Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

I would like to submit a response to the proposed Local Plan for North Herts 2011-31. I am a resident of Ickleford and so my response concerns the proposed sites for development in and around Ickleford.

I am particularly concerned about the impact of the larger proposed developments IC3 and LS1, as I believe they are disproportionate and will radically change the nature of the village, and stretch to breaking point the already overstretched utilities and infrastructure.

Site IC3

First grounds for objection: Not sound
Reasons:
1. Building on green belt land conflicts with National Planning Policy Framework and NHDC Strategic Objectives on Green Belt.
2. Evidence shows that the main sewer for Ickleford cannot cope with current demand, adding another 150 houses will significantly add to this problem.
3. Traffic modelling by NHDC is flawed as it does not account for increased traffic from the developments in Central Bedfordshire and conflicts with NHDC policy on transport.
4. Public transport is already overstretched particularly for secondary school children where the buses are already full.
5. Increased traffic will lead to increased pollution which conflicts with NHDC policy on air quality.
6. Relocation of primary school to meet increased demand from 150 new houses would have a significant detrimental impact on village centre and historic character, and so conflicts with NHDC policy on protecting this.
7. Lack of coordination with neighbouring authorities, NHDC have not accounted for the impact of Central Bedfordshire plan on Ickleford.


Second grounds for objection: Not legally compliant
Reasons:
1. Lack of proper consultation, NHDC did not allow prior consultation on this site.

Site LS1

First grounds for objection: Not sound
Reasons:
1. Traffic modelling by NHDC is flawed as it does not account for increased traffic from the developments in Central Bedfordshire and conflicts with NHDC policy on transport.
2. Public transport is already overstretched particularly for secondary school children where the buses are already full. These buses are also used by Lower Stondon and other villages so this effect will be cumulative.
3. Increased traffic will lead to increased pollution which conflicts with NHDC policy on air quality.
4. Lack of coordination with neighbouring authorities, NHDC have not accounted for the impact of Central Bedfordshire plan.

Second grounds for objection: Not legally compliant
Reasons:
1. Lack of proper consultation, NHDC did not allow prior consultation on this site.

I would like to submit a response to the proposed Local Plan for North Herts 2011-31. I am a resident of Ickleford and so my response concerns the proposed sites for development in and around Ickleford.

I am particularly concerned about the impact of the larger proposed developments IC3 and LS1, as I believe they are disproportionate and will radically change the nature of the village, and stretch to breaking point the already overstretched utilities and infrastructure.

Site IC3

First grounds for objection: Not sound
Reasons:
1. Building on green belt land conflicts with National Planning Policy Framework and NHDC Strategic Objectives on Green Belt.
2. Evidence shows that the main sewer for Ickleford cannot cope with current demand, adding another 150 houses will significantly add to this problem.
3. Traffic modelling by NHDC is flawed as it does not account for increased traffic from the developments in Central Bedfordshire and conflicts with NHDC policy on transport.
4. Public transport is already overstretched particularly for secondary school children where the buses are already full.
5. Increased traffic will lead to increased pollution which conflicts with NHDC policy on air quality.
6. Relocation of primary school to meet increased demand from 150 new houses would have a significant detrimental impact on village centre and historic character, and so conflicts with NHDC policy on protecting this.
7. Lack of coordination with neighbouring authorities, NHDC have not accounted for the impact of Central Bedfordshire plan on Ickleford.


Second grounds for objection: Not legally compliant
Reasons:
1. Lack of proper consultation, NHDC did not allow prior consultation on this site.

Site LS1

First grounds for objection: Not sound
Reasons:
1. Traffic modelling by NHDC is flawed as it does not account for increased traffic from the developments in Central Bedfordshire and conflicts with NHDC policy on transport.
2. Public transport is already overstretched particularly for secondary school children where the buses are already full. These buses are also used by Lower Stondon and other villages so this effect will be cumulative.
3. Increased traffic will lead to increased pollution which conflicts with NHDC policy on air quality.
4. Lack of coordination with neighbouring authorities, NHDC have not accounted for the impact of Central Bedfordshire plan.

Second grounds for objection: Not legally compliant
Reasons:
1. Lack of proper consultation, NHDC did not allow prior consultation on this site.