Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

I am writing to you in response to the final stage of developing the Claybush Rd site in Ashwell. I would like to raise my family's objections to the recent planning application for said site.

Personally we are aware that Ashwell Parish Council has already objected to the inclusion of the Claybush Hill site (AS1) in the emerging local plan knowing it to be unsound, in so far as it is not consistent with National Policies (especially NPPF 11). APC is being proactive, through the Neighbourhood Plan, in identifying what type of development is required to satisfy the housing needs of the village & the sites suitable for it. Yet NHDC continue to ignore both the work of the APC in identifying the real needs of our community & the concerns & views of us villagers. This is undemocratic & fails to satisfy the requirements for local democracy (Localism Act 2011).

To summarize in brief....

AS1 fails to meet the requirements to protect the historic environment. This site will be in the setting of the ancient monument Arbury banks and is protected by NPPF & NHDC policy.

Site AS1 fails to meet the requirements for highway safety to protect pedestrians & other road users as defined in both NPPF & NHDC's own current & emerging planning policy.

Site AS1 fails to meet the requirements to protect valued landscapes. The site is within the North Baldock Chalk Uplands Character area & development is restricted under NPPF & NHDC's own local planning policy, both current & emerging.

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, & has not responded adequately to previous representations.

I truly hope you take the time to consider all the objections raised by myself & others.

I am writing to you in response to the final stage of developing the Claybush Rd site in Ashwell. I would like to raise my family's objections to the recent planning application for said site.

Personally we are aware that Ashwell Parish Council has already objected to the inclusion of the Claybush Hill site (AS1) in the emerging local plan knowing it to be unsound, in so far as it is not consistent with National Policies (especially NPPF 11). APC is being proactive, through the Neighbourhood Plan, in identifying what type of development is required to satisfy the housing needs of the village & the sites suitable for it. Yet NHDC continue to ignore both the work of the APC in identifying the real needs of our community & the concerns & views of us villagers. This is undemocratic & fails to satisfy the requirements for local democracy (Localism Act 2011).

To summarize in brief....

AS1 fails to meet the requirements to protect the historic environment. This site will be in the setting of the ancient monument Arbury banks and is protected by NPPF & NHDC policy.

Site AS1 fails to meet the requirements for highway safety to protect pedestrians & other road users as defined in both NPPF & NHDC's own current & emerging planning policy.

Site AS1 fails to meet the requirements to protect valued landscapes. The site is within the North Baldock Chalk Uplands Character area & development is restricted under NPPF & NHDC's own local planning policy, both current & emerging.

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, & has not responded adequately to previous representations.

I truly hope you take the time to consider all the objections raised by myself & others.