Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

I believe that the Local Plan is not 'sound' in respect to the above named land allocation.

The reasons for this objection are as follows:
( Section references are as indicated within the NHDC draft plan document )

1. At the 2011 census Barkway recorded 329 dwellings. Since 2011, 31 houses have been built or been granted planning permission. Though there is an acceptance that BK1 (11 houses) and BK2 ( 20 houses ) can be viewed as reasonable additions to the village structure this cannot be true with the proposed housing number of 140 within BK3. The proposed scale of BK3 is completely disproportionate to the existing character and size of the village and will detract from its historic linear pattern.
BK3 was not allocated in the NHDC Local Plan Preferred Options in 2014 and there appears to be no material changes which would warrant its inclusion in the 2016 final plan.

2. Section 2.83.
'Any new development will need to be located in places which have good access to jobs, shops, services and public transport.'
Barkway has very few opportunities for local employment. There are no services within the village apart from a a primary school, hairdressers, public house and a garage. Local public transport is minimal.
This view is acknowledged within section 13.35 which states that ' facilities are limited and so residents would likely travel to either Royston or Buntingford.'

3. Section 3.7 ( Econ 7)
' Improve access opportunities to minimize the need to travel, and encourage journeys to be made by sustainable means of transport and to reduce carbon emissions .'
It is highly likely that a substantial numbers of the occupants within this proposed development will travel outside the village to attend middle and upper schools, to commute to work or access amenities. Most of these travel movements will be by private car, thus increasing traffic volume on the minor roads which serve the village plus the resultant impact on carbon emissions.

4. Section 3.7 (Econ 8)
' Ensure all development is supported by the necessary provision of, or improvements to infrastructure, services and facilities in an effective and timely manner.'
There is no evidence provided in the Plan that there will be an enhancement to public transport or improvements proposed to the minor roads which provide the links from Barkway to facilities at Royston , Buntingford or Cambridge.

5. Section 4.5.9
This section states the need for a policy of restraint within areas which have the highest quality of countryside in the district. BK3 would lie within this category and therefore, does not represent a policy of restraint. It would detract from the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside and remove valuable agricultural land from the food supply chain.