Housing Options Growth Levels and Locations 2011-2013 South West

Representations for Housing Options Growth Levels and Locations 2011-2031

Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/0025 29 Sustainable Places ,Environment Agency Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: The site is underlain by complex superficial (some secondary aquifers) and chalk bedrock (principal aquifer). The depth to chalk is variable. Groundwater depths are variable too due to size of site. There would be the potential for SuDS given the geology but this would need to be supported by a Preliminary Risk Assessment (PRA). Landfills exist on-site as do Source Protection Zones (SPZ) zones 1-3. This is a potentially sensitive site in places. The site is underlain by complex superficial (some secondary aquifers) and chalk bedrock (principal aquifer). The depth to chalk is variable. Groundwater depths are variable too due to size of site. Landfills exist on-site as do SPZ zones 1-3. This is a potentially sensitive site in places. The site borders Oughton Head Common on the wetland sites eastern and southern boundary. The site is groundwater dependant-hence any disturbance of the aquifer in the vicinity has the potential to impact on the wetland. SUDs may well not be appropriate over the whole of the proposed south west of Hitchin site. The site borders a major Public Water Supply (PWS) at Oughton head (situated just north of the development). It also intercepts SPZ1 and 2 for this Source. The site includes a major PWS source in the wellhead vicinity (and associated SPZ 1 and 2) In the vicinity of wellhead/Charlton groundwater levels are very close to the ground surface and in some places where a confining layer exists are known to be artesian. One implication of this is the suitability of SuDS drainage. Fluvial Flood Risk The sites 'Land South-West of Hitchin' and 'Rush Green' are located partly within Flood Zones 2 and 3. Ideally no built development will be situated within Flood Zone 3, however where the sequential (and where necessary the exceptions tests) have deemed this necessary a sequential approach should be taken to the layout of the development to ensure that any 'less vulnerable' developments are situated within the flood risk areas (Please note that in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework, no development will be permitted within the functional floodplain). Development will also only be permitted where it can be shown that the development does not increase the risk of flooding elsewhere. It should be noted that the identified flood risk at both site locations is associated with 'Non-main River'. In the absence of detailed hydraulic modelling, the development of either site may require further investigation in order to ascertain modelled flood levels and to determine the extent of the functional flood plain associated with each watercourse. Surface Water Drainage A surface water strategy should be carried out to demonstrate that the proposed development will not create an increased risk of flooding from surface water. The surface water strategy should be carried out in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework and the PPS25 Practice Guide, giving preference to infiltration over discharge to a watercourse, which in turn is preferable to discharge to surface water sewer. For Information - After April 2014 it is anticipated that SuDS Approval Bodies would consider the adoption and maintenance of sustainable drainage assets. This process will be subject to the details described in the Defra commencement order due April 2014. We would advise that early consultation is held with the Lead Local Flood Authority (Hertfordshire County Council) prior to the development of any surface water drainage strategy. In the interim, Hertfordshire County Council have produced an 'Interim SuDS Policy Statement', which states how development will meet SuDS standards in Hertfordshire. Development should be in line with this statement. 4. Water Framework Directive The Water Framework Directive (WFD) came into effect in 2000 and became law in 2003. It recognises that development near water bodies can affect their quality and ecology. WFD established a legal framework for the protection, improvement and sustainable use of the water environment. For planning purposes the framework means that developments affecting any water body will be expected to contribute towards delivering benefits towards WFD objectives. This may include incorporating SUDs and green infrastructure into new developments and/or de-culverting, restoring, re-profiling or naturalising river banks to promote natural flows and improve habitats. 5. Biodiversity This site includes a SSSI and several county wildlife sites as well as the headwaters of the Rivers Hiz and Oughton and Ippollits and Ash Brooks. All of these sites and their associated wildlife will be sensitive to the impacts of development with the potential for damage to occurr. Numerous public rights of way cross the site, developemnt would affect their use.In addition there may be adverse impacts on wildlife associated with agricultural land.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/0027 46 The Chilterns Conservation Board Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: The Board is concerned that for the possible strategic site to the west and south west of Hitchin no real account has been taken thus far of the likely implications for the Chilterns AONB and its setting. The site area occupies all of the land between Hitchin and the Chilterns AONB with no break at all. The Board considers that the area to the east of the AONB should either be excluded from the strategic site or specifically excluded from the developable area due to both the site's proximity to the AONB and the sensitivity of the landscape. Furthermore, any bypass route should be located wholly outside the AONB and should start at a point to the east of the AONB boundary where it meets the A505. The text mentions an alignment that might follow the pylons that run to the south of Gosmore. Following this route would bring any road much closer to the AONB and would be likely to impact on a sensitive area of countryside to the south of the A505. A full landscape character and visual impact assessment should be undertaken to feed into the preparation of any future document. It is understood that the Council has instigated the undertaking of some landscape character work in this area and this should clearly feed into the consideration of this site and any bypass. The area to the south of the A505 is high quality, sensitive landscape that may well be worthy of designation as part of the Chilterns AONB should a review of the AONB boundary ever take place in the future.

LDF/0034 27 Dimsdale Phillips Planning Services Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: This site could in theory deliver between 6,000 and 7,400 new homes. However, it is noted that the site promoter does not own all of the land and has options with only some of the landowners. If this site were to be seriously considered the deliverability of it would need to be investigated fully and assurances in the form of signed agreements provided to demonstrate that all landowners are on board. It seems likely that a development of this scale would take at least 3 ¿ 5 years from adoption of the plan to actually start delivering completions. Therefore if a first build year of approximately 2018 / 2019 were assumed with say 100 in the first year then 200 building up to an average (Buchanan Study) of 330 thereafter the most that could be assumed off this site would be approximately 3,500 by 2031. This assumes that average build rates of 330 could be achieved for a significant period. We submit that given the relatively small scale of Hitchin and its housing market that the market itself is unlikely to absorb this many completions on a strategic site west of the town?

LDF/0053 7 Luton Borough Council - Environment and Regeneration Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Of these strategic sites, the key proposals that affect Luton directly are:- South-west of Hitchin (appendix 2) encompasses 442 ha that would straddle the A505 and extend as far as Oughton Farm to the north and Wellhead Farm to the south. The scale of this development would include neighbourhood centres, schools, employment land and a southern bypass linking the A505 to the A602 Wymondley bypass. The proposal for the major strategic development to the south west of Hitchin would have both benefits and drawbacks for Luton. On the plus side it would dramatically improve road access to Luton from the east, delivering a continual dual carriageway road on to the A1 (M) and beyond. Luton would also welcome the opportunity that such a scheme might offer to provide for the needs of Luton residents which cannot be delivered within Luton. However, on the negative side, the improved road access will undoubtedly put additional traffic pressure onto the A505 within Luton which is already suffering from severe congestions during peak periods.

LDF/0079 31 Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: This is an incredibly large site, and the number of houses proposed (6000-7400 homes) would constitute a significant and quite disproportionate increase in the size of Hitchin. There will also be issues of coalescence with surrounding settlements (eg. Charlton, Gosmore, St Ippolyts).

Within the proposed strategic site is Oughtonhead Lane SSSI, which is designated based upon its geological interest. Natural England considers that with suitable mitigation, development is unlikely to lead to any deterioration of its geological interest. As this is a geological site, HMWT has no comment to make.

The proposed site would extend the urban area to Oughtonhead Common Local Nature Reserve and Oughtonhead Local Wildlife Site 11/001. Along the margins of the river Oughton nearby is HMWT's Oughtonhead Nature Reserve, which includes diverse habitats including alder and willow wet woodland and fen habitat rare in Hertfordshire (and are local and national BAP priority habitats and NERC Act Section 41 habitats of principle importance) which provide habitat for some rare and protected species of birds and plants. HMWT has significant concerns about the impact that development of this strategic site would have on the highly sensitive and ecological valuable habitats in this area. In the event that this site is allocated, it must be assured that this area is protected from adverse impacts of development and that habitat restoration, creation and enhancement is carried out in suitable areas of the allocated site to mitigate and compensate for any loss in habitat interest and ecological connectivity, as part of a site-wide green infrastructure and ecological restoration plan.

The southern section of the strategic site (adjacent to non-strategic site 110 and 098) would result in Ippollitts Brook and Folly Alder Swamp Local Wildlife Site 20/057 being enclosed by developed areas, which would seriously compromise their potential contribution to the local ecological and green infrastructure network. The habitats in and around this river are recognised as having potential for ecological restoration and form the last section of the Hiz Valley/Ickleford/Oughtonhead/Purwell Key Biodiversity Area, set out in the Hertfordshire Biodiversity Action Plan. HMWT's Purwell Ninesprings Nature Reserve (Local Wildlife Site 21/009) and other Local Wildlife Sites are found upstream, increasing the river's wildlife value and significance in terms of strengthening ecological connectivity. Water voles, a protected species and BAP priority species, are known to be present around Purwell Ninesprings.

The Oughton and Hiz River Valleys are identified as a Green Infrastructure priority for the Hitchin area within North Hertfordshire's Green Infrastructure Plan (Land Use Consultants, 2009). Development of this site appears to conflict with the objectives of this plan, and would threaten the existing ecology and limit the potential opportunities to improve the green infrastructure network in and around Hitchin.

Several other Local Wildlife Sites will be enclosed and cut off from connecting habitat by development of this area, including The Willows (Hitchin) (20/016) and Charlton Mill Pool (20/018), which are both wet woodland sites. Attention must be paid to the impact of development on these sites, and mitigation and compensation will be required for loss or deterioration of ecological interest. As previously, if the site is allocated, some habitat management, creation, enhancement and restoration should be implemented as part of a wider Green infrastructure and ecological enhancement plan to maintain and improve these Local Wildlife Sites and maintain connectivity with the wider landscape.

The council should further give consideration to the valley of some of the farmland within this site in supporting rare and declining farmland bird populations. A local ornithologist has provided HMWT with a set of bird monitoring data for a small site near Temple End covering 15 years, which shows at least 9 red-listed species (most of which NERC section 41 species of principle importance in England) and 13 amber-listed species present and/or breeding on a regular basis on the site and adjacent fields, and other red and amber-listed bird species which are recorded as occasional visitors. Information on the red and amber listings and Birds of Conservation Concern in general can be found from the British Trust for Ornithology.

We have no other information on protected, priority or otherwise notable species present within the site or in the surrounding areas. Impacts on important species must be taken into account and mitigation and compensation implemented as necessary if this site goes forward for development, based on suitable ecological surveys.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent

LDF/0089 44 Woodruff Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: The excess need related to Hitchin of about 2,150 homes is minor in the context of the scale of the strategic site shown south and west of Hitchin (for 6,000 to 7,400 homes) that has been put forward as one alternative to address the needs of the District as a whole. Hitchin Forum's view is that development of all or part of this area of Green Belt would be totally unacceptable in relation to three of the purposes of the Green Belt (National Planning Policy Framework 2012 page 19): To preserve the setting and special character of historic towns Hitchin has been recognised by English Heritage as an important historic town (Urban Panel Review July 2012) and by the Council for British Archaeology as of national importance. Hitchin is unusual in the retention of an extensive medieval street pattern and the close relationship of that core to the countryside. The development of the strategic site would sever the centre from its rural setting, double the physical extent of the town and increase its population by 50%. The pressure on services, facilities and the transport network would entail significant changes to the physical fabric of the town which would have a much greater impact than any benefits that might be claimed from the associated construction of a bypass. To assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment Land Use Consultant's Landscape Sensitivity Study (LSS 2012) makes clear the significance and sensitivity of this attractive area of countryside as an open undulating valley with its small villages and isolated farms lying between the historic town and the Chilterns AONB and Langley Scarp. The town has a very clear edge along the ridge line to west and south so that even partial development into the valley would have very significant impact (which by the nature of the area could not be successfully mitigated by tree planting). The area also provides an extremely important setting for informal recreation for a town with limited open space within its built up area. To prevent neighbouring towns merging into one another Part of the site area is also crucial in providing separation between Hitchin and Stevenage (LSS page 39); and much of it is also vital in retaining separation between Hitchin and the villages of Charlton, Gosmore, St Ippollytts, Titmore Green and Little Wymondley (LSS pages 38 and 48). 4. ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS A case can be made for Hitchin that it is reaching its environmental capacity, with significant constraints in terms of its historic centre and setting. The argument would be that the excess needs have to be met beyond its Green Belt. It is not yet clear how far Stevenage may be seeking housing sites outside its own built up area either adjacent to or within North Hertfordshire in the period up to 2031 (see 1.1 above). If it is, then there could be an argument that the additional housing need from Hitchin (and Letchworth) would contribute to a sustainable development adjacent to Stevenage, depending on its location. In fact the Letchworth/Hitchin/Stevenage area as a whole is becoming increasingly congested with significant difficulties in providing infrastructure and services, and with very fragile gaps between settlements. It may therefore be worth considering the development of a new settlement further north in a sustainable location with associated rail links. Such consideration would seem to be appropriate in the context of the government's espousal of the building of new settlements built on Garden City principles (NPPF page 13), and its expectation that Local Authorities will be co-operating: The Stevenage and A1(M) housing sub market area includes much of Bedfordshire (SMHA page 7) and there could be an argument for needs to be met at a new settlement elsewhere in the same functional sub market. Or NHDC could take account of the growing economic base of Cambridge and the related employment opportunities. It might then be appropriate to look for a new settlement in the north east of the District to meet these opportunities. A new settlement could also provide for any additional needs not met by other towns or villages in the District. Hitchin Forum therefore urges NHDC to take the significant opportunity provided by the government's support for new settlements and co-operation between authorities, in order to break the cycle of continuous recourse to the most congested part of the District, and to undertake a more strategic planning approach to housing needs.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent

LDF/0121 5 Keogh Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0162 13 Short Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: It appears from all the paperwork that Hitchin is being singled out to bear the brunt of NHDC housing requirements and to sacrifice much of the surrounding countryside in the process. Development of this magnitude will destroy Hitchin as a market town. Whilst a new bypass would be beneficial it would only help that side of town. What about Cambridge Rd and Bedford Rd? given the location of our town and street layout we need a total ring road. Traffic from this new development would flow into Hitchin and further block circulation.Where is the parking coming from? Will a new development of this size compete with Hitchin for services? What about flood risks? There must be more appropriate, less congested sites in N Herts where the impact of this size of development would be lessened or shared more equitably.

LDF/0214 11 Hutson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0229 11 Crouch Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0249 20 Foster Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0280 10 Ohlendorf Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: South West Hitchin: a large site, so offers flexibility. Developers have offered to assist with cost of a bypass, thus reducing congestion in the town, currently a nightmare at peak hours. Infrastructure already in place.

LDF/0283 14 Little Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0302 29 Kennedy Document Section: South West of Hitchin

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Comment Representation: While limited development south-west of Hitchin may come in the future, this should follow development of a Hitchin south-west bye-pass, when limited development inside the line of the bye-pass may have a lower impact and the necessary transport infra-structure would be more easily accommodated.

LDF/0316 54 Tait Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: This would constitute a new town having few links with main town and could not be integrated into the main urban development. Because of large scale infrastructure changes, development of this site would not be achieved within the forecast timescale Project would require massive dual carriage road diversion and reconstruction before any development commenced. Site split by two flood plain areas Many land owners are unknown and availability undetermined Would degrade large area of natural beauty to the west Unsustainable by NHDC policy definitions with complete lack of any services Private car use essential for everyday house shopping after development finished against NHDC sustainability policy

LDF/0336 9 Thrussell Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Least desirable site, increasing size of town unacceptable. Damage to hitchin as a historic town. Too close to oughton head common and AONB- both would be adversely affected sensitive green belt, the urban edge of Hitchin is well defined, situated on a higher ground and any intervention beyond this would break the ridge line and affect the topography and extensive views.

LDF/0337 17 Bailey Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0349 21 Borner Document Section: South West of Hitchin

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Object Representation: 1. I strongly oppose the proposed development on the strategic site South West of Hitchin which would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way ¿ increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000 2. The Hitchin site would significantly undermine the rural nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected 3. The proposed Hitchin development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin.

LDF/0359 41 Bagenal Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: This would increase the size of Hitchin by a third and potentially ruin its character. It would also spoil a lovely part of our countryside which we enjoy walking in .

LDF/0367 14 O'Carroll Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0402 10 Deuchar Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0404 15 Lowry

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0407 18 Collins Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0426 8 O'dell Bailey Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0429 25 Heymans Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. Printed: 28/06/2013 09:12:56 Representations for Housing Options Growth Levels and Locations 2011-2031

LDF/0438 12 Bell Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0445 7 Rooney Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I strongly oppose the proposed developmenton the strategic site South West of Hitchin which would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way ¿ increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000 The Hitchinsite would change the historic and rural nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected The proposed Hitchin development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollits and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin

LDF/0460 10 Rooney Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I strongly oppose the proposed developmenton the strategic site South West of Hitchinwhich would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way ¿ increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000 The Hitchin site would change the historic and rural nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected The proposed Hitchin development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollits and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/0473 16 Stringer Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0473 20 Stringer Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Hitchins roads cannot cope with the extra traffic!

LDF/0475 6 Sanders Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: What an appalling prospect of up to 10,000 houses to be built on what is left of beautiful green belt land to the west of hitchin. The town centre and surrounding roads are not big enough to absorb any more people with their cars, just come and witness this any day oh the week. This strategy would eventually link Hitchin with Luton, Stevenage and Letchworth which nobody would want. Ashwell and Royston has vast areas of land which could be developed with an existing railway to serve the population. I can not really add to the valid points already made in this document, The town can not support the increase in population with jobs, transport, shops and general infrastructure and at the same time have a pleasant environment to live in.

LDF/0475 10 Sanders Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent

LDF/0477 8 Pond Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0489 7 Turner Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: It is with much regret that we have studied the proposals for building on Hitchin's Green Belt and are most unhappy for the developments of new housing. In particular we object to the "strategic" site proposed for 7000 houses and the site on Lucas Lane between the top of West Hill and Pirton Road. Many of our objections are similar for the two sites. Surely one of the purposes of the Green Belt is to prevent such developments, which would ruin Hitchin as a rural, market town. The areas concerned, if built upon, would destroy the superb views as well as removing an important habitat for wildlife and flora. It also serves a significant purpose as a recreational site for walkers, bird watchers, horse riders, joggers and more. We ourselves have seen deer, hedgehogs, foxes, bramblings, red kite, and buzzards to name but a few. It seems as though somebody has blindly stuck a pin on a map with complete disregard to our countryside. Even the councils own landscape sensitivity study for this area recognised the beauty of this area with its amazing views, glorious sunsets and its unspoiled nature. Only today, in the local press, does it state that according to "The Times Beds Places to Live" Hitchin is in the top 30 and indeed is listed ninth. We doubt that it would make the top thirty if the Lucas Lane site or the strategic site were allowed to be developed. The size of Hitchin would increase the population by around 50% and has any though been given to shops, schools, health facilities. access etc.? We would doubt that Hitchin could support such a development without cutting off the centre of Hitchin from its rural nature. Isn't it time we left some of countryside unspoiled. Make the words "Green Belt" meaningful. We have lived on the edge of the green belt having moved there because we wanted to get away from "estate" living and be right amongst and in the countryside. So please leave us and many others like us in peace?

LDF/0490 3 Turner Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: It is with much regret that we have studied the proposals for building on Hitchin's Green Belt and are most unhappy for the developments of new housing. In particular we object to the "strategic" site proposed for 7000 houses and the site on Lucas Lane between the top of West Hill and Pirton Road. Many of our objections are similar for the two sites. Surely one of the purposes of the Green Belt is to prevent such developments, which would ruin Hitchin as a rural, market town. The areas concerned, if built upon, would destroy the superb views as well as removing an important habitat for wildlife and flora. It also serves a significant purpose as a recreational site for walkers, bird watchers,

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent horse riders, joggers and more. We ourselves have seen deer, hedgehogs, foxes, bramblings, red kite, and buzzards to name but a few. It seems as though somebody has blindly stuck a pin on a map with complete disregard to our countryside. Even the councils own landscape sensitivity study for this area recognised the beauty of this area with its amazing views, glorious sunsets and its unspoiled nature. Only today, in the local press, does it state that according to "The Times Beds Places to Live" Hitchin is in the top 30 and indeed is listed ninth. We doubt that it would make the top thirty if the Lucas Lane site or the strategic site were allowed to be developed. The size of Hitchin would increase the population by around 50% and has any though been given to shops, schools, health facilities. access etc.? We would doubt that Hitchin could support such a development without cutting off the centre of Hitchin from its rural nature. Isn't it time we left some of countryside unspoiled. Make the words "Green Belt" meaningful. We have lived on the edge of the green belt having moved there because we wanted to get away from "estate" living and be right amongst and in the countryside. So please leave us and many others like us in peace?

