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Local Development Framework - Land Allocations
Additional Suggested Sites Consultation July 2009 |
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As part of a consultation process being carried out by NHDC
seven sites in and around Barkway
have been identified for additional housing.
Documents relating to this consultation process can be accessed via
the NHDC website www.north-herts.gov.uk
and by following the links until you reach "Land Allocations
Additional Suggested sites". The Barkway Parish Council held a
special planning meeting on 11th August to discuss the response on
behalf of the village.
It is the Parish Councils view, that we object to these sites being
considered (and it is only consideration at this stage) as possible
land for housing on the following terms.
All sites are Grade II (bar one) are grade II agricultural land
(amongst the top 10% land in the UK)
All sites are outside the village boundary
All sites are on a protected groundwater Source Protection zone 2
All sites would cause an increase in the use of public transport and
private car use
The village of Barkway is devoid of the resources to support
increased housing, no shops or amenities
The village offers no employment prospects
The village has a very limited bus service, which is insufficient to
support commute to work in neighbouring town
Barkway PC is already in dialog with North Herts, Homes (sic NHDC)
over the creation of up to 12 affordable homes on the disused
Wheatsheaf Meadow House site , and are therefore meeting the current
and foreseeable housing demands of the village for the next few
years, as indicated by our Housing Needs Survey.
Sites 17 and 20 are adjacent to a working chicken and pig farm and
subject to noise and malodours
Sites 21 and 23 are in areas of significant archaeological interest
Site 18 is located between historic park and gardens as well as
recreational spaces
Sites 19 and 20 are abundant with wildlife being used as regular
crossing route for fallow and muntjac deer.
We do not feel it is necessary to conduct a public meeting on this
matter, and, we must also understand that it is not impossible that
members of the community may wish to support these sites.
We are very much aware this is only a consultation, to select land
which might be used for housing, and that, in fact in our
discussions with NHDC Planning officers, we know they are very aware
of the lack of facilities in Barkway and cannot support large
increases in housing. Residents are welcome to present their views to the Parish Council through this website. It must be remembered that in cases like this the more responses NHDC receive the better - each response in favour or against counts. In the meantime, the proposed sites can be viewed by clicking here. In addition, information on this matter can also be found on the various village notice boards
NB. However,
it must be noted that, whilst the Parish Council has expressed its
views to NHDC, it is not involved with the current "Save our
Village" poster and flyer campaign. These activities have been
organised independently and in no way should be associated with the
views of the Parish Council.
However, representations can also be sent by e-mail to:
ldfconsultations@north-herts.gov.uk
Or by post to:
LDF Team
The closing date for receiving representations is 14th September
2009
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