Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

I am very local to the area concerned write to oppose the proposal for settlement boundary for Ashwell to be extended on the objection that the Site, AS1, fails to the meet requirements for highway safety to protect pedestrians and other road users as defined in both National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and NHDC's own current and emerging planning policy for Highway Safety (Policy T1).

My opposition is applicable and amply demonstrated by my previous correspondence to you of 29.8.16 whereby I stated that:-

1. Any entrance and exit into Claybush Hill is dangerous because of traffic speeding downhill into Ashwell despite the Speed Signs. At the apex at the bottom of Claybush Hill the traffic turning left is completely blind at that corner which is just 50 yards from the School back gate and which is used both mornings and afternoons by children going to school.

2. There is no footpath at any point from the proposed boundary in Claybush Hill which is on a very steep hill until the top of Bear Lane (another steep hill) and then 17 steep steps have to be traversed to get down to a pathway. Certainly not suitable for elderly people or mothers with pushchairs with other children going to school at the bottom of Bear Lane during what will be still "rush hour" traffic. These steps will have to be used - there is no alternative.

3. Cars, school taxis and buses are parked along this triangle of road between Claybush Hilll and Ashwell Street at the back entrance to the school, at the most busy times of the day and it is hazardous not only for the children but for residents of Ashwell Street as their sight line is diminished by parked cars and there have been several incidents because of this. People park there because the rest of Bear Lane and local roads are already congested and full of parked vehicles as is the High Street and the Rose and Crown car park, which has kindly allowed parents to use because the problem is so bad.

4. Parking at the Railway Station is totally oversubscribed with very many cars parked on grass verges along the length of Station Road and Ashwell Road - which can be witnessed at any day.

5. Ashwell is used as a rate run to and from the A1M and Baldock with streams of traffic at the most busy times of day.

Once again I stress I am completely in opposition to the N.H. Local Plan Proposed Submission Local Plan which involves the Ashwell boundary being extended because of the reasons given above. I do believe that the Plan has been generated from a desk bound position and would benefit by council highway officials by visiting Ashwell over a period of time and witnessing the enormous pressure and safety that we have with traffic

You have not listened to the Ashwell Parish Council.

You have not listened to the people of Ashwell.