects. The existing infrastructure would not be able to cope with the increase in traffic feeding onto the Bedford Road. The concomitant increase in pollution would damage wildlife, and detract from an ancient stopping point along the Icknield Way. 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. The overall character of the village would change in a manner that could not be reversed, as further development would be needed to support the significantly increased population.
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. Focus should be on brownfield sites and under used urban sites, rather than encroaching on greenbelt sites.

I am writing to register my concerns regarding the planned development in and around the village of Ickleford, with specific reference to the sites IC3 and IC2.
Such a large development would significantly impact the village, affecting the amenities, transport, schooling and the overall character of the village. This would be in conflict with NHDC policy to protect and enhance the historic character of villages in the area. Furthermore, there would be a notable environmental impact; the proposed IC2 site would border Oughtonhead Nature Reservation, and feed traffic onto an already busy road in and out of Hitchin. This is against NHDC policy on transport.
The scale of IC3 development would have even more damaging effects. The existing infrastructure would not be able to cope with the increase in traffic feeding onto the Bedford Road. The concomitant increase in pollution would damage wildlife, and detract from an ancient stopping point along the Icknield Way. 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. The overall character of the village would change in a manner that could not be reversed, as further development would be needed to support the significantly increased population.
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. Focus should be on brownfield sites and under used urban sites, rather than encroaching on greenbelt sites.

I am writing to register my concerns regarding the planned development in and around the village of Ickleford, with specific reference to the sites IC3 and IC2.
Such a large development would significantly impact the village, affecting the amenities, transport, schooling and the overall character of the village. This would be in conflict with NHDC policy to protect and enhance the historic character of villages in the area. Furthermore, there would be a notable environmental impact; the proposed IC2 site would border Oughtonhead Nature Reservation, and feed traffic onto an already busy road in and out of Hitchin. This is against NHDC policy on transport.
The scale of IC3 development would have even more damaging effects. The existing infrastructure would not be able to cope with the increase in traffic feeding onto the Bedford Road. The concomitant increase in pollution would damage wildlife, and detract from an ancient stopping point along the Icknield Way. 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. The overall character of the village would change in a manner that could not be reversed, as further development would be needed to support the significantly increased population.
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. Focus should be on brownfield sites and under used urban sites, rather than encroaching on greenbelt sites.

I am writing to register my concerns regarding the planned development in and around the village of Ickleford, with specific reference to the sites IC3 and IC2.
Such a large development would significantly impact the village, affecting the amenities, transport, schooling and the overall character of the village. This would be in conflict with NHDC policy to protect and enhance the historic character of villages in the area. Furthermore, there would be a notable environmental impact; the proposed IC2 site would border Oughtonhead Nature Reservation, and feed traffic onto an already busy road in and out of Hitchin. This is against NHDC policy on transport.
The scale of IC3 development would have even more damaging effects. The existing infrastructure would not be able to cope with the increase in traffic feeding onto the Bedford Road. The concomitant increase in pollution would damage wildlife, and detract from an ancient stopping point along the Icknield Way. 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. The overall character of the village would change in a manner that could not be reversed, as further development would be needed to support the significantly increased population.
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. Focus should be on brownfield sites and under used urban sites, rather than encroaching on greenbelt sites.