LDF/0499 6 Baldwin Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0500 10 Carrington Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0501 8 Carrington Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any

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LDF/0510 14 Mitchell Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0510 18 Mitchell Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: The number of empty properties in Hitchin and the surrounding areas should be counted, and then maybe, the number of new houses proposed would be considerably reduced. The buffer zone of the greenfield belt round Hitchin is vital to its survival as a historical medieval town.

LDF/0511 8 Pullen Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: I am writing to object most strongly to NHDCs proposals as shown in their Housing Options and Community Infrastructure Levy documents. No questions appear to have been asked as to the best places for development and suggestions as to their nearness to existing facilities ie schools, shops etc and importantly to trains stations. The loss of green belt land by the development of land S W Hitchin and W of Stevenage would be disastrous for both towns, with the merging of villages into a large single urban area. More consultation is essential and answers given to the many questions raised by myself and many other objections. I look forward to an acknowledgement of this letter.

LDF/0512 16 Langley Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation:

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development. 6. Traffic density in Hitchin and through the surrounding villages is already beyond sustainable capacity and the lack of infrastructure in Hitchin and the towns poor public transport adds to an already overburdened population density for parking and shopping in the town.

LDF/0514 14 Campbell Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0515 11 Campbell Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0517 5 Hobbs Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000.

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LDF/0531 15 Dye Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: A casual glance at a map of North Herts shows that all the proposed sites are clustered around the already crowded communities of Stevenage, Hitchin and Letchworth and the rest of the county is remarkably free of development proposals. As past debates over the stalled West of Stevenage development have shown the whole area already suffers severe congestion of its road and rail transport links and there are insufficient water and sewerage facilities to support any further sizeable development in the area.

It is arguable that the total number of houses needed in North Herts should be based upon the needs of North Herts and not on some arbitrary number decided by central government who may well have other considerations on their mind, such as relieving overcrowding in London. Building houses in excess of those needed to accommodate the needs of North Herts existing communities will only encourage migration into the area and increase the pressure on already inadequate infrastructure and transport links.

I am concerned that the sites chosen for consultation are ones proposed by developers who, lets face it, don't have the needs of the community uppermost on their minds. Surely it should be up to the council to decide where new houses should be built based upon strategic considerations and the needs of the community, not where developers have land and where they can make the best profit for themselves.

As I live in Hitchin I am most concerned about the proposals that affect my immediate area although taken as a whole the various sites proposed would encroach upon the green spaces between Stevenage, Letchworth and Hitchin and the surrounding villages such as Gosmore, St. Ippolyts, Charlton and other smaller communities. The Green Belt laws were designed to stop the erosion of open countryside between neighbouring towns and prevent them coalescing into one large urban sprawl. These proposals seems designed to do just that and should be resisted.

Hitchin has taken more than its fair share of development over the last few years and as a consequence there are less available sites within Hitchin than other towns suitable for development. It is already a 'dormitory' town with over half the working population commuting outside the town for work and any further large scale housing development without plans to increase employment within the area will only add to the congestion on already overcrowded transport links. It can be argued that Hitchin has now reached its economic limit for expansion and further increases will overwhelm the town and its infrastructure. I particular, the West of Hitchin site would significantly undermine the rural nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected.

If the numbers of homes needing to be built in North Herts really are on the scale proposed then perhaps they could be best handled by building a properly planned new town in the county. Such a site should be located near road and rail links and could be properly planned with all the facilities such as schools, shops, community centres, water ,sewerage, etc required by such a large number of people. Within North Herts suitable sites would appear to lie along the line of the A505 and the Kings Cross to Cambridge rail link in the area of Ashwell or Royston where stations already exist.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent North Herts is already overcrowded, has congested transport links, inadequate infrastructure and any proposals to build more houses can only add to these problems. Any sizeable development will necessarily encroach upon Green Belt and result in the loss of valuable recreational spaces as well as building over much needed farming land which is already struggling to provide enough food for the existing population. I urge the council to scale back these proposals to ones more in keeping with the needs of the local community.

LDF/0535 18 Noyce Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0536 47 Skeggs Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Continue to strongly oppose this proposed huge development for 6000 to 7400 homes as it does not comply with the purposes of the Green Belt as shown in the Government's National Planning Policy Framework 2012.

Would increases coalescence of Gosmore and St Ippolyts villages with Hitchin. Would engulf Charlton hamlet. Would completely change the character and environment of Hitchin and its environs. Would be more pressure on an already busy road and rail network within the towns and access routes to an extent that probably would not be solved by proposed bypass. Would be pressure on services and facilities resulting in changes to the fabric of Hitchin. Proximity to Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Loss of attractive countryside referred to in LUC's 2012 Landscape Sensitivity Study.

LDF/0537 47 St Ippolyts Parish Council Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: i) Increases coalescence of Gosmore and St Ippolyts villages with Hitchin. ii) Engulfs Charlton. iii) Is disproportionate to the size of Hitchin and would completely change the character and environment of the town. iv) Would completely over burden an already stretched road and rail transport system both within the town and on access routes to an extent that would not be solved by a bypass. The additional traffic on these routes will be disastrous.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent v) In addition to pressure on the transport network there would be pressure on services and facilities as residents of new homes will also want to use the amenities within the town centre resulting changes to the fabric of town. vi) Is not sustainable. vii) Adjoins the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

LDF/0540 6 Rollason Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: In my opinion, there is a fundamental problem with the proposals in that the sites are proposed by developers and, although accepting them would appear to be the easiest option for the Council, it would definitely NOT be the best option for Hitchin. Please ¿ start from a strategic planning stance on sound, considered principles and plan for what would be best ¿ not only for Hitchin ¿ but overall for all the towns in your care Why is Hitchin allocated 60% of the total extra housing of the four main towns in NHDC's care ¿ we are already close to environmental capacity with all the developments - particularly flats - which have taken place and threaten to overwhelm our historic Market town. South West of Hitchin (Ref 37) ¿ . 6000-7,400 homes are proposed! This site is important in landscape terms, in preventing the merging of settlements, and in preserving the setting and special character of Hitchin as an historic town ¿ the 50% increase in population would mean significant changes to the physical fabric and environment of the town that would have much greater impact than any benefit that might be suggested from building a bypass. Where are all these extra people going to work? In or towards London? The A1(M) is already choked at commuter times, the trains are jampacked. In Cambridge? Have you looked at Walsworth crossroads at such times? The queue out of Hitchin sometimes stretches as far as Grove Road roundabout. Also how will people get into Hitchin to shop. We already have a bypass which would need to be traversed in some way to avoid congestion at the library and Stevenage Road roundabouts. There doesn't appear to be any provision for employment in the plans ¿ merely, it seems to me ¿ profit for developers on their terms ¿ Simons scenario again. Please ¿ pursue a pro-active approach to this problem ¿ can you perhaps co-operate with neighbouring authorities (who are no doubt in the same dilemma) to consider a new Garden City with its own provision for services, schools AND employment. You have an opportunity to act imaginatively and bravely to preserve ¿ enhance ¿ our lovely towns. Please Take it!

LDF/0556 10 Wotherspoon Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0564 8 Else Document Section: South West of Hitchin

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0569 2 Simmonds Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: This strategic option has a theoretical capacity of some 7000 housing units, which implies up to 20,000 people and 10,000 vehicles.

Ignoring the natural growth using nonstrategic sites, this represents a vast development of a market town swamping the population of some 30,000 souls presently. Hitchin has already expanded from 20,000 over the last 60 years, which has already put strain on local infrastructure, the 19th century railway station and the medieval pattern town centre. I suggest that this proposal is not do-able.

If it complements a town bypass, then a huge development will largely be a dormitory with limited association with its host town, residents largely looking to Stevenage or London for shopping and work. Hitchin has developed a strong community over a thousand years and a huge expansion would destroy it - witness Stevenage, where I was brought up, seeing my own countryside move further and further away until my Old Town home was stranded in an urban area, country or even significant green space a drive away. And no residual sense of community!

Hitchin on the other hand recently, raised £300,000 from its residents to repair St Mary's Church and £220,000 for the Queen Mother Theatre about 18 months later.

Such of the 10,000 cars who use the town centre will have no place to park.

I am more generally concerned over the urbanisation of North Herts and the coalescence of its country towns, not to mention the propinquity of Luton.

I am further concerned over the pressure on water resources, despite presuming our aquifers have part replenished in the last year. Sewerage has already been highlighted. The concept of building on flood plains seems ludicrous in light of recent events.

Many of the same concerns apply to West of Stevenage, but at least the Borough Council appears to believe growth will achieve critical mass to cure its failed town centre, so a significant part of the suggested need can be accommodated there. Baldock and Letchworth have some of the same disabilities which proportionate growth will benefit.

Finally, the process horrifies me - a very short period to pick from a range of rag bag options assembled by developers, rather than any pretence of a coherent overview.

LDF/0572 18 Davies Document Section: South West of Hitchin

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0572 23 Davies Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Open spaces are so important to man, and animals. What an asset to Hitchin we have with our beautiful open spaces and proximity to beautiful, as yet unspoilt village. The thrust today and to the future is to encourage people to get out into the countryside for pleasure and activity. This total sprawl suggested West of Hitchin will be seen as the opposite to this thrust. Making Hitchin our unique Market Town almost double in size will totally destroy this unique perspective. I am aware that ? ? ? together and folk need places to live, but this also should take into account what we have now and hope to have in the future ¿ please think carefully before making mistakes that cannot be rectified.

LDF/0573 17 Davies Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development. 6. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaelogical sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed a highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0573 21 Davies Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: People need to be able to get out into green space area surrounding towns and also parks. We need to breath reasonably fresh air, take walks and enjoy the nature in the countryside. I enjoy bird watching and walking by the river, school children should be encouraged to get out and about in open spaces. Too many kids and adults are overweight! Hence the health walk which are a really good idea. Hitchin has been rated one of the best towns to live in the country. We don't need to have it doubled in size. The area south west of hitchin is a long way from the station, where will these new residents work! More travelling on the already overworked trains and roads, even with new roads being built they will soon become over crowded, too many cars

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent will be around then. Keep Hitchin about the size it is, otherwise it wont be one of the best towns to live in. Encourage building on brownfield sites and look into the numbers of empty homes around. Encroachment from surrounding towns i.e Luton, Steve. etc. should not be allowed if a new residential area is to be built, the north of county should be a better option it could be a new town (small)

LDF/0603 5 Thomas Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0626 5 Plum Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0640 4 Richardson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Hitchin is recognised by English Heritage's Urban Panel Review as an important historic town and must be kept as such.

It is essential to preserve the setting & special character of historic towns as well as preventing the merging of neighbouring towns by encroachment into surrounding countryside.

The past decade has seen Hitchin take a disproportionate level of new housing; Hitchin only accounts for 27% of NHDCs total population but has taken over 60% of the population increase, overtaking Letchworth in size!

The concentration in Hitchin of the recent growth must stop and Hitchin take a proportionate increase in housing of approximately 2,400 homes only, including those already

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent achieved.

Taking account of the above points and with reference to the purpose of Green Belt (National Planning Policy Framework 2012), development of the strategic site South West of Hitchin is totally unacceptable.

LDF/0643 5 Esuruoso Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0647 8 Jones Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0658 24 Else Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: All of the proposed sites are in the Green Belt which exists to help safeguard the countryside from encroachment and to prevent neighbouring towns from merging into one another. The housing options plan will destroy large swathes of our countryside as well as the beautiful and unique villages surrounding Hitchin. The green belt must be protected ¿ once it has been built over, it is gone forever. Ditto our villages. It will ruin the innate character of Hitchin. Hitchin is a unique and beautiful market town and a desirable place to live. This will be ruined by the propositions in the housing options plan. Hitchin is a non sustainable location. Currently, local services such as medical services and local schools are under immense strain, roads are congested and transport services for example trains to London and Cambridge are overcrowded. The housing options plan, should it be permitted, will only add to these problems. · The number of homes proposed is not proportionate. If the outstanding homes for the period up to 2031 were distributed according to the proportion of existing size of

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent settlements, then Hitchin would need to find 27 per cent of the total, i.e. 2,400 homes. South West of Hitchin (Ref 37). This site is important in landscape terms, in preventing the merging of settlements, and in preserving the setting and special character of Hitchin as a historic town ¿ the 50% increase in population would mean significant changes to the physical fabric and environment of the town that would have much greater impact than any benefit that might be suggested from building a bypass. The proposals do not meet Hitchin's Needs. Hitchin has taken a large proportion of the houses built over the past 10 years: between 2001 and 2011 over 60% of the population increase in the four towns was within Hitchin. This has mostly been flats. There should now be a priority for family homes. The non-strategic sites proposed in the consultation taken together would only contribute about 250 homes and it is clear that there are huge problems with the strategic sites proposed. An Alternative is Needed A case can be made that Hitchin is reaching its environmental capacity, with significant constraints in terms of its historic centre and setting. The entire Letchworth/Hitchin/Stevenage area is becoming increasingly congested with significant difficulties in providing infrastructure and services, and very fragile gaps between settlements. It may therefore be worth considering the development of a new settlement further north in a sustainable location with associated rail links. This is in line with the government's support for building new settlements built on Garden City principles and with the duty placed on local authorities to co-operate with neighbouring authorities. Planning history is littered with examples of beautiful and unique towns, buildings, countryside and villages being destroyed in the name of 'progress' leaving subsequent generations astounded by such ill considered planning decisions. Do not let this happen to Hitchin and its surrounding villages and countryside.

LDF/0677 13 Fowler Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0683 7 Dowling Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Save the beautiful green belt to West of Hitchin. It will ruin Charlton village and other areas of historical and environmental importance such as Oughtonhead Common, also infrastructure unsuitable for this size of development.

LDF/0685 10 Underhill Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any

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LDF/0697 16 Angus Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We would like to state our agreement with the objections to building on greenbelt raised by the West Hitchin Action Group. We would like to see the preservation of Hitchin's green belt in order to retain the town's unique rural character for future generations. It has been a rural town for hundreds of years, why do we have to spoil the character with hundreds of new houses? We agree with the growth and realistic housing that meets Hitchin's needs, but not just to suit developers and landowners needs. We should be using brownfield sites for housing development. There must still be plenty of spaces that can be used. The new settlement that has been suggested is one answer, and quite a good one, but where would they put it? A new village between Baldock and Royston with easy access to Ashwell station which has been mentioned sounds good. There must be another solution to this problem apart from using greenbelt land, the lungs for our town.

LDF/0700 16 Scott Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0702 11 Leech Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/0707 5 Richardson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0738 14 Schopp Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0753 11 Scupham Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: As a member of Hitchin Forum, Hitchin Historical Society, and the British Schools Trust, and indeed as a resident here for fifty years, I take a great interest in the possible developments that have been suggested over the years.

I visited your display in Church House on March 2, and attended the 'Have Your Say' stall on March 9 (to be repeated on March 23). At both these events it was evident that there is a great deal of concern among Hitchin's people, and even further afield, from those who value Hitchin as a place both to live in and to visit.

I would like to begin by quoting Pevsner's remarks, in his 'Hertfordshire', 1953 ¿ just 60 years ago. 'Hitchin is without doubt, next to St Albans, the most interesting and visually most satisfying town of Herts¿.The town has kept its medieval plan virtually without interference, a real market square (rare in the county) with parallel streets running off at the angles to the N and S.'

This is still more or less true. But your plans would destroy Hitchin's character entirely. It is now a compact market town, with a real sense of the countryside all round, together with a ring of villages each with its own personality. This is why we value it and love to live here.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Under the strange title of 'Planning Assessment Matrix' (p.18 of your Plan), you in fact very neatly list some of the chief objections, namely 1. 'The site is located within the Green Belt¿'; 2. 'Parts of the site..fall within flood plains'; 3. 'There is one SSI..6 wildlife sites¿borders an AONB.. is crossed by a number of rights of way'; 4. 'There are 4 known archaeological areas.. conservation areas..listed buildings'.

What more do we need to say? Where are the 6/7,400 new families to come from? Would anyone want to live in a town whose character and present amenities are so despoiled? The clue lies in the fact that the plans come from LANDOWNERS AND DEVELOPERS; someone clearly hopes to make a quick buck.

LDF/0753 15 Scupham Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0763 13 Saldanha Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. I strongly oppose the proposed development on the strategic site South West of Hitchin which would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way ¿ increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000 2. The Hitchin site would significantly undermine the rural nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected 3. The proposed Hitchin development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. The stategic site South West of Hitchin is used as a recreational space also, by huge numbers of people from Hitchin and surrounding areas- this is why alot of people love to and stay living in Hitchin, and the ability to easily get to and enjoy the countryside is considered by many (including me) to be inetensely valuable to happiness and enjoyment of life. 6. Many People who would move on to the site (South West of Hitchin) could safely be assumed to be commuters to London, and therefore need to use the train. They would therefore need to get accross Hitchin to the train station- the proposed by-pass would not help this. The roads in Hitchin simply cannot take any more traffic, the station could not cope with any more traffic- either pedestrian or vehicle. It just isnt properly thought through from a town planning point of view.

LDF/0781 5 Jones Document Section: South West of Hitchin

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LDF/0789 8 Kennedy Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0790 9 Kennedy Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0796 10 Clark Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any

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LDF/0800 9 Hook Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0800 13 Hook Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: If this development does ahead as planned it can only have a negative impact on the recreational space available to Hitchin residents. This will have a huge social impact and will certainly be to the detriment of existing Hitchin residents as well as those looking to relocate here in the future.

LDF/0801 10 Wakefield Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0806 7 Wakefield Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation:

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent How can the plans to fill our greenbelt with houses be viable. Hitchin is straining now with the amount of traffic and increase in school places needed. So I say NO - build in a new settlement which can provide a new community and a heart rather than straining existing resources and choking a small market town. (already spoilt with too many flats).

LDF/0815 13 Partridge Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: The area of over 1000 acres to be built on by over 700 houses is totally inconceivable! The unique character of hitchin would be ruined forever.

Green Belt Outghtonhead nature reserve and surrounding fields are a necessary "living" for the town. Each day i see "Health" walkers and dog walkers, horse riders and joggers using the many routes in this area to enjoy the fresh air, birds, flowers etc. If this area were to be built on where would the people go to enjoy the countryside? Fifty years ago i was one of them and still cherish the memories.

Traffic The town centre is already congested. A bypass could relieve traffic going to luton and stevenage but how would they get to the station? The station car park is already overcrowded. How would the whole transport network cope? At present grays lane, west hill and other roads in this area are already used daily as carparks.

Town Facilities How would you address the need for doctors/schools/literacy/childrens pay area etc. And keep the character of a small medieval market town which at present is Hitchin.

Other Comments In the past few weeks a developer was unable to fulfil his work on a large development on the fringe of kettering due to lack of money. How confident would you be in choosing a developer who could fund his projects satisfactorily We have already suffered at the hands of simons incompetence.

LDF/0832 14 Parker Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development. 6. There are brownfield sites in Hitchin area which are for redvelopment to meet housing needs but have been excluded because these have not been put forward by the owner or by a developer (e.g. Old gasworks in wilbury way, rail signage etc.)

LDF/0840 5 Woolley

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: I would like to draw attention specifically to the finger of land around the back of housing in Moss Way and Swinburne Avenue. This is in part a site using farm fields but as it moves eastwards it covers the playing fields at the back of Swinburne Avenue, and the allotments further down the same road. Both of these amenities have been used by local people for several years and are important for continued use - people deprived of these facilities would feel deprived of them and aggrieved, particularly the sports fields which are important for using the energies of the young. Both sites also form a bridge between current housing and Oughton Head Common, and so form a 'lung' for the people of Westmill who walk a lot on the common and surrounding fields. It would seem unnecessary petty to include this finger of land in these housing development plans. It is not within the larger area further south west, and if the larger area were to be part of a separate area of housing with its own schools and shops and community areas then this finger of land is not going to benefit from those amenities; instead if housing were to be built on this finger of land, there would be pressure on the shops and community facilities of Westmill and particularly the schools which are already crowded. The current size of the Westmill estate is manageable. People can walk to the countryside easily and it is a good place to live. More housing and pressure on facilities would affect several thousand people.

