Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

I am writing to express my objection to NHDC's development of land on Claybush Road, Ashwell.

I question the soundness of the NHDC Local Plan for ASHWELL for the following reasons:

* Site AS1 fails to meet the requirements for highway safety to protect pedestrians and other road users as defined in both NPPF and NHDC's own current and emerging planning policy for Highway Safety.
*Site AS1 fails to meet the requirements to protect valued landscapes.
The site is within the North Baldock Chalk Uplands Character Area and development is restricted under NPPF and NHDC's own local planning policy.
*Site AS1 fails to meet the requirements to protect the historic environment
The site is within the setting of the scheduled ancient monument Arbury Banks and is protected by NPPF andNHDC policy (SP13,para 4.151)
*NHDC has failed to consult on the proposals to extend the settlement boundary in locations other than AS1 (within which there would be a presumption in favour of development; Policy SP2) and has not responded adequately to previous representations

Ashwell Parish Council has already objected to the inclusion of the Claybush Hill site (AS1) in the emerging Local Plan and continues to object believing it to be unsound.

As a resident of Ashwell for over thirty years I feel I know the community, the logistics and its infrastructure well. I am concerned that the development of this land will have very negative effects on the village and not meet the housing needs of the local people.
The site AS1 is not safely accessible, is not close to local shops, businesses, public transport or doctors' surgery and on the steepest part of the village.

I hope the council will listen to the opinions of Ashwell residents and reject this proposal.