Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

We reside in Area LG1 and write understanding that North Herts District Council Cabinet approved the Local Plan which is now in the Pre-submission stage, we respond in order to register our objections to the Plan. In brief:
1. The South of England is already over-developed. There are strains on local services (already badly affected by the political choice of "austerity" to extend viability of banks and their instruments) and also on transport. Yet parts of the North are deprived. What is needed is a more informed regional development policy to rebalance the North-South divide, before this starts to affect cohesion.
2. Government policy clearly states there must be 'very exceptional circumstances' plus 'the support of the community' for development on the green belt. None of the 10 local plans proposed in Herts have demonstrated 'very special circumstances'.
3. We read that population in North Hertfordshire - based on pre-Brexit projections - is expected to increase of 0.34 per cent per year, for 20 years. Even this suggests a housing "need" of 3,750 additional homes. However, 4,340 homes have already been completed or have permission. We question the justification for 1,600 further homes.
4. Specific to Area LG1, the land north of Letchworth is a valuable countryside resource and resort, as advocated by Howard's principles: one of which was "countryside near at hand". Look at the images. It is of ecological and biodiversity interest too. The separation between Letchworth and Stotfold is already depleted and this large incursion will likely mark the end of these as discrete conurbations. merging of Hitchin to Letchworth and Baldock is another example. Excuses will then be made to build right up to the highways. Why should "countryside near at hand" be lost ? Why should Howard's principles be abandoned and were those better informed about the long term sustainability of towns ?
5. There is potential in ex-industrial sites, as demonstrated in Letchworth, to preserve countryside. But this does not appear to be part of the plan. It seems it must be big, and designed for large developers. This disadvantages smaller developers and actively reduces variety in the built environment. Variety in the built stock is made a virtue in Letchworth.
6. There need to be public transport and employment improvements. Data shows a large proportion travelling out of Letchworth to work. Since the Fairfield development, Cowslip Hill has become a chicaned car park. Area LG1 would put further stress on parking to connect with rail, increase overcrowding on trains (the only solution there appears to be longer trains) and intensify local road traffic. Importantly it would also increase road traffic noise and pollution, both recognised to have health impacts.
7. Much has been made of developing the A1 corridor. Frequent correspondents note the increasing intensity of RTAs and blockages on the A1. It is difficult to see how the A1 can during peak hours cope with any more traffic.
Accordingly, please register our objections.