LDF/0850 6 Rollason Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: In my opinion, there is a fundamental problem with the proposals in that the sites are proposed by developers and, although accepting them would appear to be the easiest option for the Council, it would definitely NOT be the best option for Hitchin. Please ¿ start from a strategic planning stance on sound, considered principles and plan for what would be best ¿ not only for Hitchin ¿ but overall for all the towns in your care Why is Hitchin allocated 60% of the total extra housing of the four main towns in NHDC's care ¿ we are already close to environmental capacity with all the developments - particularly flats - which have taken place and threaten to overwhelm our historic Market town. South West of Hitchin (Ref 37) ¿ . 6000-7,400 homes are proposed! This site is important in landscape terms, in preventing the merging of settlements, and in preserving the setting and special character of Hitchin as an historic town ¿ the 50% increase in population would mean significant changes to the physical fabric and environment of the town that would have much greater impact than any benefit that might be suggested from building a bypass. Where are all these extra people going to work? In or towards London? The A1(M) is already choked at commuter times, the trains are jampacked. In Cambridge? Have you looked at Walsworth crossroads at such times? The queue out of Hitchin sometimes stretches as far as Grove Road roundabout. Also how will people get into Hitchin to shop. We already have a bypass which would need to be traversed in some way to avoid congestion at the library and Stevenage Road roundabouts. There doesn't appear to be any provision for employment in the plans ¿ merely, it seems to me ¿ profit for developers on their terms ¿ Simons scenario again. Please ¿ pursue a pro-active approach to this problem ¿ can you perhaps co-operate with neighbouring authorities (who are no doubt in the same dilemma) to consider a new Garden City with its own provision for services, schools AND employment. You have an opportunity to act imaginatively and bravely to preserve ¿ enhance ¿ our lovely towns. Please take it!

LDF/0860 15 De Ste Croix Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation:

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LDF/0861 16 Langley Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. I strongly oppose the proposed development on the strategic site South West of Hitchin which would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way ¿ increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000 2. The Hitchin site would significantly undermine the rural nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected 3. The proposed Hitchin development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin.

LDF/0891 22 Barley Parish Council Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: As this site has an area designated as of outstanding natural beauty it would also appear to be one of the most sensitive to development.

LDF/0899 38 The Hoy 1997 Settlement DH Barford & Co Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: This provides an opportunity for an urban extension of Hitchin, However, the suggested scale of development with the consequential up front infrastructure and 'lead in' times calls into question the ability to deliver the suggested scale of development in the Local Plan timetable.

LDF/0906 17 Seebohm Executors and Dr Napier Keymer Cavendish Development Consultants Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: We do not have professional knowledge of these sites and leave it to those better qualified to comment on the deliverability, viability and land ownership constraints relevant to them. However, the mistake of West Stevenage where 'all the eggs were in one basket' shows the futility of relying on too few sites, to deliver large numbers of housing. Another factor is that it is difficult to achieve an average delivery (build, market and sell) of much more than 300 houses per annum on any one strategic site over time.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Affordable housing can be added to this, so there might be maximum delivery - say 400-420 houses on a large site, where three national house builders are working simultaneously in a strong housing market. The long lead time also needs to be considered - 3-4 years - before the planning process is complete, strategic infrastructure installed an initial delivery under way. With the conclusion of any Inquiry unlikely before 2015, there is only a twelve year delivery period (2019-2031) within the Plan period, allowing for these initial delays.

LDF/0908 18 Picture srl Limited Keymer Cavendish Development Consultants Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: We do not have professional knowledge of these sites and leave it to those better qualified to comment on the deliverability, viability and land ownership constraints relevant to the. However, the mistake of West Stevenage where 'all the eggs were in one basket' shows the futility of relying on too few sites, to deliver large numbers of housing. Another factor is that it is difficult to achieve an average delivery over time (build, market and sell) of much more than 300 houses per annum on any one strategic site. Affordable housing can be added to this, so there might be maximum delivery - say 400 to 420 on a large site, where three national house builders are working simultaneously in a strong housing market. The long lead time also needs to be considered - 3-4 years - before the planning process is complete, strategic infrastructure installed an initial delivery under way. With the conclusion of any North Herts Inquiry unlikely before 2015, there is only a twelve year build period within the Plan period to 2031, allowing for these initial delays.

LDF/0922 5 Walter Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Number of dwellings proposed far too high damage to environment could be horrendous bearing in mind oughtonhead and spring cources to river Hiz through to Charlton.

LDF/0924 11 Larsen Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: The huge area to the west and south of Hitchin (described as a "strategic site") is on green belt land/good agricultural land and quite unsuitable for large scale development. It has been put forward by opportunistic developers who want to profit from having their land built on with no regard for what is best for North Herts. The area includes SSSIS archaeological sites and listed buildings. The Landscape is assessed as highly sensitive development. Suggested sites do not take into account the nearness of existing shops, schools, roads, railways etc. In many cases good access is very limited. The total swallowing up of a huge area of green belt land around hitchin would result in the destruction of the important separation between htichin, stevenage and several of the surrounding villages which would lose their identity completely. However the figure of 10,700 new houses has been arrived at the put 70% of this number on the fringes of Hitchin would destroy the character of the town, increasing its population by some 50%. It would put a completely unfair balance of development in one area of north herts. A large number of new homes (mostly flats) have already been built in the town. The promise of a bypass linking the A602 and the A505 is nothing more than an unnecessary developers bribe. If there is to be such a by pass, the need for which is questionable anyway, its route should be considered as a separate issue and not linked to any residential development. It is important to protect the countryside around Hitchin for recreational and environmental reasons as the town itself is already closely developed. Perhaps the council should look at north herts as a whole and consider what is best for it without pressure from developers whose only interest is in making a profit.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Hertfordshire is one of the most densely populated counties in the country also any new development should be done with great sensitivity. Perhaps it would be worth considering a whole new development further north. The development of the rush green site opens the door to development of the whole site to the west of A1M, an area which NHDC has been opposed to in the past. It is arguable whether 10700 new houses are really necessary. About half of this number would provide for the needs of people living in the area at the moment. The remainder is apparently being provided for migration from london which may or may not happen and could be directed elsewhere. The burden of new development should be shared throughout the area using a number of the smaller proposed sites such as those number 039, 40, 041,98,110,hr43,133,hr03,hr07,hr14,hr24,hr25,hr28,hr43,hr58,hr50 also site 122 at little wymondley and sites 099 and S!/r3 at st ippolyts.

LDF/0925 14 Cannon Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. I strongly oppose the proposed development on the strategic site South West of Hitchin which would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way ¿ increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000 2. The Hitchin site would significantly undermine the rural nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected 3. The proposed Hitchin development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin.

LDF/0926 14 Cannon Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I strongly oppose the proposed development on the strategic site South West of Hitchin which would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way ¿ increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000 The Hitchin site would significantly undermine the rural nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected The proposed Hitchin development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollits and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin

LDF/0932 5 Day Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent

LDF/0935 19 Grennell Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0936 8 Clark Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Have you ever walked up Grays Lane, Hitchin, across Lucas Lane and forward along an un made up, tree-lined track? If you have not, then I suggest that you do. When you reach the end of the track, the land falls away to a superb panoramic view of rolling English countryside. The quiet road that runs from Hitchin to Pirton can be seen in the middle distance. Now imagine that the land between where you are standing and the road to Pirton, together with the land on your left and right, has been completely developed. I do not think that you would even consider development on this site. Apart from the outstanding beauty of this countryside, any development would encroach on the highly respected nature reserve of Oughtonhead Common (see Oughtonhead Common Leaflet - North Hertfordshire District Council), an area used by local people for many varied recreational purposes. People also travel from outside of this area to visit I urge you not to destroy this countryside for us and for future generations.

LDF/0936 12 Clark Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0945 6 Shelley Document Section: South West of Hitchin

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Object Representation: The proposal for South West of Hitchin is unacceptable because: 1) It does not constitute a development of the town. Rather, because of its scale relative to the current population and footprint of the town, it constitutes a destruction of the community and an overwhelming of its facilities. 2) The rail and road infrastructure are entirely incapable of sustaining such a scale of growth. 3) The proposed relief road would not be adequate to relieve pressure from new traffic coming from all directions. 4) The proposed relief road would add to the environmental damage of the development. 5) While not directly encroaching on the Chilterns area of outstanding natural beauty, the development would damage it and restrict access to it by its proximity. 6) The people of Hitchin would be deprived of a number of areas used widely for recreational walking and cycling, with consequent impact on public health. 7) Even with schools and local shopping facilities within the new development, the shopping, parking and other town centre facilities would be overwhelmed. 8) The development would be s step towards creating an agglomeration stretching from Luton to Stevenage, eradicating the character of the district. 9) The development - even with token barrier zones - would destroy the villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St Ippolyts. 10) The source and flood plain of the Hiz would be endangered - degraded by encroachment at best, built over at worst. 11) The development is unwanted by the people of Hitchin while Stevenage council has been requesting permission to expand.

LDF/0945 10 Shelley Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0946 15 Gow Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0955 13 Dunham

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: S W of Hitchin would bring traffic to hitchin already congestged no jobs or parking in town centre to take up increased volumes.

LDF/0957 9 Darnell Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0960 12 Clark Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I wish to object to the above. But first some questions. Did you the planning dept go out and find these options or were you given them to put into the local plan. Why is hitchin are taking the brunt of building new homes during the next 20 years, its disproportionate, the town has had quite a lot of flats built in and round the town since 2000. Why cant these nos be taken from Hitchin build and put into letchworth or baldock areas. What about the green belt? This surely needs to be taken into account. I would like you to take into consideration building new villages around ashwell railway station, baldock railway station, there plenty of open land there.

LDF/0977 17 Goulding Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0984 5 Wright Document Section: South West of Hitchin

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Comment Representation: The larger sites South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town miss proportionally.

LDF/0986 10 Stringer Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/0999 26 Saldanha Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I strongly oppose the proposed development on the strategic site South West of Hitchin which would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. The inherent and unique character of the town would be ruined and the location and nature of the new development would not integrate well with the existing urban infrastructure. The Hitchin site would significantly undermine the rural nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. This area also serves as vital green space amenity for the whole of Hitchin and surrounding areas with its network of rights of way and public open spaces. The area is used for formal and informal recreation and pursuits and contributes to the general health and well-being of the local population at a time when there are national concerns over standards of health. The proposed site is not conveniently located with respect to public transport and in particular the existing railway station. If a key driver for the housing numbers is the demand for London commuters then how would these people get to and from the station given the existing levels of peak period congestion. The proposed Hitchin development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollits and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin.

LDF/1012 13 Greene King PLC David Russell Associates Document Section: South West of Hitchin Support Representation: The site at Hitchin would help to draw development away from the overcrowded A1(M) corridor. The danger in developing this area would be simply to complete the doughnut of suburban estate development that surrounds the rest of this historic market town. However, an urban extension, more modest in size than the 6000 to 7000 suggested, and along the lines of that illustrated in Figure 2.2, page 63 of the Taylor Review 'Living Working Countryside' 2008, could be a more than acceptable solution.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/1016 14 Hertfordshire Biological Records Centre Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: It is noted that this proposal site lies directly adjacent to Oughtonhead Common (2.8) and will abut the AONB (2.8). Consequently it will have potential ecological and landscape implications, although this will be dealt with by others.

Oughtonhead Common is a Wildlife Site (WS), Local Nature Reserve and part HMWT reserve. It is important for wet marshy grassland and the river-head springs. This is a very important sensitive habitat which must be protected from adverse impacts, both direct and indirect. As such I would not wish to see any development west of Westmill, in the area that already forms an important buffer to the site. The existing development forms a good boundary to the settlement and further encroachment closer to the site will further increase the disturbance (which will be affected anyway) and management operations. Such an undeveloped area would be good Green Infrastructure (GI). The existing common is already present so cannot be 'provided' by any new development proposals, whilst the existing Oughtonhead Lane forms an acceptable boundary to the proposals, as already presented.

If the area between Westmill and Oughtonhead must have some development it should NOT be for the whole width and should not be uniform but of a sinuous edge nature to enable ecological and landscape GI benefits to be provided.

Part of Oughtonhead Lane south of Westmill is an SSSI for its geological interest and must be properly protected with sufficient buffer areas to protect the special interest.

The Willows WS adjacent to Willow Lane, Hitchin, is within the proposals area and should be protected with appropriate buffers.

A buffer could be proposed for Charlton. Parts of the site along the River Hiz and Ippolyts Brook fall within the flood plains (2.12) and this includes Charlton Mill WS. The whole of the river valley and source of the Hiz is also important, and MUST be protected from development as part of any GI provision. This should also enhance the valley floodplains. Locally good farmland bird communities are known (Temple End) and this should be another consideration within the approach to GI.

The area also includes part of the existing and former Priory Park. Any proposal should conserve what survives and consider re-establishing the historic parkland where possible, given that some landscape features still survive.

Folly Alder Swamp WS is also within this area. Again, the importance of this, associated with the Ippolyts Brook, floodplain and river valley habitat cannot be overstressed and should be protected and enhanced within any development.

There are also currently some adjacent species wildlife sites, and the area supports a range of other protected species such as water vole, badger and bats. These are largely ¿ but not exclusively - associated with the river valley complexes, and will also be supported by smaller scale features within the landscape. Priory Park icehouse is important for bats although this is not within the proposals area.

The general area used to support quite a number of orchards and it would therefore be appropriate to consider community orchard creation as part of any future GI provision.

On balance, given the provisions outlined above which I would consider are necessary to secure existing ecological interest and GI, I have no reason to believe there would be any fundamental ecological constraints associated with this proposal. There will be an impact on the existing farmland biodiversity although this is, of course, inevitable. Given the arable areas are intensively managed, the likelihood of significant harm is relatively low. However given the relative impact on known natural environment resources, the overall impact would be considered at moderate. If sufficient safeguarding provisions were not incorporated into any future development proposals, the potential could well be

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent considered unacceptable.

LDF/1020 33 Smith Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I object to the use of South West of Hitchin for any development at all. Lands to the South of Hitchin Priory and around Maydencroft Manor are of great historical significance. The view towards Offlery from Gosmore Road is one of the best in Hertfordshire. The numerous footpaths in open countryside are used by hundreds daily from htichin, Gosmore, Charlton and St Ippolyts. Any development would cause irremediable damage to the landscape, biodiversity and the historic environment. We need the food from the fields the amenity and the health and wellbeing generated by open space. Any development would destroy these with noise, poor air quality, and overcrowding of roads. The fact that a four-mile dual carriageway would have to be built, including two major new junctions and several bridges means that the whole scheme would be catastrophic in every respect.

President of the Royal Institute of British Architects, Angela Brady; " In our cities and towns we have what are called brown field land, which has already been built on previously. Let's not look at green field sites and says let's build on them, that not the answer." 04 January 2013

Capaign for the Protection of Rural England: "There is currently enough brown field land to build more than 1.5 million homes. Housing developers are also sitting on huge land banks that have already been granted planning permission and the capacity to produce 300,000 new homes."

LDF/1020 41 Smith Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Telephone conversation this morning with Mr Smith of 25 Priory Way Hitchin. He would like us to formally note that he has noticed a discrepancy between the outline shown in the housing options consultation paper for south west Hitchin and that which is shown on the submitted masterplan for the area by Mr Daniels in December, particularly in the area around Gosmore.

He has already submitted his written representations and will not have time to write again before the deadline today. I therefore agreed that this could be noted along with his other representation.

LDF/1244 15 Howard Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: This site is far to big, I live in Little Wymondley and if this site and the west of Stevenage go ahead then wymondley will be in the centre of a giant city. No Thanks

LDF/1524 2 James Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation:

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent In my view, by far and away the most potentially damaging proposal being put forward is the blanket development of the land south-west and west of Hitchin. From an ecological perspective, despite the fact that much of the land is currently arable farmland, the proposals would be strongly detrimental for two key reasons. Firstly, the land being proposed for development is mostly on chalk or Hitchin Gap gravels, and development on such a scale is bound to have a strongly negative impact on the water supply and water quality of the catchment of the Rivers Hiz and Oughton, both of which are already under severe pressure from the existing demands on water, as well as on the receipt of surface pollutants. As both rivers, but especially the Oughton, are highly important chalk streams (which are a habitat of international significance for their biodiversity), any further degradation of these water sources is to be resisted. In addition, these rivers, particularly the Oughton, have associated with them sites of high importance as Hertfordshire's principal genuine fen habitat communities at Oughton Head, and associated with the springs at Charlton, as well as linear alder fen at St Ippolyts. All these are highly important sites in Hertfordshire for a wide range of important species communities. Even if development were not to directly destroy these sites, changes in land use immediately in their areas would inevitably introduce the usual urban pressures that have seen so much damage already to sensitive environments across the County. Secondly, the majority of the landscape being considered in this large area of proposed potential development is of the highest quality in terms of landscape, and is a highly-valued and important amenity asset for the existing communities around the area, particularly HItchin. The current developed area of Hitchin is relatively self contained and sustainable. It does not impinge adversely on the surrounding landscape. Part of this is because it does not surmount the west-facing slopes of the land at Gaping Hills, west of the town. If these proposals went ahead, the entire high quality landscape west towards the Chilterns AONB would be strongly adversely affected by urban sprawl. While some small parts of the proposed area around the south-east of Hitchin may not impinge on landscape of high quality, the majority of this development, from Priory Park and Charlton to Oughton Head, would be severely damaging. On these two grounds, let alone any other effect on the community of Hitchin that such a massive enlargement would entail, I would strongly oppose this proposal.

LDF/1562 6 Eastwood Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: These shocking, misguided proposals would practically double the size of Hitchin, pretty much destroying its rural character at a stroke. If I wanted to live in an anonymous, suburban sprawl, I would move to somewhere like Swindon or Northampton. I had to check it wasnt April 1st when I first saw the proposals. Proposals such as these are totally disproportionate to the existing size of the Town. These developments would swallow up large areas of attractive farmland, would damage a cherished nature reserve at Oughtonhead and totally destroy the character of three individual villages. Furthermore, there would be even more destruction if a bypass is included. I notice that NHDCs own document refers to the southern bypass, not any southern bypass has a decision regarding a new road already been made? Everybody knows (apart from New Road Developments Ltd, it would seem) that building new roads just generates new traffic journeys and solves nothing. How does adding 6,000 homes and therefore, presumably, about 10,000 more cars in the area reflect the continuing concerns that exist about the traffic levels being reached within Hitchin? No doubt, large numbers of new residents would be driving to the station, Girls School etc, adding hugely to the congestion in Hitchin. In addition, Hitchin doesnt need any more shops; there are already plenty of vacant premises in the town centre that should be re-used. I have chosen to live in Hitchin for the very qualities that plans like this will inevitably destroy. There is a responsibility on the Council to protect and enhance quality of life for its residents, not destroy it. These absurd, nonsensical proposals should be immediately abandoned and consigned to the bin.

LDF/1666 14 Trinder Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I strongly object to this site because: A development of this size is too large for Hitchin and would become a large percentage of the town as a whole.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent A development of this size would adversely affect the vitality and character of Hitchin. This development would concentrate a large number of houses, schools, community and health centres and other services into a very small area. Part of the site is in a flood plain, which could lead to a serious risk of flooding to any properties built on it. It is possible that the sewage treatment works will be unable to cope with the increased number of houses. This is a green field site of grade 3 agricultural land. The proposed southern by pass would not alleviate traffic problems if this new development went ahead as there would be a huge number of additional vehicles on the roads each day.

The following would be affected if this development went ahead: One site of Special Scientific Significance Six wildlife sites The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A number of Rights of Way. Four archaeological areas. Conservation areas.

I believe that it is completely unacceptable to propose that 69% of the 10700 houses required should be concentrated in one small area when they would have less impact if they were in smaller developments in more areas.

LDF/1675 12 Anderson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/1769 6 Maguire Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development. 6. It is likely to cause significant increases to local traffic especially during development.

LDF/1867 9 Parkin Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/1885 9 Pirton Parish Council Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We believe a development on this scale would have a major impact on Pirton.

General - The proposal states that this site could accommodate between 6,000 and 7,400 dwellings. This would seem to suggest increasing the size of Hitchin by around one third, which we believe would be totally unreasonable and destroy the ambiance of a desirable market town.

