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

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We write with concerns regarding the above development by Osprey Homes in Preston SG4. Comments have been placed on the Osprey Homes questionnaire, but it does not have the capacity for all the issues we would like to address. Initially we feel an opportunity has been missed to build something sustainable, modern and with architectural merit. It is ridiculous to say that Osprey Homes have taken their inspiration from existing buildings within the village because other than some listed buildings, one of which is our own home, we have a complete mixture of houses which bear no relation to each other at all. The so called ‘traditional’ designs that are being proposed look like any other suburban development consisting of large numbers of properties with tiny personal outside space which now, more than ever, people realise is so important for mental wellbeing. Whilst the need for more housing is accepted, we think this development is too big. Britain has a reputation for building the smallest new homes in Europe. The existing homes in Castle Field are a disgrace not only in size but also structure. Would it not be better for the site to comprise a smaller number of dwellings, with good sized rooms and larger gardens. Osprey outline the parking allocation and we want to know if the garages are included in this. In most new build homes, the garages are too small to accommodate a family car which could lead to visitor parking being used for resident parking which would then lead to the visitors parking on Chequers Lane. Who will be responsible for the maintenance and cost of maintenance of the communal parts? First time buyers and those purchasing affordable homes may be reluctant to incur any further costs.
Since the first phase of Castle Field was developed some years ago there has been a problem with sewerage smells. The network cannot currently cope, and the correct infrastructure was not put in place originally.
We have lived on Chequers Lane for over twenty years and the volume of traffic has noticeably increased not just with local traffic but also delivery vans. It is a lane, not a road and it is not wide enough for two cars to pass at the same time. When Castle Field was being developed, cars had to be moved to allow the lorries access along the lane. Are we going to have to put up with this again?
Additional homes mean more people. Is provision in place to ensure that there are enough educational places and health provision?
Perhaps we should leave you to ponder the quote ‘today is the tomorrow you were promised yesterday’ and Victor Burgin’s photo of urban desolation. Then the songs - ‘little boxes all made out of ticky tacky and they all look just the same’ and ‘You pave paradise and you put up a parking lot’ - or is it a case of just as long as it’s not in my back yard?

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