Barkway and Nuthampstead Neighbourhood Plan 2018 - 2031

Figure 20 on page 32 of the Barkway and Nuthampstead Design Codes and Guidance Final report shows a “View out to the surrounding countryside through the coaching inn style arch of a property along the High Street”.

This is a beautiful view, through the arch of 69 High Street and then over a paddock to the East. It is one of the only views directly from the High Street across to open countryside including Earl’s Wood. The paddock is bordered by the River Quin to the East, and by mature hedgerows to three sides. Historically it belonged to a brewery. To the south-west of the paddock lies The Retreat, a significant house historically in the village. It is also close to a field to the East where evidence has been found of neolithic occupation. The paddock is directly adjacent to the village, which has a tightly drawn boundary, and could be vulnerable to applications for backland development that would block the special view into the countryside. Attached is a photograph showing the view across the paddock and towards Earl’s Wood.

Unfortunately it seems that as the design code was finished late in the process, this great view was missed from the Neighbourhood Plan. If at all possible at this stage, could it please be added into the Neighbourhood Plan as a “Protected View”? I’ve spoken to the Parish council; their Planning Consultant agrees that this was an unfortunate omission, and would like this view to be included in the Neighbourhood Plan if possible.