The proposal would destroy large areas of green belt land, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Conservation Areas and several historic Rights of Way. It is a massive expansion, destroying a vast area of important countryside between Hitchin and the Hitchin Road out of Pirton.

We also note that parts of the site fall within flood plains, and previous experience throughout the country would indicate that it is not very sensible to build on historic flood plains.

Roads - Without a major re-design and investment in road building, the impact of this increase in the population and therefore car usage, coupled with the proposed expansion of Luton Airport would be absolutely catastrophic, especially with regards to the approach to Hitchin on the A505 and B655 which at peak times, is already dreadful.

Facilities ¿ The nearest Hospital is around 5½ miles away and would come under extreme pressure with this potential increase on its capacity. The accident and emergency service at the hospital is already unsatisfactory from a waiting time aspect, not helped of course by the decision to close these facilities at Welwyn Garden City.

We believe that a major development of this nature will destroy important countryside, and would have an extremely negative impact on Hitchin's current character.

LDF/1914 12 Healey Document Section: South West of Hitchin

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Object Representation: Hitchin has already seen a huge scale of development in recent years that has flooded the town and impacted it badly. This further development is too large for Hitchin, a massive overall percentage increase on the town as a whole. Such a massive development would adversely affect the resources of the town, its character and the quality of life, and none of the development should be considered on green field Grade 3 agricultural land. The introductory comments above on infrastructure apply strongly to this proposed part of the developments, and we emphasise the recent report on the noxious gases found on the Stevenage Road and the Gosmore Roundabout due to traffic volumes and congestion. The proposed southern bypass or preferably other major road scheme should have been sorted out long ago but hasn't, illustrating the difficulties of improving the existing infrastructure, and the huge additional amounts of daily traffic from such development would overwhelm the southern bypass scheme in any case.

LDF/1942 6 Hackett Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: With regards to the proposed areas in Hitchin - Hitchin already has a large number of commuters living in and around the town and by developing this area this will increase as there is little room for a relative increase in employment locally. This will impact greatly on the traffic around the town and using the main links out which are already at capacity. By developing and including a by-pass this is simply changing the shape of Hitchin in to a large town rather than the attractive and desirable town it currently is. The proposed development site South West of Hitchin would increase the town in an unacceptable way with the increase in dwellings. This would greatly change the nature of the town. In particular the development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. I would also be concerned to see the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollits and Charlton be engulfed by the developments and lose their own identities and charms. The development would also bring Hitchin much closer to Pirton and change the landscape considerably.This is an area which includes SSSIs, archeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land and would be unforgivable to develop to this extent and appears totally disproportionate to the existing town area. Hitchin and the surrounding area has valuable recreational countryside and wildlife.

LDF/1973 7 Spencer-Smith Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: The South West of Hitchin site is monstrous in scale, doubling the size of Hitchin and increasing the size of the town by 50%. The transport simulations show a huge increase in traffic and the environmental study shows development north of the B655 would have a high impact on the landscape quality. It is risible to read New Road Development's hackneyed comments on how this will help Hitchin be a 'sustainable location'. I strongly object to the prospect of up to 8000 houses/dwellings being added to this old market town.

LDF/1979 5 Turner Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: The overall plan is for far too many houses and based on other modern developments I am concerned that it will produce more high density, low quality housing estates where now there is open land and an environment which is highly valued by those living in the area. I am concerned that the development plans for Hitchin may be allowed as long as the numbers are reduced ¿ the tactic being that by proposing such a hugely unrealistic development there will be the temptation to resignedly allow a smaller one. It seems cynical in this respect. With regards to the proposed areas in Hitchin - including a by-pass will change the shape of Hitchin into a far larger town and it will lose its character and countryside setting.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent The proposed development site South West of Hitchin would increase the town in an unacceptable way with the increase in dwellings. This would greatly change the nature of the town. In particular the development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. I walk in these areas regularly and so do thousands of people. Surely there is a strong environmental case against development? The development would also bring Hitchin much closer to Pirton and change the landscape considerably. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land and would be unforgivable to develop to this extent and appears totally disproportionate to the existing town area. Hitchin and the surrounding area have valuable recreational countryside and wildlife.

LDF/2054 3 Scourfield Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I object to the large development proposed to the south-west of Hitchin. This builds on green field land and is out of proportion to the town. It will present access issues and spoil the character of Hitchin.

LDF/2165 5 Railton Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/2166 6 Hertfordshire County Council - Property & Services Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: SW Hitchin strategic site ¿ Up to 7400 dwellings 8.7FE to 14.8FE Infrastructure Requirements: Minimum 6 new primary schools; 2 new secondary schools (current limited capacity in Hitchin secondary schools required to meet existing forecast need); Nursery provision for up to 395 to 672 children; 3 community centres; Youth provision within new community centres; Improvements to Hitchin library; Hitchin fire station would need to become a wholetime 24 hour crewed fire station. This means it will be necessary to increase the number of firefighters from the existing 14 to 28 personnel.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent

LDF/2198 7 Sadler Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/2550 4 Sydenham Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/2569 7 Brett Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development south west hitchin will subsume charlton and narrow the strategic green belt gap between hitchin, gosmore, and st ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm area of high landscape value.

LDF/2583 4 Parker Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Housing Options Growth Levels I am a migrant to North Herts having moved here from North London in the 70's my there children have grown up in North Herts and all three were educated in the State primary and secondary schools. All three have university degrees and are able to provide valuable contribution to society and the economy. This factor to me makes North Herts a good place to live.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Society is changing from where it was just 30 years ago, we live longer and middle age may be deemed to now start at 60 rather than 40 and i do believe that society thinks this to be a good thing. At my current age my father had passed away. I hope to continue to live for as long as possible. My children have aspirations to live in North Herts but are hampered by the choice available and the cost due to lack of availability, despite being well educated and working within professional jobs. Hitchin has had mostly internal development in recent years, typified by Town Centre apartments being built and recently signs for more retirement flats to be built. However one would deduce that we need to develop houses together with apartments to meet the many varied housing needs. Houses are built at a lower density than apartments and therefore the resultant land value is likely to be lower, resulting in housing schemes generally not being able to compete for town centre sites. Whenever housing is discussed in the media, we are told that we are short of houses to meet the current population let alone the future requirements because of the expanding population. I cam from London and London prices are always buoyant because London has no more land available. The existing infrastructure in to London whilst at peak times are somewhat crowded does provide on most occasions a good service. North Herts is a goof place for migration from the South therefore due to these excellent connections and the quality of life which the location affords. If i look at my friends in the village, many have decided to live here migrating from South Africa, Scotland and N East of England. It is therefore imperative that the most accurate no of housing units are planned to be built, if we are to provide the choice and the variety to fulfil the aspirations of future generations who wish to live within the district. We have been and still are in the worse financial crisis in living memory with the banks and mortgage lenders being broken, severely limiting the ability of aspiring homeowners to acquire the property of their needs and aspirations currently. When the banks get their affairs in order and start to function properly we will see a return to a functioning housing market where the effects of limiting supply will be sorely felt. Indeed we are now seeking this far more "sold" signs going up. To me it is illogical to limit supply with a claim that the properties could not be built at the rate required. If a proper plan was in place without the ever changing political goal posts then i am sure the nation has enough expertise to deliver what is required over a 20 year period. Certainty of future work would enable long term investment in companies and other support operations. I not that the 10,700 figure proposed is a midway guess and is put forward as the minimum the council thinks it might get away with, but is still short by 40% of the stated DCLG forecast made in 2008 prior to the 2011 census which indicates and ever increasing population. We hear that the maternity units are full (birth rates are rising), and those being born today will be looking to have a property in 20 years time. Most of the comments the council will receive on the future plan will be from residents who already have a house and will probably see a planned shortage in deliverability as a good thing to raise the value of their own property, however, a planned shortage will bring more speculators in to the land market and will in turn drive up housing costs which could eventually lead to stagnation in the market and outward migration losing our home grown talent to other regions or countries where better opportunities exist and affordability is not such an issue. High prices drive out families and young people, harming society and the local economy. I firmly believe that the planned numbers should be based on quality assessments of future needs rather than the minimum we can get away with. It strikes me the target should be 14,600 or more.

Where to build The consultation process will automatically draw out land owners suggestions of locations for proposed development, this opportunity for brown field development within existing boundaries must be becoming more restricted and unless we build tower blocks within towns we have to look at appropriate greenfields in the district. Contrary to popular belief new development does bring prosperity to the existing communities and should help the promote flagging town centres and communities. The consultation document states that to deliver the expected numbers that a strategic large site will be needed within the plan period, however, this size of development will require careful planning and will require probable infrastructure improvements and resultant costs before any accommodation in the later years of the plan. In addition i believe that the resultant impact of the proposed strategic site at South west Hitchin on Hitchin as a settlement should be considered as I believe that such a large strategic site would have a serious detrimental impact on the town as a development of this scale will vastly change the settlements character and despite the new bypass, the additional traffic would cause serious problems in the town centre. The early part of the plan should therefore concentrate on the sites that do not need infrastructure improvements and are not so large as to impact on existing bottlenecks and are spread around the existing settlements within the districts. The smaller non-strategic sites because of the large amounts of finance needed to deliver a planning consent again invigorating the local community. Piecemeal development, will allow the settlement to expand and adapt more sustainably and in response to changing needs.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent

Infrastructure Over the years in travelling through Hitchin in the morning and evening i have noticed differing traffic problems, it seems that Tuesday has become the new Monday with more delays being experienced which i believe could be a result of more employees working from home for part of the week. This has evidenced helps the transport infrastructure on certain days but shows that new accommodation needs to support homeworking. I note under the infrastructure section and options that a new outer bypass for Hitchin. Whilst traffic alleviation is evidently required on occasions it would only function in part due to other bottlenecks such as whenever the M1 has a problem. A large amount of traffic crosses this route to get between the A1 and M1 and maybe therefore a northern route should be explored to relieve congestion in Hitchin in the am and pm periods. It also appears from the site identified in the consultation that a southern bypass couldn't be delivered on this site; if this is the case, the document should either say this, or show the land actually required to deliver the bypass.

I have read the proposed improvements to the existing network which all seem to be sensible solutions to peak traffic delays however the future budget has built in massive indirect costs for "preliminaries", "supervision" , "design" etc., which seems to multiply the direct cost by 10. It is hoped that these indirect costs will be better controlled than anticipated.

LDF/2659 5 Charlesworth Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/2661 4 Charlesworth Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/2664 4 Buckland Document Section: South West of Hitchin

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Object Representation: 1. It is far too big and would destroy Hitchin as a lovely and highly regarded market town. Hitchin was recently voted in 9th place in the 'Best Places to Live in Britain' in 'The Times' survey. 2. To add another 6,000-7,400 dwellings would almost double the size of the place. The infrastructure would not cope. The road system in particular could not stand it and the other services would be put under significant strain. Water in particular would be a problem. 3. To place such a vast proportion (almost 70% if you use the 7,400 figure) of NHDCs proposed growth of 10,700 dwellings in just one place is clearly disproportionate and totally unbalanced. 4. It is in Green Belt and should therefore be opposed. It would effectively destroy the villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St. Ippolyts and the history there. The historic buildings in these villages would be at risk and no longer in the village settings 5. There are numerous rights of way and footpaths which would be destroyed. These are very actively used by walkers, riders and joggers and their eradication would be injurious to the long term health of many people. The ancient 'Hica Way', would be destroyed or so altered as to ruin it's charecter entirely. 6. This proposal would fly in the face of the council's own Green Infrastructure Plan of August 2009. Many of the proposals contained within that Plan including Key Views to Conserve, Green Gateways, and Level 2 Green and Blue Links are compromised by this proposal. 7. This proposal includes the flood plains of the River Hiz and Ippolyts Brook. 8. There is a site of Special Scientific Intersest within Oughtonhead Lane. 9. There are 6 wildlife sites and the area borders the Chiltern Area of Outstandin Natural Beauty. 10. There are 4 known archaeological sites within the proposed area. 11. This is largely agricultural land and as such should not be developed. There is little enough farmland in this country and if we are to focus more on local produce we should not allow farmland to disappear for deveopment. Overall these arguments clearly show that this development is in an inappropriate location, and would destroy a wonderful town. It cannot be the desire of NHDC to do that I would hope. The other smaller developments proposed would be more than enougnh to satisfy the new development targets of the council.

LDF/2819 6 Pilkington Warmingtons Document Section: South West of Hitchin Support Representation: My observations relate to the strategic site to the south-west of Hitchin. I am supportive of a partial development of this strategic site covering the area between the A602 and the A505. The development will give the ability for funds to be committed towards a south-western bypass of Hitchin which is badly needed, with substantial congestion occurring at peak times. However, I have reservations regarding the westward expansion of Hitchin in the area of Foxholes and Oughton Head. Small areas outside the strategic expansion have been identified - in particular H/r14 and Site 38, both of which could be brought forward by the owner and where I have an interest. However, there is a prominent ridge line and development to the west of Hitchin should be constrained within the ridge line so as to prevent the loss of the visual amenity that this area of farmland provides.

LDF/2848 15 Trustees of Richard Pilkington Warmingtons Document Section: South West of Hitchin Support Representation: Our observations relate to the strategic site to the south-west of Hitchin. We are supportive of a partial development of this strategic site covering the area between the A602 and the A505. The development will give the ability for funds to be committed towards a south-western bypass of Hitchin which is badly needed, with substantial congestion occurring at peak times. However,we have reservations regarding the westward expansion of Hitchin in the area of Foxholes and Oughton Head. Small areas outside the strategic expansion have been identified - in particular H/r14 and Site 38, both of which could be brought forward by the owner and where we have an interest. However, there is a prominent ridge line and development to the west of Hitchin should be constrained within the ridge line so as to prevent the loss of the visual amenity that this area of farmland provides.

LDF/2959 89 English Heritage Document Section: South West of Hitchin

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Comment ADOC Additional document attached Representation: We have considerable reservations with regards to this strategic site. The scale of the site is extensive (at least one-third of the existing town) and would have a significant and potentially detrimental effect on the character, capacity and setting of the town and its surrounding villages and countryside. The site contains a conservation area and listed buildings at Charlton; the rural character and setting of the village is likely to be altered by development and the significance of its heritage assets harmed.

Outside of the site, Hitchin Conservation Area and Gosmore Conservation Area abut the site boundary, with St Ippolyts Conservation Area situated a short distance to the south-east on high ground. There are also a number of listed buildings within close proximity of the site, including the Grade I Hitchin Priory to the north of the A602 and the Grade II* Maydencroft Manor and Barn to the south of the site. The significance and setting of these heritage assets could be harmed, including negative impact on views.

Although there are no designated heritage assets within the site to the north of the A505, the countryside here forms part of the setting of Hitchin as much as the countryside to the south of the same road. Views from Windmill Hill across the town centre (which is largely covered by the conservation area designation) include views into open countryside. This helps to reinforce the proximity of the countryside to the town centre, particularly to the south and west, and contributes to the significance of the conservation area. Development of the strategic site is likely to affect this spatial relationship and harm the significance and setting of heritage assets.

There will be numerous undesignated heritage assets affected by this site, including archaeological deposits and other features. The County Historic Environment Record will provide assistance in identifying some of these features. Should this site be taken forward for allocation, further archaeological evaluation will be needed before the site is allocated.

We note that the site would deliver a bypass to connect the A505 to the A602, and the argument that this should relieve traffic congestion through Hitchin. Whilst congestion may be a problem, it does not automatically justify the scale of the site allocations. It remains to be shown whether a bypass would relieve congestion. For example, intra-urban congestion may remain a problem as additional residents and business users travel across town, while traffic flows from Letchworth and the A600 will not be affected by such a bypass. The potential enhancement of the town centre as a result of a bypass may be offset by the rapid enlargement of the town and the pressure to provide additional services and facilities in the town centre and elsewhere. It would also be offset by the harm caused to the villages and countryside surrounding the western and southern sides of Hitchin. The bypass itself, depending on the route, could harm specific heritage assets. We note that it could go beyond the site boundary to the south of Gosmore and St Ibbs, passing close to a number of heritage assets including highly graded listed buildings.

We strongly recommend that further work is undertaken to identify and where possible, overcome potential historic environment issues. The Landscape Sensitivity Study is helpful, but it focuses on cultural heritage matters as they relate to landscape, rather than focus on heritage assets in their own right. The significance of heritage assets needs to be understood, including their setting. On this matter, our guidance documents on Conservation Principles and the Setting of Heritage Assets may be of assistance. We appreciate that this is a very large site area and it will depend to some extent on how it is masterplanned, but until the impact on affected heritage assets is better understood, we remain to be convinced of the merits of allocating this site.

LDF/3034 9 Joshi Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/3042 13 Wray Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/3088 9 Hughes Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/3089 10 Hughes Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/3117 13 Natural England - East of England Region Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Whilst we note that a Site of Special Scientific Interest lies within the site boundary, we advise that being a geological site, with suitable mitigation, this site is unlikely to be adversely affected by the allocation.

LDF/3120 13 Sherno Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

1LTS/314 6 Hertfordshire Gardens Trust 3 Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: The urban character of Hitchin is bounded by the A602 and development within the proposed site would lead to the loss of discrete historic settlements at Maydencroft, Charlton and the loss of valuable countryside. The area also includes the locally important historic Hitchin Priory Park dating from the 18C, development of which we be contrary to NPPF guidance on heritage assets and their setting

LDF/3214 10 West Hitchin Action Group Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: The proposed developmentin the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way - increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000.This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. The natural heritage value of the Oughton Valley is a special element in the regional context and the surroundinglandscape provides an important buffer function. It is assessed as having a moderate to high landscape sensitivity, including green belt land, SSSis, archaeological sites and listed buildings.

The majority of this site is currently given over to agricultural use. Loss of farm land on this scale would mean a significant drop in food production from cereal and other types

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent of crop essential for feeding our country's current population. Replacing food-bearing crops with housing will also increase the carbon footprint of imported food. Green belt like this is the 'heart and lungs' of our country and should be protected not built on. The proposed development would encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollits and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin.

Without provision for local employment the even more than the present 50% of the town's population would work away from the town causing greater pressure on the already congested traffic system. This includes the train station and commuter trains to London.

Development on this scale to the south and west of Hitchin has in the past been associated with an option to build a bypass for the town to alleviate traffic flow at critical times. However, this is flawed reasoning, as a bypass would only encourage more traffic to use this bypass as a link between the A1and M1. Additionally, the scale of housing required to fund such a bypass would cause huge amounts of local traffic from residents commuting to workat exactly the same times the current problem exists . The net result would be massive housing growth, loss of green belt, an unbearable strain on the town's infrastructure yet no reduction in traffic. A lose-lose situation for Hitchin.

WHAG believes Hitchin has taken more than its fair share of the region's housing growth in recent years, so using its green belt to meet regional targets makes for an unbalanced growth that is not proportionate to local needs.

LDF/3249 12 Finnissy Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/3330 9 Swainston Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/3349 6 Urwin Document Section: South West of Hitchin

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Comment Representation: I support the views expressed in the paper submitted by Hitchin Forum. The idea of a new town or settlement, provided it does not repeat the errors of Camborne may help to avoid us being in the same position in 20 years, ie. scrabbling around to put development wherever possible. I understand that Herts CC own land within N Herts. Is this available? Would Royston benefit from further expansion across the county border? What joint working are you doing with Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire? I strongly object to the planning system being driven by developers and do not accept the argument that you have to go with their proposals on grounds of viability. How do you know that landowners will not sell if their land is assigned? I strongly object to so much development being targeted around Hitchin. Compulsory Purchase of land for a new town/settlement would give NHDC and hence the community more say over what is built. It should be possible to compensate the landowner so that they can buy even more land elsewhere and generously cover their upheaval. I do not accept the view that NHDC cannot afford it. The developers will put up the money and it will be down to how the deal is sealed. There are enough interested local people with business experience to help officials if required. Provided finance is available the cost of housing is governed by the rate of supply. It is obvious from a graph of land bank growth against completions that the volume builders limit the rate of building to keep prices at a maximum ¿ well you would, wouldn't you if you were in their business? If NHDC control the land to some extent then you can improve the rate of building. Hertfordshire will always be a successful county. If we carry on as we have been then we might as well rename N Herts 'Greater Harrow and Wealdstone' in 100 years. While we do this, other parts of the region suffer. So Hertfordshire's success disadvantages other areas in the Eastern Region. People generally live within reach of their jobs. Improving the road system just allows them to travel farther to work. We need to spread the work across the region, something successive governments have failed to do. One way of doing this is to restrict employment land in N Herts.

