Proposed Main Modifications

I am a long standing resident of Graveley village and live within the conservation area in a house which was built in the 1860s. Graveley is a small village community with a strong sense of itself, it's history and agricultural heritage.
I am responding in relation to Policy SP16 paragraph 9 of the main modifications and want to restate and reinforce the importance of Graveley remaining an independent village with sufficient a margin between it and any development north of Stevenage NS1 for this to be maintained. The current green belt with its environmental benefits and amenities should be preserved as much as possible and only be encroached upon where 100% essential by exceptional, and fully justifiable housing need.
It is unclear why the newly drawn Graveley settlement boundary does not include two significant parts of the conservation area - which contain ancient farmsteads, listed buildings, the twelfth century church and other well established houses and buildings which are integral to the village now and during its long history. I note that in the National Planning Policy Framework (section 13) coalescence within the green belt should be avoided. It is difficult NOT to be sceptical about the position of the settlement area boundary on the south of the village in particular. Has it been drawn in an effort to counter potential arguments about coalescence between north Stevenage and Graveley or rather Graveley being overwhelmed by its encroaching neighbour?
I urge you to ensure that a meaningful and practical margin is maintained around the whole of Graveley village in order to ensure that its continuing identity and historical role in the landscape can be preserved. This would help NHDC to meet its own strategic objectives ENV 2 and 3.