Further Proposed Modifications to the North Hertfordshire Local Plan 2011- 2031

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I have also objected to Osprey Homes compulsory questionnaire on their site which is very biased and reminds me of a Yes Minister Sketch
I have also left a comment on their portal to that effect.
Below is my comments on the proposed development

Castle Field Preston, Hitchin

Application for 23 homes

Although I do not object to the development of this site, I do have two major reservations about the proposed application.

1) The density is too high despite the emerging local plan. It is essential to keep developments in the village low density to avoid permanently changing the village environment.
The high density also raises concerns with infrastructure in the village, such as broadband and other facilities. I feel that some investment would be needed to provide a community facility such as a village hall.
Still related to density, I am highly concerned about the access, particularly for construction traffic but would be surprised if the current roads meet the access requirements required by County Highways.
I understand the pressure The NHDC are under to find sites. Still, I would suggest a much lower number here and perhaps look at locations around Princess Helena College (with its imminent closing) where the village can be expanded, and there is good access and space for community facilities.

2) As with all these applications, the NIMBY approach means a lot of focus on stopping development and not on the design. These properties will be standing for the next 100 -200 years, and it is a chance to build something that adds to the village. What is being shown in the design as the local vernacular is far from it. They look like standard house types built by any large housebuilder.
We have fantastic Lutyens designs in the village with wonderful chimneys and high pitched plain tile roofs. Or, of course, they could be ultra-modern in design. What is shown is neither. The use of a yellow brick shows the lack of thought that has gone into blending in with traditional housing in the village. Many original buildings were built using local red clay. The Bovingdon multi ATR is a good match.