LDF/3365 9 Catchpole Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/3365 13 Catchpole Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: All sites are greenbelt and enjoyed by residents of Hitchin as such. Building should be on brownfield sites of which there are plenty. Less housing would be needed if only local residents needs were considered. A national plan for housing and employment areas is needed. Stop putting all new development into East anglia and South East. Reduce EEC immigration to quotus for each country and this reduces demand for housing, water, gas, food, electricity etc.

LDF/3401 9 Jordan Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation:

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LDF/3507 13 Clabburn Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/3532 8 Hutchison Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Just looking at the map shows the impact this would have on Hitchin! It would increase the area of the town by some 50%, completely changing the nature of the town and have an enormous impact on the environment. The landowners in this area may have a vested interest in this scale of development here, but the townspeople most certainly do not. For those who live on the west of the town, access to the countryside would be restricted, various nature reserves and historical and archaeological sites could/would be affected. The present western boundary of the town is on or below the high point of the hills and thus does not encroach on the surrounding landscape. Views of the countryside would be completely marred by such a development. Hitchin is an ancient market town, with a historic centre, originally sited in a gap in the Chilterns. As such it contributes a lot to the local economy, bringing in people who want to visit and shop in somewhere that isn't a "clone". I do not see how it could survive a development on this scale. In addition, if, as I suggest existing patterns of employment are maintained, some 50% of the new residents would be commuters to surrounding towns or London, the existing traffic problems would be made so much worse. Ideally the use of public transport should be encouraged, but the proposed area for development is a long way from the station, so people would have to travel right across the town to the station or use their own transport. I cannot see how the existing roads could cope, they don't cope now. A Hitchin bypass would not solve the problem - the Wymondley by-pass is already very congested at busy times and Hitchin's town centre roads cannot be widened because of their very nature.

LDF/3552 13 Lawther Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation:

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LDF/3552 17 Lawther Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Hitchin is a unique place to live. This has recently been recognised by the times which listed it 9th in the best places to live in in the UK. It cited that Hitchin "has plent of charms: a pretty town centre packed with historic building, brilliant schools, swift commuter links to london and lots of open space." The last of these is as important, if not the most important, aspect of the town, lose this and it will change the whole balance of the community. Hitchin is just the right size, when will planners wake up to this fact? Make it larger and the whole essence of the town will be gone, once it is lost it will be gone forever and a sad day for all the residents of hitchin that will be.

LDF/3554 14 Barley Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/3554 18 Barley Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: We need to preserve greenbelt land for future generations. Once lost this open space can never be recovered. Please can you advise me why it always seems to be Hitchin that is under threat rather than other towns? If the Hitchin expansion goes ahead then it certainly will not be amongst the top 30 small towns in the UK.

LDF/3562 9 Goulding Document Section: South West of Hitchin

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LDF/3563 13 Maguire Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development. 6. The housing targets make no sense for Hitchin and will ruin the character of the town and surrounding villages.

LDF/3566 13 Morgan Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/3570 13 Clark Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000.

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LDF/3574 10 Clark Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: The proposal to build on over 1,000 acres of Greenbelt Land with the effect of merging Hitchin with surrounding villages would result in all of them losingtheir identity. Hitchin has always been considered a Historic Market Town and the proposal would increase its population by over 50% completely overwhelming it and destroying its character. The scale and location of this development is clearly unsustainable,the towns infrastructure simply cannot support such a huge increase and the proposal of a bypass linking Offley Road and StevenageRoad will only move the volume of traffic to a different location and will not ease the congestion oftrying to cross Hitchin to access the station or the towns of Bedford or Letchworth. I also feel it is unacceptable that the proposals arefrom developers whose only interest is seeing their land developed and the NHDC should take a more strategic planning approach to identify a more sustainable future for the district. Hitchinis a lovely town, please do not destroy it.

LDF/3574 14 Clark Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/3578 13 Croysdill Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/3582 9 Graham Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. I strongly oppose the proposed development on the strategic site South West of Hitchin which would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way ¿ increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000 2. The Hitchin site would significantly undermine the rural nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected 3. The proposed Hitchin development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin.

LDF/3587 8 Dann Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/3617 13 Barley Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/3617 17 Barley Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation:

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent I think its appalling that they want to build so many new houses on land that is fine just the way it is. I don't think Hitchin would remain as the 9th best town in Britain if another 8000 houses were smacked haphazardly on the edges of it!

LDF/3647 9 Steel Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/3691 181 NHDC Labour Group Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: SW of Hitchin is too large in relation to the existing size of Hitchin (cf Wymondley argument, p92 and para 3.82), possibly half the size of the existing town. Residents will not accept a site so close to Oughtonhead Common, a much loved wild area for walking, not to mention the closeness of the AONB, the inclusion of the SSSS and 6 wildlife sites (para 2.13), the submersion of the Charlton conservation area and listed buildings (para 2.14), and the closeness of the Hitchin and St Ippolyts conservation areas. Parts of the site north of the Offley road are highly sensitive to development (para 2.17). Green space provision would only be at the expense of green belt, and all strategic sites are big enough for sustainable energy developments (para 2.15). The traffic problems are discussed in paras 2.22 and 2.23 and these would be exacerbated; there would also be new problems with traffic from the areas adjacent to Lucas Lane in getting into the town, for example along Lavender Way or Victoria Rd to the traffic lights at Oughtonhead Way/ Bedford Rd. Altogether it's a high price to pay for the 'bribe' of a new bypass, which in any case would be controversial. Regarding the other strategic sites : a general point about several of them is the need for more police and health staff, ie revenue commitments.

LDF/3700 9 Harrison Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/3700 13 Harrison Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Hitchin is a unique market town people come to Hitchin because its different to bigger towns. We worry about the roads, which are so busy.

LDF/3710 5 Armstrong Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/3718 19 Tait Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Green belt sites should be used only as a last resort. The Planning Assessment Matrix 2.11 to 2.14 gives comprehensive reasons why this site should not be used. The coalescence of Charlton, Gosmore and St. Ippolyts would be a drastic loss of their identity. This proposed development could not be completed in 20 years because of the infrastructure, roads, sewage, water, schools, shops etc. necessary.

LDF/3749 20 Barkway Parish Council Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: South West Hitchin - possibly reduce size to avoid AONB

LDF/3770 1 AKS Ward Lister Beare Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: You recently publisized your proposals for the construction of housing in the North Herts Area. The proposals were split into descrete areas but in practice the developments need to be considered together. Once this is done it can be seen that the proposals nearly link together Stevenage, Hitchin and Luton. This is not acceptable and should be avoided at all costs.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent The proposals are for housing numbers in excess of those suggested by Government and are then again unacceptable. Part of the justification for the number of houses was that the 106 agreements would pay for a Hitchin by-pass. Ignoring the fact that the 106 agreements are in a fact a bribe by developers encouraged by Local Authorityes to subsidise LA finances, they are not appropriate in this case. Main roads are financed by central government and are therefore not a cost to NHDC. The Hitchin by-pass has been proposed on numerous occasions and indeed was the reason that the A602 from Coreys Mill was made a dual carriageway and converted to a single carriageway by Ashbrook. The proposed route of the by-pass (accepted as part of the Oxford-Cambridge road) was to the South of Hitchin from the end of the dual carriageway. The proposal was rejected and the situation has not changed. Creating a by-pass by up-grading the town's roads and being funded by NHDC is both underhand and unnecessary. If it is considered that the situation has changed then the government's proposals should be revisited and it would be funded by central agreement. The Herts Police expressed concern about the traffic flow on the A1M as it passes Stevenage. The proposed developments would increase the problems and would require a dramatic increase in width of the A1M. The cost of this would be greater than the 106 payments and there has been no suggestion that central government are going to pay for this construction. A suggestion has been made that Hitchin Football Ground should be moved to an area near Kingshott and than another supermarket placed on the old ground. This would tend to draw shoppers further away from the town centre shops. The NHDC policy on car park payments has already put the existing town centre shops under a lot of pressure, moving more people away from the town centre would be a further strain on the shops. Moving the football ground would also create a further parking problem around the A602. The proposal to put a roundabout at Ashbrook on the A602 was rejected on the basis that it would reduce the traffic flow on the road. The addition of more houses around Kingshott would exacerbate the current problems with traffic joining the A602 from both Ashbrook and St Ippolyts. The size of the proposed developments will change the whole nature of Hitchin and will require the development of the schools etc. Are these costs going to be funded by 106 agreements. The recent housing developments have generally been for people working in central London. The provision of the proposed developments will not be for Hitchin business. It will mainly be for people working in London. As such it is not appropriate for the development of Hitchin. Any housing development should be linked to the increase in business based in North Herts. For the above reasons I object to the proposed housing developments and particularly the loss of green land between Hitchin and Stevenage.

LDF/3802 4 Ashwell Education Services Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Probably to the west of Hitchin rather than south, i.e. not the whole site. The area to the south has great visual value and would be better not disturbed.

LDF/3915 1 The Charlton Society Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following; The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the areas have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command higher house prices and i do not think that this is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the district, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to be built, in once location, namely south west of hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development,

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent adding about 50% to its current size, would chance completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely market town. As a resident of Charlton i am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the south west of hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the south, but that will not prevent traffic problems within hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become and environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this south west of hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making hitchin into a so called "dormitory town". The details of some of the proposed sites, i see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrapyard and there must be other sites around the area which are brownfield so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but i believe it is the councils job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, i see that there are a number of non strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely ref nos 133,H/m02, H/m03, H/R28, H/r48 and H/r50 (and there may be others that i do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so called "town sites" that have not "failed" there would be land available for 1,51 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case, i should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that it should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the district, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites. The proposal to develop from north east of stevenage site seems best suited for the implied dwelling proposals because of the service base in stevenage to accommodate such growth. Houses there would also be more affordable and therefore more likely to sell, given that the current economic climate is not likely to improve extensively in the foreseeable future. Within Charlton, there are on-going studies of national concern such as; On-going study to monitor birds (and other wildlife) on a site via licensed bird ringing and garden bird watch, both of which are carried under the auspices of the british trust for ornithology. As an example, the date from the ringing records, the following red list birds (showing their percentage decline nationally) are present and/or breeding regularly on the fields immediately surround Charlton: Com Buting (87%) Grey Partridge (91%) Skylark (63%) Song Thrush (50%) Linnet (76%) Lesser Redpoll (89%) Yellowhammer (57%) plus a further 14 species of birds on the Amber list, including nesting Barn Owl, Kestrel and Whitethroat. If building was allowed on the adjacent fields, birds would all but disappear another nail in the coffin of declining farmland birds.

In this area is an observatory owned and operated by a resident who holds the world record, as an individual amateur astronomer, for discovering the greatest number of variable stars. The proposed development would cause a source of light pollution and would make it much more difficult for him to continue in this work.

The Avanti Stud, at Temple End, has enabled a breed of horses to be taken off the 'Rare Breeds Survival Trust's Register' and is an important resource both at home and overseas. Temple End was chosen for this operation manily for its peaceful environment and total freedom from traffic noise and distractions. Having the by-pass so close to the Stud (200 meters approx) will undoubtedly have a detrimental effect on this important enterprise and futrue of a rare breed.

The areas around Charlton and Temple End are used extensively by people from Hitchin town and others for recreational use as an amenity. There are numerous walkers, joggers, dog walkers, bird watchers, horse riders etc. who enjoy using the area and who would be deprived of the beauty of the landscape and surrounding countryside and of its special wildlife, were the south west of hitchin proposal adopted.

Finally, the imptemenration of this proposal, even with the suggested buffer of undevelopment land around the village of charlton itself, would be an encroachment on the ancient and historic villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St Ippolyts. This would undoubtedly by the then end of the wedge and leave the door open to loss of identity and full subsumption within hitchin itself at sometime in the future.

LDF/3988 12 Graveley Parish Council - Clerk Document Section: South West of Hitchin

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Support Representation: A very large site, in addition to offering flexibility as to where development takes place (in the process protecting areas of particular sensitivity or interest), it offers economies of scale for infrastructure and should reduce the number of off site journeys to access schools and shops, reducing pressure on the heavily congested A1 corridor road network, especially during peak times.

Development of this site would attract support from developers to help finance a bypass on the southern edge of Hitchin to connect the A505 Offley Road with the A602 Wymondly bypass. This would reduce congestion within Hitchin itself, facilitate the movement of traffic travelling east/west across the district from the A1 to M1, and improve the attractiveness of the area for many of the existing residents (which some current planning proposals, most notably the NS3 Roundwood proposal, totally fails to achieve).

Hitchin has its own sewage treatment works and unlike Stevenage related sites would not require a major upgrade in sewage treatment capacity or gas pipeline supplies.

Hitchin is considered one of the most desirable places to live within the North Hertfordshire district, with associated higher land values generating higher S106 and Community Infrastructure levies to fund the necessary infrastructure development. These higher land values would also permit higher prices to be obtained by developers on properties sold, encouraging a better mix of housing and helping aid the depressed construction industry.

Finally, any agreed development on this site would increase shopping activity within the town centre, together with increasing the viability of any future redevelopment of the town centre. This would be in contrast to any agreed development of any of the three sites just outside of Stevenage, which clearly would increase shopping activity within Stevenage (and hence outside of the North Hertfordshire district), together with increasing the viability of any future redevelopment of Stevenage.

LDF/4001 22 Preston Parish Council Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Preston Parish Council objects to this strategic site for the following reasons:

A development of this size is too large for Hitchin and would become a large percentage of the town as a whole. A development of this size would adversely affect the vitality and character of Hitchin. This development would concentrate a large number of houses, schools, community and health centres and other services into a very small area. Part of the site is in a flood plain, which could lead to a serious risk of flooding to any properties built on it. It is possible that the sewage treatment works will be unable to cope with the increased number of houses. This is a green field site of grade 3 agricultural land. The proposed southern by pass would not alleviate traffic problems if this new development went ahead as there would be a huge number of additional vehicles on the roads each day.

Preston Parish Council believes that it is important that there are green spaces and public rights of way for people to enjoy the countryside and a healthy life style and that this site is not viable because it would remove or affect: One site of Special Scientific Significance Six wildlife sites The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A number of Rights of Way.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Four archaeological areas. Conservation areas. This is not acceptable when the houses could be put in a location where they would not have a detrimental effect on the green spaces which are so vital to the well-being of local residents.

For the reasons outlined above, Preston Parish Council objects to the South West of Hitchin strategic site and is also of the opinion that it is completely unacceptable to propose that 69% of the 10700 houses required should be concentrated in one small area when they would have less impact if they were in smaller developments in more areas.

LDF/4007 4 Wymondley Parish Council Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: This site increases unwelcome coalescence of Gosmore and St Ippolyts with Hitchin and engulfs Charlton. It is disproportionate to the size of Hitchin and would completely change the character of the town. It would completely over burden an already stretched road and rail transport system, both within the town and on access routes, to an extent that would not be solved by a bypass. Traffic will attempt to avoid congestion by using surround villages as a rat run, particularly towards Stevenage. Any bypass would add to the erosion of the Green Belt

LDF/4011 14 Weston Parish Council Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Weston believes this to be largely both unnecessary and inappropriate. This site appeared attractive at first because of the 'carrot' of a new bypass but this creates its own additional problems. In summary: it is far too big and would completely overwhelm the market town feeling of Hitchin it would be visually obtrusive approaching Hitchin from the west it would destroy the village of Charlton and coalesce with Gosmore and St Ippolytes the new road would not be built until the developers got money from the houses built the planned siting of the road is well to the west and south of the proposed development and this would encourage infill to the boundary of the road the new bypass is needed but this should be provided as an essential support for the total North Herts infrastructure and the expansion of Luton.

LDF/4343 5 'North Hertfordshire Homes Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We would also give South West Hitchin a low ranking. Firstly, 7,400 new dwellings would increase the town's size to too great an extent while not contributing to ongoing employment opportunities within the town itself. This would increase even further Hitchin's current status as a commuter town - more than 50% of the workforce already commute out of the town. As commuters who move to a new town do not universally use existing shops and facilities, this is turn would threaten local businesses, particularly those in the town centre, and the financial, social, and environmental sustainability of Hitchin.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent In addition the site is unacceptable because of the weaknesses highlighted in the consultation paper, viz: it's adverse impact on an ANOB, the existing SSSI, and local sites of archaeological importance. While we would agree with the promoter that a bypass for Hitchin would be welcome to alleviate traffic congestion within the town, we are not convinced that to do so at the expense of providing 7,400 new homes would achieve this aim. A bypass is a separate matter to housing growth, and should not be used as a bargaining point to achieve otherwise unsustainable development. We cannot support the inclusion of this site in the local plan.

LDF/4392 4 Thorning Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: South West of Hitchin is particularly well served with open country and rights of way - it is clearly used by walkers (many with dogs) and horse riders. It is a "green lung" for Hitchin.

LDF/4398 6 Newbury Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: South West of Hitchin - would destroy Hitchin as it is known and loved. All greenfield site, would create significant internal traffic issues and bypass links (or not) to B656 London Road could create significant extra traffic perhaps a scaled down version would work better.

LDF/4430 2 Destro Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I am opposed in principle to any development on greenfield sites around Hitchin for the following reasons: (i) there are more than enough brownfield sites to fulfil Hitchin's true additional housing needs and (ii) unnecessary greenfield development goes against North Herts District Council's own Healthy Community Policy for preserving green spaces, sports facilities, and reducing congestion and travel.

I am particularly opposed to this site (37) as it is so enormous, it would fundamentally change the nature of Hitchin. Smaller developments of brownfield sites would be more in keeping with the market town feel, which gives Hitchin it's unique character.

Hitchin should not be allowed to be swallowed up in a sprawling conurbation, or to gradually become joined with surrounding towns. We need to preserve the integrity of our classic English Market town.

Development on this scale would put a huge strain on the infrastructure and public transport facilities, which are already overcrowded.

Within this site (37) is some of the most beautiful English countryside, including archaeological and nature sites. These are currently enjoyed by many, and should be preserved for future generations to enjoy as well. Once destroyed, we would never be able to regain them.

I feel that there have to be better ways in which we could address housing and development issues.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/4478 3 Lewis Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/4524 5 Johnson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: The most favourable strategic sites are closest to established urban settlements and would have the minimum impact on the environment and rural characteristics of the region.

South west of hitchin- numbers would depend on minimum impact on AONB and ASSI

LDF/4554 3 Read Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: It seems rather high given the huge amount of building that has been inflicted on Hitchin in recent years. Getting out of North Herts between 8&9am is already very slow: the A1(M) and paparalle roads are jammed and roads into and out of Hitchin and Letchworth are gridlocked. Trains are crowded and expensive. Without very major infrastructure improvment this numbe rof new houses cannot be supported.

LDF/4554 5 Read Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: The development proposed S W of Hitchin would nearly double the size of the town, and would ruin both Hitchin and many of its outlying villages. Provision of a southern bypass would not solve the problems of the A1(M) grid locks along the 2 lane stretch between Letchworth and Welwyn GS, the very crowded trains from Hitchin and Stevenage to London, and would have an adverse effort on attractive countryside outside the town. Smaller concentration of fewer houses would have a less serious effect on the existing towns and villages and infrastructure.

LDF/4588 5 Windebank Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation:

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LDF/4615 7 Wilding Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/4616 5 Windebank Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development

LDF/4627 5 Sheach Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Hitchin is a mdium sized market town, full of character which already has its primary and secondary schools full to capacity, its police and fire services stratched and its roads clogged up at rush hours, with not enough car park spaces on market days and at weekends and with water and sewage facilities under pressure. We are proud to belong to a town with a strong history and with characterful outlying villages. To propose increasing the housing by around another 50% seems totally at odds with what our town is about and would destroy our rural market town's character, increasing

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent traffic in the town centre and straining local resources and facilities. The area south west of Hitchin contains flood plains (many fields and walks are waterlogged and have been for months), sites of natural interest, listed buildings, rural pubs and villages and a wonderful network of walks and a lovely common which is much used and enjoyed by all ages and by many families. It would be a tragedy to lose all of this. I cannot understand why Hitchin has been singled out for such a huge expansion, when there are areas around Royston that could be developed as a new Garden City, with an existing dual carriageway, Baldock bypass and motorway links already in place.

LDF/4638 2 Linfield Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I am unable to use the online comments form, so hope I can submit my comments by email on the proposed housing developments around Hitchin, in particular the huge area south and west of the town as marked out in your plans. I strongly feel that housebuilding on this scale is a terrible idea for Hitchin and will ruin the town and quality of life for existing residents irrevocably. The amount of houses being considered would appear to increase the size and population of the town by about 50%. In purely logistical terms this is untenable, there is not the infrastructure to support that kind of increase. Primary school places in Hitchin are already insufficient, as are secondary school places (partly due to the baffling admission policies that give places to children from other towns over local children). I very much doubt that the house builders who are rubbing their hands in glee at the prospect of all the money they could make from this, are giving much thought to building at least 3 primary schools and a new secondary school are they? Likewise I expect the kind of housing planned is the kind of miserable high density, cramped little boxes with inadequate storage, and a pathetic scrap of garden on estates of depressing overlooked identikit 'homes' that nobody really wants to live in. While I constantly hear that 'people need houses', I don't think anyone will want to move to these kind of soulless places. My strongest objection however is what this would do to the countryside around Hitchin, and the quality of life that the existing residents currently enjoy, and have a right to continue to enjoy. One of the things I love about Hitchin is its accessibility to proper countryside, farms, small villages and lovely sweeping views, just minutes from the town centre. Crossing the footbridge over the ring road to be met with the glorious sweeping field of Hitchin Hill, with the footpaths threading through the cornfield and the hills rising up beyond, with Charlton hidden in the valley beyond, is one of the loveliest and exhilarating views, and the area is constantly in use from walkers, joggers, families, dog walkers and cyclists. The prospect of this being turned into a building site and then a mass of housing absolutely breaks my heart. It would change what Hitchin is forever. The planners may have identified Hitchin as a place people want to live, but that is for what it is now, not for what they would turn it into if they had their way. I want my children to grow up here with the sense of community that a small town gives, and the access to the countryside that it currently has. Fields and woods and views have a value far beyond the mere value of the land. The idea of the villages of Gosmore and Charlton being engulfed by housing estates is depressing beyond words, and I don't live there, I can only imagine what the residents of those villages must be feeling. They have chosen a semi-rural village life that is now being threatened to be ruined for ever, not only by the housing estates but also by the planned bypass, which would cut through one of the loveliest part of the countryside in this area. It was designated as greenbelt for a reason. As Stevenage and Luton encroach from two sides, there is a triangle of as yet unspoilt countryside, farms, villages, woodland south of Hitchin, that is a refuge from urban life for the residents of all the towns of this area. Once built on, or a road put through it, it will be ruined for ever. Everyone will suffer.

LDF/4641 8 Levesley Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I strongly oppose the proposed development on the strategic site South West of Hitchin which would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. The Hitchin site would significantly undermine the rural nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected The proposed Hitchin development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollits and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent

LDF/4679 4 Pearce Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Hitchin has been recognised by English Heritage as an important historic town (Urban Panel Review July 2012) and by the council for british archaeology as of national importance. Hitchin is unusual in the retention of an extensive medieval street pattern and the close relationship of that core to the countryside. The development of the strategic site would sever the centre from its rural setting, double the physical extent of the town and increase its population by 50%. The pressure on services, facilities and the transport network would entail significant changes to the physical fabric of the town which would have a much greater impact than any benefits that might be claimed from the associated construction of a bypass. To assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment land use consultants landscape sensitivity study (LSS 2012) makes clear the significance and sensitivity of this attractive area of countryside as an open undulating valley with its small villages and isolated farms lying between the historic town and the chilterns AONB and Langley scarp. The town has a very clear edge along the ridge line to west and south so that even partial development into the valley would have very significant impact (which by the nature of the area could not be successfully mitigated by tree planting). The area also provides an extremely important setting for informal recreation for a town with limited open space within its build up area. Part of the site area is also ccrucialin providing separation between Hitchin and Stevenage and much of it is also vital in retaining separation between hitchin and the villages of charlton, gosmore, st ippolyts, titmore green and little wymondley.

I therefore conclude that the strategic sites to the south west of hitchin are wholly inappropriate areas to develop especially when one considers the environmental impact on wildlife and the natural springs around the source of the river Hiz.

LDF/4679 5 Pearce Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following: The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the area have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command high house prices and i do not think that is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the Council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the District, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population, such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7,400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to b built in one location, namely South West of Hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would change completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely Market Town. As a resident of Charlton, i am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the South West of Hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the South, but that will not prevent traffic problems within Hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become and environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this South West of Hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making Hitchin into a so called "dormitory town". This details of some of the proposed sites, i see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrap yard and there must be other sites around the area which are "brownfield" so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but i believe it is the Council's job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, i

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent see that there are a number of non-strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely Ref nos. 133, H/m02, H/m03, H/r28. H/r48 and H/r50 ( and there may be others that i do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so-called "town sites" that have not "failed" there would be land available for 1,531 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case i should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that i should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the District, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites.

Within Charlton, there are on-going studies of national concern such as; on-going study to monitor birds (and other wildlife) on a site via licensed Bird Ringing and Garden Birdwatch, both of which are carried under the auspices of the British Trust for Ornithology. As an example, the date from the Ringing records, the following Red List birds (showing their percentage decline nationally) are present and/or breeding regularly on the fields immediately surround Charlton; Corn Bunting (87%) Grey Partridge (91%) Skylark (63%) Song Thrush (50%) Linnet (76%) Lesser Redpoll (89%) Yellowhammer (57%) plus a further 14 species of birds on the Amber List, including nesting Barn Owl, Kestrel and Whitethroat. If building was allowed on the adjacent fields, birds would all but disappear, another nail in the coffin of declining farmland birds. In this area is an obervatory owned and operated by a resident who holds the world record, as an individual amateur astronomer, for discovering the greatest number of variable stars. The proposed development would cause a source of light pollution and would make it much more difficult for him to continue with this work. The areas around Charlton and Temple End are used extensively by people from Hitchin town and others for recreational use as an amenity. There are number walkers, joggers, dog walkers, bird watchers, horse riders etc. who enjoy using the area and who would be deprived of the beauty of the landscape and surrounding countryside and of its special wildlife, were the South West of Hitchin proposal adopted. Finally, the implementation of this proposal, even with the suggested "buffer of undeveloped land" around the village of Charlton itself, would be an encroachment on the ancient and historic villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St Ippolyts. This would undoubtedly be the "thin end of the wedge" and leave he door open to loss of identity and full subsumption within Hitchin itself at some time in the future. Therefore, on all the above grounds, i wish to register my objection to the South West of Hitchin housing proposal.

LDF/4684 3 Darley and Hutchins Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We would like to express our concern about problems with several of the proposed sites. We feel that the proposal to build to the south-west of Hitchin puts too much of the weight of new development on the town, endangers the character of several areas that are important for landscape or wildlife and is wholly disproportionate. We are also not convinced at all that the case for a southern bypass has been adequately made (as is recognised in the report) and do not feel that this should be the impetus for a housing project of this size. We note the misuse of the word 'sustainable' in the developer's summary argument. We would like to draw the council's attention to the fact that the open countryside that adjoins the Lucas Lane and Oughtonhead areas of Hitchin are a major recreational facility and amenity or people from the whole town and beyond and are consequently valued extremely highly by people in the town. They cater for runners, walkers, dog walkers, cyclists, people using long-distance footpaths, conservation volunteers, families and people taking general outdoor recreation. To develop here would have potentially serious implications for the mental and physical wellbeing of a large number of residents and contradict initiatives such as the sterling work being done by the county council's Countryside Management Service (such as health walks and conservation volunteering opportunities).

LDF/4703 12 Agar Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000.

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LDF/4707 3 Thaw Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Please accept our strong disagreement with this suggestion. Green belt land should be kept as it is. The town down not have the infrastructure needed, and a bypass would only open the way for more development. Please work on our behalf to stop Hitchin becoming just another amorphous town with no soul and long traffic queues, and please accept our belief that the country side should not be built on.

LDF/4712 2 Maile Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I object strongly to any form of housing development on greenbelt land around Hitchin.

As a keen local birdwatcher, I have spent many hours wandering the countryside south-west of Hitchin, specifically the area surrounding Charlton Village, and seen some wonderful sights. In summary Ive seen 77 different bird species of which 47 have also visited (specifically landed in) our garden at 23 Cranborne Avenue.

I strongly believe my observations demonstrate that the area between the A505 and Gosmore provides an important haven for bird life. Highlights of my sightings from footpaths in the area proposed for development include the following:

- A barn owl quartering a field at dusk - 5 Skylarks singing simultaneously - 60+ Golden Plover - A flock of 70+ Yellowhammers - 30+ Linnet - 45+ Siskins lined along telegraph wires - A lone Whinchat - Regular twice-annual views of migrating Wheatears - Red Kites scavenging - 5 Buzzards soaring together - 2 Corn Buntings singing simultaneously - A Cuckoo perched and calling then in flight - 10 Pied Wagtails feeding in a field - A Hobby family feeding at sunset - Meadow Pipits cavorting over a field

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent - The quirky rusty hinge calls of Grey Partridges - 200+ Redwings feeding - 200+ Fieldfares feeding - A Cettis Warbler singing in the bushes - Spotted Flycatchers chasing flies - Lesser and Common Whitethroats along an overgrown hedgerow - A Lapwing displaying - A Kingfisher flitting along a stream - A Grey Heron standing in the field, another perched in a tree.

The wooded area alongside Willow Lane provides excellent shelter for Woodcock and other birds during cold spells. From there they find vital food put out for them in the gardens which border Willow Lane. By developing land south of Willow Lane, this natural refuge will be lost.

In addition, I would suggest that bringing buildings closer to Oughtonhead nature reserve will narrow the natural corridor for summer migrants, specifically warblers, the songs of which make the Common so special.

Building huge numbers of dwellings to fund a bypass on an area half the existing size of Hitchin would (a) ruin the innate rural character of our town (b) be totally disproportionate to Hitchins true housing and transportation needs (c) create unwarranted urban sprawl that would destroy Charlton as a village and key conservation area (d) raise pollution levels (car noise and emissions from the additional residential and through traffic) and (e) forever lose swathes of Hitchin's surrounding green belt (including beautiful sections of agricultural land, wildlife areas and woodland).

Moreover, building thousands of dwellings on this site goes far in excess of any housing growth target set for Hitchin and its environs and would be disproportionate housing growth purely on the basis of raising funds for a bypass that has not been formally assessed as meeting Hitchins transportation needs.

Additionally, the area in question is used for local health walks as it is very accessible with onward access to numerous walker-friendly publc rights of way. Also the paths are regularly used by dog-walkers, ramblers, runners, cyclists and horse-riders. Building on these fields will significantly reduce the number of easy access paths available for the promotion of such countryside activities as a healthy life option.

With the additional threat from Lutons proposed housing expansion towards Hitchin, it is even more important to retain this area as greenbelt.

On this basis I object to any form of housing or bypass development on this proposed site.

LDF/4751 3 Hitchin Forum - Chairman Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: The excess need related to Hitchin of about 2,150 homes is minor in the context of the scale of the strategic site shown south and west of Hitchin (for 6,000 to 7,400 homes) that has been put forward as one alternative to address the needs of the District as a whole. Hitchin Forum's view is that development of all or part of this area of Green Belt would be totally unacceptable in relation to three of the purposes of the Green Belt (National Planning Policy Framework 2012 page 19): To preserve the setting and special character of historic towns

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Hitchin has been recognised by English Heritage as an important historic town (Urban Panel Review July 2012) and by the Council for British Archaeology as of national importance. Hitchin is unusual in the retention of an extensive medieval street pattern and the close relationship of that core to the countryside. The development of the strategic site would sever the centre from its rural setting, double the physical extent of the town and increase its population by 50%. The pressure on services, facilities and the transport network would entail significant changes to the physical fabric of the town which would have a much greater impact than any benefits that might be claimed from the associated construction of a bypass. To assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment Land Use Consultant's Landscape Sensitivity Study (LSS 2012) makes clear the significance and sensitivity of this attractive area of countryside as an open undulating valley with its small villages and isolated farms lying between the historic town and the Chilterns AONB and Langley Scarp. The town has a very clear edge along the ridge line to west and south so that even partial development into the valley would have very significant impact (which by the nature of the area could not be successfully mitigated by tree planting). The area also provides an extremely important setting for informal recreation for a town with limited open space within its built up area. To prevent neighbouring towns merging into one another Part of the site area is also crucial in providing separation between Hitchin and Stevenage (LSS page 39); and much of it is also vital in retaining separation between Hitchin and the villages of Charlton, Gosmore, St Ippollytts, Titmore Green and Little Wymondley (LSS pages 38 and 48). A case can be made for Hitchin that it is reaching its environmental capacity, with significant constraints in terms of its historic centre and setting. The argument would be that the excess needs have to be met beyond its Green Belt. It is not yet clear how far Stevenage may be seeking housing sites outside its own built up area either adjacent to or within North Hertfordshire in the period up to 2031 (see 1.1 above). If it is, then there could be an argument that the additional housing need from Hitchin (and Letchworth) would contribute to a sustainable development adjacent to Stevenage, depending on its location. In fact the Letchworth/Hitchin/Stevenage area as a whole is becoming increasingly congested with significant difficulties in providing infrastructure and services, and with very fragile gaps between settlements. It may therefore be worth considering the development of a new settlement further north in a sustainable location with associated rail links. Such consideration would seem to be appropriate in the context of the government's espousal of the building of new settlements built on Garden City principles (NPPF page 13), and its expectation that Local Authorities will be co-operating: The Stevenage and A1(M) housing sub market area includes much of Bedfordshire (SMHA page 7) and there could be an argument for needs to be met at a new settlement elsewhere in the same functional sub market. Or NHDC could take account of the growing economic base of Cambridge and the related employment opportunities. It might then be appropriate to look for a new settlement in the north east of the District to meet these opportunities. A new settlement could also provide for any additional needs not met by other towns or villages in the District. Hitchin Forum therefore urges NHDC to take the significant opportunity provided by the government's support for new settlements and co-operation between authorities, in order to break the cycle of continuous recourse to the most congested part of the District, and to undertake a more strategic planning approach to housing needs.

LDF/4752 12 'Hertfordshire County Council - Spatial and Land Use Planning Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: It is assumed that the development will deliver a new bypass which would have additional benefit for non development related traffic. Although the provision of a southern bypass should have the effect of relieving through traffic at certain junctions within the town (such as the Three Moorhens roundabout and the Paynes Park one way system), the internal traffic generated by the new development will impact the local highway network in the Hitchin area ¿ the modelling work identified problems at Junctions 7 and 8 of the A1(M), the Cadwell Lane / Woolgrove Road area of Hitchin, and within Stevenage.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Given the scale of additional mitigation required in the Hitchin area, in addition to the provision of the bypass, the development scenario which includes the South west Hitchin site would result in significant infrastructure costs (as set out in Table 6.3 of Technical Note) which could impact upon deliverability.

In terms of bus provision there will be a need for additional routes to/from the town centre/rail stations. Some diversion of existing services will also be likely with a need for bus priorities to be incorporated within the site layout and on the adjacent highway network. High quality infrastructure meeting accessibility requirements incorporating 'real time' bus information will also be necessary.

LDF/4760 9 Atkins Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/4761 7 Walton Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/4768 2 Cowlishaw Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Having attended your exhibition of sites for development proposed by landowners and developers we understand the need for the council to provide further houses and that decisions have to be taken as to where they are to be built. My wife and I have one very strong objection to one aspect of the plans as drawn. The developers have asked for a narrow strip of land running at right angles across Mill Road and the end of Millfield Lane and across the green belt field is of course vitally important to maintain the Gosmore separation but why do they want this narrow strip at the top of the field? The Council's representative at the exhibition said he did not know. It appears it is an attempt to connect a proposed large development which incorporates the village of

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Charlton into the Hitchin boundary, with the B656 Codicote Road and then the A602 Stevenage Road. Presumably a road is to be built to provide access to their huge development so that heavy goods vehicles could transport all their building materials etc. on a hourly/daily basis for many months. More importantly, such a road would be a rat run to and from the B656 for, amongst many others, the occupiers of the large proposed development and would form a bypass of Hitchin towards Luton road. The volume of traffic would be immense and continuous with associated noise and would completely change and spoil the nature of that area of Hitchin. We believe the Council should totally reject this proposal which is merely a convenience for the developer by which has ominous consequences. We also hope that is will be possible to protect the village of Charlton. The new houses have to be built somewhere but surely not at the expense of the horror referred to above.

LDF/4781 5 Hammacott Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/4786 5 Georgiou Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/4786 9 Georgiou Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: This is a rural area that many people enjoy including dog walker and cyclists. Being a member of both those groups this will cause an immediate impact on the quality of my life. My family will be affected already we currently enjoy views over fields to the area indicated for development. I absolutely object to any of these expansion ideas which will complete scupper the outlook of my retirement which was pleasant to be in my home.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/4793 7 Bradburn Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: I do not have a problem in principal with your development proposals, Provided That: 1) you complete the infrastructure early on, in terms of water supply, drainage, internet, schools, shops and community facilities and do not allow them to be left until after the housing is built. 2) you do actually construct the proposed Southern bypass linking the A505 to the A602 and introduce appropriate signage and weight restrictions on non A roads within Hitchin. I am also concerned that Safe Routes To School will not be considered since it comes under the responsibility of another Authority. The plan should incorporate proposals to ensure that children can walk or cycle to school without the need for vehicle movements. In other words, schools need to be near children so that they are not shipped from one side of the town to another just to meet some social engineering ideals. New developments like this should start off with 20mph speed limits and width restricting pinch points on entry. Road Safety measures may well come out of someone else's budget, but they all come out of my pocket! My final "aspiration" is to see a northern bypass or link road. Hitchin already comes to a standstill at peak times and if the through traffic were to be encouraged to miss out Hitchin, we would be better able to manage our own internal traffic, which of course, will grow considerably with the proposed development.

LDF/4819 6 Burr Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: S.W Hitchin is far too big. It would almost double the size of Hitchin. Part of the area could be developed.

LDF/4820 6 Waters Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. I strongly oppose the proposed development on the strategic site South West of Hitchin which would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way ¿ increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000 2. The Hitchin site would significantly undermine the rural nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected 3. The proposed Hitchin development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin.

LDF/4825 9 Smithson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/4850 5 Knight Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Development on this site would have too heavy an impact on the historic nature of the town and increase it by at least 50% - NOT A GOOD IDEA!

LDF/4868 2 Matterson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: I am writing with regards to the 2011-2031 local plan for St Ippolyts.

There is an error in this plan at the area around the the blue strategic site between Mill Lane and Hitchin Road/Gosmore Road.

The property boundary of Glyada,Gosmore Road is not shown correctly. This boundary extends into the blue strategic site along the Hitchin Road/Gosmore Road and triangulates back to far corner of this property. This can be seen from google maps. This cuts off the blue strategic site area on the Hitchin Road.

Regarding the whole of the blue strategic site plan, this is much too large to be added to Hitchin. There would be a need for more infrastructure, schools, shops etc. The character of Hitchin would be transformed and existing road network would be unable to cope (Hitchin is a bad bottleneck at present).

LDF/4886 2 Matterson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I would like to object to the plan which shows the land which lies between Gosmore and Millfield Lane and is bordered by Mill Lane and Hitchin Road being shown as an option for housing.

1. There is no indication of where access roads to the houses would be.

All surrounding roads are currently very narrow and are unsuitable for extra traffic. (Until the access is shown people do not know to what extent they will be affected and whether they should object.)

2. Extra housing in the St Ippolyts area will produce a need for extra school places. There are no plans which acknowledge this.

Extra children from this area attending St Ippolyts school are likely to be driven there which will increase cars around the school and danger to local children who walk to school.

3. The land has not been measured correctly and includes land privately owned so this gives concerns for the accuracy and integrity of any plan as a whole.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Please could you answer the following questions.

1. Where will access to this possible development be from?

2. What provision will be provided for the education of the extra children living in the St Ippolyts catchment area?

3. Will you review the size/measurements of the area described above, indicated as possible strategic site, and correct the error?

LDF/4889 3 Kelsall Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: The proposed development to the South West side of Hitchin is not appropriate for a town of Hitchin's size. Such a massive increase in the population of the town would adversely affect life in Hitchin for current residents. It would no longer be a rural market town, and would become something of an urban sprawl. The villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St Ippolytts would be swallowed up by such a development, and would lose their own identity. Similarly, residents of the South West side of Hitchin would lose the use of the open green spaces that they value highly; and this would be tragic. I am aware of the fact that you have housing targets, but I do not agree they are reasonable. By proposing Site Ref 37 (S.W. Hitchin) it seems as if you are trying to socially engineer large-scale migration to this area of North Herts. Why can't you just reduce your housing targets to take account of internal population growth, which is obviously much lower than 10,700. In my view this would be a much better plan. Please email me back to confirm my opposition to Site Ref 37 (S.W. Hitchin) has been recorded in your consultation figures.

LDF/4987 8 Hamilton Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/4988 4 Groom Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected.

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LDF/5000 5 Machen Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development. 6. Infrastructure of town roads etc could not cope with such a large increase in population in Hitchin. 7. Area SW of Hitchin is a much used and highly regarded recreation area for people of the town. Residents come from many parts of the town to walk,cycle,job and to enjoy this area of countryside.

LDF/5010 6 Thomas Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: i) Increases coalescence of Gosmore and St Ippolyts villages with Hitchin. ii) Engulfs Charlton. iii) Is disproportionate to the size of Hitchin and would completely change the character and environment of the town. iv) Would completely over burden an already stretched road and rail transport system both within the town and on access routes to an extent that would not be solved by a bypass. The additional traffic on these routes will be disastrous. v) In addition to pressure on the transport network there would be pressure on services and facilities as residents of new homes will also want to use the amenities within the town centre resulting changes to the fabric of town. vi) Is not sustainable. vii) Adjoins the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

LDF/5032 9 Grimes Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected.

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LDF/5033 8 Grimes Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/5036 9 Pickett Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/5036 13 Pickett Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Large scale development to the West of Hitchin would ruin the character of the town. The existing infrastructure would be unable to cope- we frequently have to queue on roads leading through the town and trains to London are often full with no room to sit down. We have already had large numbers of flats built in the town. If we lose the existing open spaces it will no longer be the pleasant town we live in now.

LDF/5100 2 Jones Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Re: SHMA

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent It appears that the driver for the outcomes of this assessment are based on rather prescriptive demands by the national Government rather than the ethos of the District Council. My understanding from hearing NHDC's responses on previous similar consultations was that they preferred to plan and monitor the demands of North Hertfordshire's housing needs in a more holistic manner. The aim being to develop sites across the area by adding small developments to lots of the non-strategic and some of the strategic sites. This approach seems more appropriate to the new Localism Act but ironically seems to be undermined by the Governments dictates regarding what they constitute an acceptable proposal. My view would be that the housing levels for the area need to be monitored and adapted on a 3 yearly basis. And that the additional developments should be in spread across the county in all relevant areas ¿ many smaller communities can be revitalised by small-medium sized developments. I feel strongly that huge whole-scale developments would be detrimental to the character as well as the environment and resources and quality of life for residents currently living in North Hert. I notice that most of the proposed strategic sites are considered because they have been put forward by developers. I would like to be clearer about the evidence given in their recommendations for development. For example when referring to landowners being involved I think it important that we all know what that means exactly. I believe the council should be looking at what is the best for the county in terms of quality of life best practice, cost efficiency etc. and not make these important decisions based on some the financial desires of large developers to make as much money as quickly and easily as possible. In particular I object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following; The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the areas have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command higher house prices and I do not think that this is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the Council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the District, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population, such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7,400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to be built, in one location, namely South West of Hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would change completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely Market Town. As a resident of Charlton, I am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the South West of Hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the South, but that will not prevent traffic problems within Hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become an environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this South West of Hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making Hitchin into a so-called 'dormitory town'. The details of some of the proposed sites, I see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrapyard and there must be other sites around the area which are 'brownfield' so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but I believe it is the Council's job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, I see that there are a number of non-strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely Ref nos. 133, H/m02, H/m03, H/r28, H/r48 and H/r50 (and there may be others) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so-called 'town sites' that have not 'failed' there would be land available for 1,531 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case, I should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that it should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the District, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites. The proposal to develop from the North East of Stevenage strategic site seems best suited for the implied dwelling proposals because of the service base in Stevenage to accommodate such growth. Houses there would also be more affordable and therefore more likely to sell, given that the current economic climate is not likely to improve extensively in the foreseeable future. Within Charlton, there are on-going studies of national concern such as; on-going study to monitor birds (and other wildlife) on a site via licensed Bird Ringing and Garden BirdWatch, both of which are carried under the auspices of the British Trust for Ornithology. As an example, the data from the Ringing records, the following Red List birds (showing their percentage decline nationally) are present and/or breeding regularly on the fields immediately surrounding Charlton; Corn Bunting (87%); Grey Partridge (91%); Skylark (63%); SongThrush (50%); Linnet (76%); Lesser Redpoll (89%); Yellowhammer (57%) plus a further 14 species of birds on the Amber List, including nesting Barn Owl, Kestrel and Whitethroat. If building was allowed on the adjacent fields,

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent birds would all but disappear, another nail in the coffin of declining farmland birds. In this area is an observatory owned and operated by a resident who holds the world record, as an individual amateur astronomer, for discovering the greatest number of variable stars. The proposed development would cause a source of light pollution and would make it much more difficult for him to continue with his work. The areas around Charlton and Temple End are used extensively by people from Hitchin town and others for recreational use as an amenity. There are numerous walkers, joggers, cyclists, dog walkers, bird watchers, horse riders etc. who enjoy using the area and who would be deprived of the beauty of the landscape and surrounding countryside and of its special wildlife, were the South West of Hitchin proposal adopted. Finally, the implementation of this proposal, even with the suggested 'buffer of undeveloped land' around the village of Charlton itself, would be an encroachment on the ancient and historic villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St. Ippolyts. This would undoubtedly be the 'thin end of the wedge' and leave the door open to loss of identity and full subsumption within Hitchin itself at some time in the future.

LDF/5107 2 Sheach Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: I am opposed to the idea of building a significant number of new homes in the South West of Hitchin. Up to 7,400 homes are proposed and my comments are as follows (many of the same points apply to the proposed build to the west of Stevenage, to which I am also opposed):

1. The new by pass proposed will not be sufficient to alleviate the increased traffic congestion nor the levels of pollution that are currently high anyway- see the recent London Road survey which revealed high levels. There will be an overall increase in traffic numbers which the infrastructure cannot cope with see eg the frequency with which major road maintenance has been needed in the last few years eg on Walsworth Road.

2. The proposal involves building on floodplains- given recent flooding elsewhere in the UK the folly of this is obvious

3. Areas of natural beauty would be destroyed by the building eg Oughtenhead and Charlton

4. Hitchin station and the trains from it currently suffer overcrowding. A substantial number of the new residents will commute- adding to this.

5. There is already severe congestion at busy times between junctions 6 and 8 on the A1 - this development adds to that.

6. There is insufficient fire and police resource to cater for a population increase on this scale.

7. Insufficient work has been done on the effect on the areas' water and sewage supply.

LDF/5132 4 Street Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any

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LDF/5195 8 Russell Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/5196 8 Russell Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/5197 5 Lacey Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/5231 2 Martin Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Re: SHMA It appears that the drivers for the outcomes of this assessment are based on rather prescriptive demands by the national Government rather than the ethos of the District Council. My understanding from hearing NHDC's responses on previous similar consultations was that they preferred to plan and monitor the demands of North Hertfordshire's housing needs in a more holistic manner, the aim being to develop sites across the area by adding small developments to lots of the non-strategic and some of the strategic sites. This approach seems more appropriate to the new Localism Act but ironically seems to be undermined by the Governments dictates regarding what they constitute an acceptable proposal. My view would be that the housing levels for the area need to be monitored and adapted on a 3 yearly basis. And that the additional developments should be in spread across the county in all relevant areas ¿ many smaller communities can be revitalised by small-medium sized developments. I feel strongly that huge whole-scale developments would be detrimental to the character as well as the environment and resources and quality of life for residents currently living in North Hert. I notice that most of the proposed strategic sites are considered because they have been put forward by developers. I would like to be clearer about the evidence given in their recommendations for development. For example when referring to landowners being involved I think it important that we all know what that means exactly. I believe the council should be looking at what is the best for the county in terms of quality of life best practice, cost efficiency etc. and not make these important decisions based on some the financial desires of large developers to make as much money as quickly and easily as possible. In particular I object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following; The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the areas have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command higher house prices and I do not think that this is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the Council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the District, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population, such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7,400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to be built, in one location, namely South West of Hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would change completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely Market Town. As a resident of Charlton, I am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the South West of Hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the South, but that will not prevent traffic problems within Hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become an environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this South West of Hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making Hitchin into a so-called 'dormitory town'. The details of some of the proposed sites, I see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrapyard and there must be other sites around the area which are 'brownfield' so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but I believe it is the Council's job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, I see that there are a number of non-strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely Ref nos. 133, H/m02, H/m03, H/r28, H/r48 and H/r50 (and there may be others) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so-called 'town sites' that have not 'failed' there would be land available for 1,531 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case, I should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that it should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the District, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites. The proposal to develop from the North East of Stevenage strategic site seems best suited for the implied dwelling proposals because of the service base in Stevenage to accommodate such growth. Houses there would also be more affordable and therefore more likely to sell, given that the current economic climate is not likely to improve extensively in the foreseeable future.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Within Charlton, there are on-going studies of national concern such as; on-going study to monitor birds (and other wildlife) on a site via licensed Bird Ringing and Garden BirdWatch, both of which are carried under the auspices of the British Trust for Ornithology. As an example, the data from the Ringing records, the following Red List birds (showing their percentage decline nationally) are present and/or breeding regularly on the fields immediately surrounding Charlton; Corn Bunting (87%); Grey Partridge (91%); Skylark (63%); SongThrush (50%); Linnet (76%); Lesser Redpoll (89%); Yellowhammer (57%) plus a further 14 species of birds on the Amber List, including nesting Barn Owl, Kestrel and Whitethroat. If building was allowed on the adjacent fields, birds would all but disappear, another nail in the coffin of declining farmland birds. In this area is an observatory owned and operated by a resident who holds the world record, as an individual amateur astronomer, for discovering the greatest number of variable stars. The proposed development would cause a source of light pollution and would make it much more difficult for him to continue with his work. The areas around Charlton and Temple End are used extensively by people from Hitchin town and others for recreational use as an amenity. There are numerous walkers, joggers, cyclists, dog walkers, bird watchers, horse riders etc. who enjoy using the area and who would be deprived of the beauty of the landscape and surrounding countryside and of its special wildlife, were the South West of Hitchin proposal adopted. Finally, the implementation of this proposal, even with the suggested 'buffer of undeveloped land' around the village of Charlton itself, would be an encroachment on the ancient and historic villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St. Ippolyts. This would undoubtedly be the 'thin end of the wedge' and leave the door open to loss of identity and full subsumption within Hitchin itself at some time in the future.

LDF/5231 3 Martin Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following; The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the areas have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command higher house prices and i do not think that this is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the district, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to be built, in once location, namely south west of hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would chance completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely market town. As a resident of Charlton i am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the south west of hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the south, but that will not prevent traffic problems within hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become and environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this south west of hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making hitchin into a so called "dormitory town". The details of some of the proposed sites, i see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrapyard and there must be other sites around the area which are brownfield so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but i believe it is the councils job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, i see that there are a number of non strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely ref nos 133,H/m02, H/m03, H/R28, H/r48 and H/r50 (and there may be others that i do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so called "town sites" that have not "failed" there would be land available for 1,51 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case, i should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that it should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the district, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites. The proposal to develop from north east of stevenage site seems best suited for the implied dwelling proposals because of the service base in stevenage to accommodate

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent such growth. Houses there would also be more affordable and therefore more likely to sell, given that the current economic climate is not likely to improve extensively in the foreseeable future. Within Charlton, there are on-going studies of national concern such as; On-going study to monitor birds (and other wildlife) on a site via licensed bird ringing and garden bird watch, both of which are carried under the auspices of the british trust for ornithology. As an example, the date from the ringing records, the following red list birds (showing their percentage decline nationally) are present and/or breeding regularly on the fields immediately surround Charlton: Com Buting (87%) Grey Partridge (91%) Skylark (63%) Song Thrush (50%) Linnet (76%) Lesser Redpoll (89%) Yellowhammer (57%) plus a further 14 species of birds on the Amber list, including nesting Barn Owl, Kestrel and Whitethroat. If building was allowed on the adjacent fields, birds would all but disappear another nail in the coffin of declining farmland birds. In this area is an observatory owned and operated by a resident who holds the world record, as an individual amateur astronomer, for discovering the greatest number of variable stars. The proposed development would cause a source of light pollution and would make it much more difficult for him to continue in this work. The area around Charlton and Temple End are used extensively by people from Hitchin town and others for recreational use as an amenity. There are numerous walkers, joggers, dog walkers, bird watchers, horse riders etc. who enjoy using the area and who would be deprived of the beauty of the landscape and surrounding countryside and of its special wildlife, were the south west of hitchin proposal adopted. Finally, the imptemenration of this proposal, even with the suggested buffer of undevelopment land around the village of charlton itself, would be an encroachment on the ancient and historic villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St Ippolyts. This would undoubtedly by the then end of the wedge and leave the door open to loss of identity and full subsumption within hitchin itself at sometime in the future.

Therefore on all the above grounds, i wish to register my objection to the South West of Hitchin housing proposal.

LDF/5234 5 Hughes Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development. 6. This is the core proposal that would wreck irresponsibly and irrevocably hitchins living quality. Rural vandalism, without guarantee of relevant public facilities to sustain life values (see 1)

LDF/5249 10 Robson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: The SHMA provides no adequate justification for building up to 8,000 homes to the south-west of Hitchin. If the need for 10,700 new homes in North Hertfordshire is accepted, what would be the justification for building almost 75% of that total as an extension of Hitchin? It is obvious that the people of Hitchin do not need such a huge expansion of the towns housing stock. Many new dwellings have been constructed in Hitchin in recent years and not all of them are yet occupied. If the aim is to meet the housing needs of people from outside Hitchin, a clear justification for this must be given. If such an expansion is partly to meet the needs of Stevenage or other towns, it would be better to build

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent there rather than around Hitchin. If the aim is partly to meet the needs of people migrating to North Hertfordshire, why should Hitchin be selected to meet the bulk of the needs?

In any case, a fundamental objection to the south-west of Hitchin proposal is that it would completely change the nature of Hitchin and its environment. Currently one of the most attractive towns in Hertfordshire, and rated in recent survey by The Times as one of the top 30 best places to live in the UK, it brings in many visitors because of its charms as a historic market town surrounded by pleasant countryside. Building a huge development onto it would change it into yet another dormitory town for London commuters and the beauty of the surrounding countryside would be destroyed forever. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. It would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollits and Charlton, which would lose their identities and coalesce with Hitchin.

LDF/5367 2 Luxton Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I am writing to give my views on the North Hertfordshire Local Plan Consultation. I attended the meeting in St Ippolyts Village Hall on March 6th to view the various proposals and discuss the options with Council Members and employees I am now giving my informed opinion about the affect of the proposals on Hitchin and its surrounds. I appreciate the requirement for housing in North Herts and am in favour of some sustainable development utilising pockets of land within and on the edges of Hitchin but I am totally opposed to large-scale incursion into the Green Belt which controlled urban grow maintained the quality of the rural environment for over 60 years. My particular objection is to the massive south west of Hitchin development that will, in my view, destroy the heritage and ambience of Hitchin for ever. The sheer size of the development, which will increase the size of the town up approximately 1 3rd is not sustainable and the infrastructure will not stand a development of this size. An additional 7400 homes are likely to give at least another 10,000 adults, many of whom will need to commute for work. Hitchin station is already nearing capacity at peak times; parking will not be adequate and the additional rush hour traffic will increase the already congested roads within the town. A conservative estimate is that 7400 homes will mean a total population increase of 15000 that will in turn put pressure on medical and maternity services at the Lister Hospital. The A1M at junction 8 is already at a standstill by 7.15 every morning and the additional traffic generated the SW Hitchin will only make matters worse. The development is also likely to increase the traffic through Luton and create further pressure on junction 10 of the M1. Any increase in the volume of traffic passing through the town will mean more traffic jams at peak times but the diversion of vehicles via the mooted bypass associated with the SW Hitchin development will just increase the volumes trying to access the A1 and M1. Parking within the town centre is already inadequate and the historic nature of the town precludes major redevelopment. This is likely to mean the necessity for a major shopping area within the new development area which will suck investment and shoppers alike away from the town and lead to the death of an important market town centre; for proof of this in action you have only to look at the original Stevenage Town Centre. I do not believe that water resources in the area are adequate to sustain a new development of up to 7400 homes and positioning such a major development on the edge of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty will affect the biodiversity and natural environment significantly. As I have already stated, the need for homes is not in dispute but spreading them throughout the North Herts area must surely be preferable to destroying the heart and character of a unique and historical market town.

LDF/5370 8 Lederman Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development. 6. There are other small sites nearby which wouldcontribute to the need for housing, eg just adjacent to Lucas Lane and Chalkhill Path, but which dont encorach on the nature of the area and on the community. Development should be intelligent, with though to all aspects of community. The SW Hitchin proposal takes no account of the elements of expansion.

LDF/5411 4 Luxton Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Having attended the meeting in St Ippolyts Village Hall, both to view the various proposals and moreover discuss the options with Council Members and employees, I am now providing my informed opinion about the affect of the proposals on Hitchin and its surrounds. Whilst I appreciate the requirement for additional housing in North Hertfordshire and whilst generally in favour of some sustainable development utilising pockets of land within and on the edges of Hitchin, I am totally opposed to large-scale incursion into the Green Belt, especially where previously controlled urban grow has maintained the quality of a rural environment for over 60 years. My specific objections are to the massive proposed development to the South West of Hitchin, which would, in my view, destroy the heritage and ambience of Hitchin for ever. The sheer magnitude of the proposed development would increase the size of the town by approximately 33% and as such, would simply not be sustainable given the existing and future limitations to the infrastructure. The proposal of an additional 7400 homes would be likely to provide at least another 10,000 adults, many of whom would obviously need to commute for work. Hitchin station is already nearing capacity at peak times, parking is not currently adequate, with many local roads already used as "overflow" station car parks. Furthermore, the additional peak period traffic produced would dramatically increase the already congested roads within the town. A conservative estimate based on the proposed 7400 homes would probably result in a total population increase of approximately 15000. This level of increase would in turn put severe pressure on emergency, medical and maternity services at the Lister Hospital. Currently, the A1 M is virtually at a standstill between Junctions 8 & 7, by 7.15 a.m. every morning. The additional traffic which would be generated by the South West of Hitchin development would only make this bad situation far worse. Furthermore, any development of this magnitude is also likely to increase the existing traffic through Luton and create even further pressure on Junction 10 of the M1. For whatever reason, any increase in the volume of traffic currently passing through the town would certainly result in more traffic jams at peak times, but a potential diversion of vehicles via the mooted by-pass apparently associated with the South West of Hitchin development, would only serve to increase the already unacceptable volumes currently trying to access both the A1 and M1 at the above mentioned Junctions. Parking within the town centre is already inadequate and the historic nature of the town precludes any major re-development. This is most likely to mean the necessity for a new major retail shopping area within the new development, which would then suck investment and shoppers alike away from the town itself, probably eventually leading to the demise of an important market town centre, already suffering from too many recession related empty premises. One does not have to look too far to gain a lesson from previous over developments and should possibly look to the original Stevenage Town Centre for example. I am further given to understand that the water resources in this area are totally inadequate to sustain a possible new development of up to 7400 homes, not to mention that the positioning of such a major development on the edge of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which would have a significant adverse affect on the biodiversity and natural environment of this area. As previously stated, the justifiable need for additional homes in North Hertfordshire is not in dispute, but surely spreading these additions throughout the North Hertfordshire area, ( with the associated benefits bought to other NH areas in more obvious need ), must be preferable to destroying the heart and character of a unique and historical market

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent town.

LDF/5447 12 Worley Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

It is depressing that opportunities for housing development on brownfield sites in Hitchin are used for commercial developments when we already have shops standing empty. A new set of priorities are required.

LDF/5456 3 Dodds Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/5494 2 Waterman Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: My initial observation is that the developments should be, as far as possible, spread about the area. Given that there remain to be built some 8,910 houses and your A5 green leaflet states that there are 137 sites on which we can give our views, then it might be possible to allocate, say, 65 houses to each site and start from there. Presumably some sites would not accommodate as many as 65 houses and so adjustments could be made to that figure. These smallish numbers should mean that less infrastructure be required to support the developments. It does appear, however, that all the proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the areas have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command higher house prices and I do not think that this is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. In my view it is the duty of the Council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the District, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population, such as traffic and water and

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Certainly I feel that putting 7,400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to be built, in one location, namely South West of Hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would change completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely Market Town. As a long-standing resident of Charlton, I am also aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the South West of Hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the South, but that will not prevent traffic problems within Hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become a nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this South West of Hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making Hitchin into a so-called 'dormitory town'. Having looked through the details of some of the proposed sites, I see, for example that 1,000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrapyard and there must be other sites around the area which are 'brownfield' so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but I believe it is the Council's job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, I see that there are a number of non-strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely Ref nos. 133, H/m02, H/m03, H/r28, H/r48 and H/r50 (and there may be others that I do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so-called 'town sites' that have not 'failed' there would be land available for 1,531 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case, I should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that it should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the District, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites. Following on from that, the logical conclusion would seem to me, to develop as much as then would be required, from the North East of Stevenage strategic site, which I would suggest as my no. 1 preference for development of any strategic site, in particular because of the service base in Stevenage to accommodate such growth. Houses there would also be more affordable and therefore more likely to sell, given that the current economic climate is not likely to improve extensively in the foreseeable future. Further to the above, I see that a site 'fails' and cannot therefore be available for development 'when the landowner is no longer pursuing the suggestion' and I should like to point out that my wife and I own about three and a half acres of land where we live at Temple End, Charlton and that this acreage has been included on the plans, without our consultation or consent, as part of the area scheduled for development. Moreover, my wife, Jeanystal, is running an ongoing study, now in its 15th year, to monitor birds (and other wildlife) on our site via licensed Bird Ringing and Garden BirdWatch, both of which are carried under the auspices of the British Trust for Ornithology. Our Ringing records cover some 70 species of bird, many of which are on the national Red or Amber List of Birds of Conservation Concern. You may well know the criteria for being on these Lists: basically the Red List includes birds which have undergone more than a 50% decline in breeding, range or population (or a combination of these) between 1967 and 2009; the Amber List relates, similarly, to declines of between 25% and 50% during that period. Just to give you a flavour of what happens here, the following Red List birds (showing their percentage decline nationally) are present and/or breeding regularly on our site or on the fields immediately adjacent to us on all sides:- Corn Bunting (87%); Grey Partridge (91%); Skylark (63%); SongThrush (50%); Linnet (76%); Lesser Redpoll (89%); Yellowhammer (57%) plus a further 14 species of birds on the Amber List, including nesting Barn Owl, Kestrel and Whitethroat. Another 16 species on the Red or Amber List have been seen/caught here, but not on a regular basis. If building was allowed on the adjacent fields (and the landowner, who owns many acres in the vicinity, has told us that he, like us, has not been approached by the developer) then the (mainly nationally-declining farmland) birds would all but disappear, even if our property itself were spared - another nail in the coffin of declining farmland birds. We also have bats on the site which would most certainly disappear if development were allowed. Aart from the destruction of wildlife, I'd like to object on the grounds of the increase in light pollution of our skys, already seriously affected by Luton airport. I own and run an astronomical observatory and hold a world record, as an individual amateur astronomer, for discovering the greatest number of variable stars. Obviously and selfishly, I would much prefer that there is no further building (houses, roads and so on) anywhere nearby, as this would be a source of light pollution and would make it much more difficult for me to continue with the work. In addition to this, the areas around Charlton and Temple End are used extensively by people from Hitchin town and others for recreational use as an amenity. There are numerous walkers, joggers, dog walkers, bird watchers, horse riders etc. who enjoy using the area and who would be deprived of the beauty of the landscape and surrounding countryside and of its special wildlife, were the South West of Hitchin proposal adopted. Finally, the implementation of this proposal, even with the suggested 'buffer of

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent undeveloped land' around the village of Charlton itself, would be an encroachment on the ancient and historic villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St. Ippolyts. This would undoubtedly be the 'thin end of the wedge' and leave the door open to loss of identity and full subsumption within Hitchin itself at some time in the future.

LDF/5494 3 Waterman Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following; The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the areas have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command higher house prices and i do not think that this is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the district, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to be built, in once location, namely south west of hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would chance completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely market town. As a resident of Charlton i am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the south west of hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the south, but that will not prevent traffic problems within hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become and environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this south west of hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making hitchin into a so called "dormitory town". The details of some of the proposed sites, i see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrapyard and there must be other sites around the area which are brownfield so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but i believe it is the councils job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, i see that there are a number of non strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely ref nos 133,H/m02, H/m03, H/R28, H/r48 and H/r50 (and there may be others that i do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so called "town sites" that have not "failed" there would be land available for 1,51 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case, i should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that it should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the district, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites. The proposal to develop from north east of stevenage site seems best suited for the implied dwelling proposals because of the service base in stevenage to accommodate such growth. Houses there would also be more affordable and therefore more likely to sell, given that the current economic climate is not likely to improve extensively in the foreseeable future. Within Charlton, there are on-going studies of national concern such as; On-going study to monitor birds (and other wildlife) on a site via licensed bird ringing and garden bird watch, both of which are carried under the auspices of the british trust for ornithology. As an example, the date from the ringing records, the following red list birds (showing their percentage decline nationally) are present and/or breeding regularly on the fields immediately surround Charlton: Com Buting (87%) Grey Partridge (91%) Skylark (63%) Song Thrush (50%) Linnet (76%) Lesser Redpoll (89%) Yellowhammer (57%) plus a further 14 species of birds on the Amber list, including nesting Barn Owl, Kestrel and Whitethroat. If building was allowed on the adjacent fields, birds would all but disappear another nail in the coffin of declining farmland birds. In this area is an observatory owned and operated by a resident who holds the world record, as an individual amateur astronomer, for discovering the greatest number of variable stars. The proposed development would cause a source of light pollution and would make it much more difficult for him to continue in this work. The area around Charlton and Temple End are used extensively by people from Hitchin town and others for recreational use as an amenity. There are numerous walkers, joggers, dog walkers, bird watchers, horse riders etc. who enjoy using the area and who would be deprived of the beauty of the landscape and surrounding countryside and of

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent its special wildlife, were the south west of hitchin proposal adopted. Finally, the imptemenration of this proposal, even with the suggested buffer of undevelopment land around the village of charlton itself, would be an encroachment on the ancient and historic villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St Ippolyts. This would undoubtedly by the then end of the wedge and leave the door open to loss of identity and full subsumption within hitchin itself at sometime in the future.

Therefore on all the above grounds, i wish to register my objection to the South West of Hitchin housing proposal.

LDF/5495 2 Crystal Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: As I do not have the information to try to quantify the number of dwellings required, my comments are based on the stated future requirement of 10,700 less 1,790 already achieved. My initial observation is that the developments should be, as far as possible, spread about the area. Given that there remain to be built some 8,910 houses and your A5 green leaflet states that there are 137 sites on which we can give our views, then it might be possible to allocate, say, 65 houses to each site and start from there. Presumably some sites would not accommodate as many as 65 houses and so adjustments could be made to that figure. These smallish numbers should mean that less infrastructure be required to support the developments. It does appear, however, that all the proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the areas have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command higher house prices and I do not think that this is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. In my view it is the duty of the Council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the District, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population, such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Certainly I feel that putting 7,400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to be built, in one location, namely South West of Hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would change completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely Market Town. As a long-standing resident of Charlton, I am also aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the South West of Hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the South, but that will not prevent traffic problems within Hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become a nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this South West of Hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making Hitchin into a so-called 'dormitory town'. Having looked through the details of some of the proposed sites, I see, for example that 1,000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrapyard and there must be other sites around the area which are 'brownfield' so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but I believe it is the Council's job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, I see that there are a number of non-strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely Ref nos. 133, H/m02, H/m03, H/r28, H/r48 and H/r50 (and there may be others that I do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so-called 'town sites' that have not 'failed' there would be land available for 1,531 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case, I should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that it should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the District, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites. Following on from that, the logical conclusion would seem to me, to develop as much as then would be required, from the North East of Stevenage strategic site, which I would suggest as my no. 1 preference for development of any strategic site, in particular because of the service base in Stevenage to accommodate such growth. Houses there would also be more affordable and therefore more likely to sell, given that the current economic climate is not likely to improve extensively in the foreseeable future.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Further to the above, I see that a site 'fails' and cannot therefore be available for development 'when the landowner is no longer pursuing the suggestion' and I should like to point out that we own about three and a half acres of land where we live at Temple End, Charlton and that this acreage has been included on the plans, without our consultation or consent, as part of the area scheduled for development. Moreover, there is an ongoing study, now in its 15th year, to monitor birds (and other wildlife) on our site via licensed Bird Ringing and Garden BirdWatch, both of which are carried under the auspices of the British Trust for Ornithology. Our Ringing records cover some 70 species of bird, many of which are on the national Red or Amber List of Birds of Conservation Concern. You may well know the criteria for being on these Lists: basically the Red List includes birds which have undergone more than a 50% decline in breeding, range or population (or a combination of these) between 1967 and 2009; the Amber List relates, similarly, to declines of between 25% and 50% during that period. Just to give you a flavour of what happens here, the following Red List birds (showing their percentage decline nationally) are present and/or breeding regularly on our site or on the fields immediately adjacent to us on all sides:- Corn Bunting (87%); Grey Partridge (91%); Skylark (63%); SongThrush (50%); Linnet (76%); Lesser Redpoll (89%); Yellowhammer (57%) plus a further 14 species of birds on the Amber List, including nesting Barn Owl, Kestrel and Whitethroat. Another 16 species on the Red or Amber List have been seen/caught here, but not on a regular basis. If building was allowed on the adjacent fields (and the landowner, who owns many acres in the vicinity, has told us that he, like us, has not been approached by the developer) then the (mainly nationally-declining farmland) birds would all but disappear, even if our property itself were spared - another nail in the coffin of declining farmland birds. We also have bats on the site which would most certainly disappear if development were allowed. A further impediment to development in this area is an observatory owned and operated by my husband who holds the world record, as an individual amateur astronomer, for discovering the greatest number of variable stars. Obviously, he would much prefer that there is no further building (houses, roads and so on) anywhere nearby, as this would be a source of light pollution and would make it much more difficult for him to continue with his work. In addition to this, the areas around Charlton and Temple End are used extensively by people from Hitchin town and others for recreational use as an amenity. There are numerous walkers, joggers, dog walkers, bird watchers, horse riders etc. who enjoy using the area and who would be deprived of the beauty of the landscape and surrounding countryside and of its special wildlife, were the South West of Hitchin proposal adopted. Finally, the implementation of this proposal, even with the suggested 'buffer of undeveloped land' around the village of Charlton itself, would be an encroachment on the ancient and historic villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St. Ippolyts. This would undoubtedly be the 'thin end of the wedge' and leave the door open to loss of identity and full subsumption within Hitchin itself at some time in the future. Therefore, on all of the above grounds, I wish to register my objection to the South West of Hitchin Housing Proposal.

LDF/5495 3 Crystal Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following; The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the areas have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command higher house prices and i do not think that this is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the district, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to be built, in once location, namely south west of hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would chance completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely market town. As a resident of Charlton i am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the south west of hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the south, but that will not prevent traffic problems within hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become and environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this south west of hitchin

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent proposal were allowed to happen, thus making hitchin into a so called "dormitory town". The details of some of the proposed sites, i see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrapyard and there must be other sites around the area which are brownfield so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but i believe it is the councils job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, i see that there are a number of non strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely ref nos 133,H/m02, H/m03, H/R28, H/r48 and H/r50 (and there may be others that i do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so called "town sites" that have not "failed" there would be land available for 1,51 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case, i should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that it should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the district, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites. The proposal to develop from north east of stevenage site seems best suited for the implied dwelling proposals because of the service base in stevenage to accommodate such growth. Houses there would also be more affordable and therefore more likely to sell, given that the current economic climate is not likely to improve extensively in the foreseeable future. Within Charlton, there are on-going studies of national concern such as; On-going study to monitor birds (and other wildlife) on a site via licensed bird ringing and garden bird watch, both of which are carried under the auspices of the british trust for ornithology. As an example, the date from the ringing records, the following red list birds (showing their percentage decline nationally) are present and/or breeding regularly on the fields immediately surround Charlton: Com Buting (87%) Grey Partridge (91%) Skylark (63%) Song Thrush (50%) Linnet (76%) Lesser Redpoll (89%) Yellowhammer (57%) plus a further 14 species of birds on the Amber list, including nesting Barn Owl, Kestrel and Whitethroat. If building was allowed on the adjacent fields, birds would all but disappear another nail in the coffin of declining farmland birds. In this area is an observatory owned and operated by a resident who holds the world record, as an individual amateur astronomer, for discovering the greatest number of variable stars. The proposed development would cause a source of light pollution and would make it much more difficult for him to continue in this work. The area around Charlton and Temple End are used extensively by people from Hitchin town and others for recreational use as an amenity. There are numerous walkers, joggers, dog walkers, bird watchers, horse riders etc. who enjoy using the area and who would be deprived of the beauty of the landscape and surrounding countryside and of its special wildlife, were the south west of hitchin proposal adopted. Finally, the imptemenration of this proposal, even with the suggested buffer of undevelopment land around the village of charlton itself, would be an encroachment on the ancient and historic villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St Ippolyts. This would undoubtedly by the then end of the wedge and leave the door open to loss of identity and full subsumption within hitchin itself at sometime in the future.

Therefore on all the above grounds, i wish to register my objection to the South West of Hitchin housing proposal.

LDF/5527 7 Soresby Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I strongly oppose the proposed development on the strategic site South West of Hitchin which would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000 The Hitchin site would significantly undermine the rural nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected The proposed Hitchin development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollits and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin

LDF/5543 5 Stewart Document Section: South West of Hitchin

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LDF/5544 5 Carter Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/5555 8 Kennedy Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: South West of Hitchin is an AONB and it would be destroyed if this site was fully developed, therefore a limited developement should be allowed.

LDF/5573 2 Calver Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I would strongly object to the strategic site of South West of Hitchin being considered as a viable proposal for a large-volume housing development. The plan appears to almost double the size of Hitchin, and threatens one of the unique aspects of the town - the proximity of open countryside to the town centre, allowing its residents to be able to enjoy rural views and walks without having to drive to a rural location. This includes the important site of Oughtonhead nature reserve. My principle objection is the sheer scale of the proposed development which would change the character of this unique historical town forever, making it similar to the surrounding new towns. I think it's important that the residents of North Herts have a choice in the sort of place they are able to live, and this development would reduce that choice in my opinion.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent The other strategic sites also have as drawbacks the destruction of certain special areas that the sites encroach on - however the Hitchin site threatens the entire settlement of Hitchin in its entirety. No other stragegic site will have such an existential effect on the settlement in question.

LDF/5574 4 Dodds Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/5590 8 Pilkington Warmingtons Surveyors LLP Document Section: South West of Hitchin Support Representation: I am supportive of a southern extension of Hitchin as a means to help finance a south-western bypass which would have the benefit of relieving present congestion at peak times. However, I am only supportive of a limited westward expansion of the town in the region of Foxholes and Oughton Head as the extent of expansion proposed would take development beyond the sky line and down into the Oughton Head valley. Development should therefore be restricted to no further west than the ridge line to prevent a depreciating effect upon the visual amenities. I control much of the land in the Oughton Head area and am therefore opposed to a major extension in that direction.

LDF/5603 7 Wilding Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/5606 8 Davies Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation:

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent South West of Hitchin

This proposal is excessive (40% (?) increase in size for the town) and would incur extreme risk if it were to go forward. New road developments does not appear to have the capability or financial resources to deliver a development on this scale, and recent news from Kettering shows that commitments for infrastructure support (such as the suggested link road) can be withdrawn with impunity.

The indicated need for additional housing at the 10700 level demonstrates that a strategic site of this size is not required, and even a more modest level 'between the bypass and A505/A602' would still exceed realistic needs.

LDF/5616 7 Hill Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/5648 8 Maylin Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/5650 5 Green Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 6000-7400 homes to the south and west of hitchin are far to many for this site. Far too many houses in the westmill area. I read in the paper the other week that the westmill area was one of the most deprived area, now there is talk of major building in this area, surely that is likely to make things worse. There will be new schools needed, extra shops, buses etc- what about medical care etc?

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Oughtonhead common would probably suffer too with thousands of extra people tramping around!

I spoke to a young lady at the exhibition to ask about the football pitches just off Swinburne Avenue and she said they could easily be re-sited!!!

LDF/5658 7 Marlow Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/5679 5 Jeraj Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I believe that it is important to conserve Hitchin's green belt, which is an asset to the town. Part of the charm of Hitchin is the fact that the countryside is so accessible on foot. Hitchin has had numerous developments within the town boundary and further development would be disproportionate to the character of Hitchin and to its housing needs.

LDF/5683 9 Davis Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/5684 5 Smith Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: The size of the development is completety inappropriate for a town the size of Hitchin and would completely transform the town for the worse, destroying its character & sense

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent of community. Smaller developments or developments in larger towns would be much more appropriate.

Hitchin already suffers from awful traffic. A bypass would be welcome, but the additional development would bring an enormous amount of local traffic and overwhelm already stretched local facilities such as town centre parking & the rail station.

LDF/5691 8 Deuchar Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/5703 13 Todd Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I strongly oppose the proposed development on the strategic site South West of Hitchin which would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000

The Hitchin site would significantly undermine the rural nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected

The proposed Hitchin development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollits and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin

I strongly object, in particular, to development on the strategic sites that borders St Ippollitts Brook. This area is identified as a flood plain and noted as such in the plan. I believe there would be an impact on the properties that border St Ippollitts Brook and beyond if the natural absorption of water in the surrounding land that currently takes place is compromised. Any increase in the water volumes in St Ippollitts Brook as a result increased run off as a result of developments would put properties that border the Brook at risk. Currently, there is often flooding at the junction of Stevenage Road and Whitehill Road following heavy rain. Development along St Ippollitts Brook would only exacerbate this siutation.

LDF/5705 9 Kirton Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation:

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LDF/5708 9 Marlow Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/5724 7 Budge Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

Why are people hell bent on ruining the wonderful market town?

LDF/5741 8 Hamilton Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000.

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LDF/5741 12 Hamilton Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Many people will work in London and need to commute daily. The trains from Hitchin and Stevenage are already very overcrowded and unable to support even more passengers with no ability to increase.

LDF/5742 8 Veith Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/5743 8 Veith Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/5744 7 Smith Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation:

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent i) Increases coalescence of Gosmore and St Ippolyts villages with Hitchin. ii) Engulfs Charlton. iii) Is disproportionate to the size of Hitchin and would completely change the character and environment of the town. iv) Would completely over burden an already stretched road and rail transport system both within the town and on access routes to an extent that would not be solved by a bypass. The additional traffic on these routes will be disastrous. v) In addition to pressure on the transport network there would be pressure on services and facilities as residents of new homes will also want to use the amenities within the town centre resulting changes to the fabric of town. vi) Is not sustainable. vii) Adjoins the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

LDF/5798 8 Hughes Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/5803 8 Houston Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/5803 12 Houston Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: The development plan for Hitchin is badly considered and will overwhelm the entire town. The infrastructure- schools, roads, transport etc simpy isnt there to cope. Hitchin was recently voted the 9th best place in the country to live- and theres a reason for that. This development would ruin that, making it another overbuilt satellite town.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent

LDF/5804 6 Pennett Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/5815 6 Perrin Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. This is an area of significant beauty in the Green Belt including conservation areas, sites of archaeological interest and listed properties as well as commons near Westmill. The rural areas and commons provide huge enjoyment to the village communities as well as residents of Hitchin and the surrounding areas. 2. Development on such a scale would destroy the character of Hitchin, Charlton, Gosmore, Preston and St Ippolyts effectively joining these villages to Hitchin under the proposed coalescence and paving the way for further obliteration of this area of North Herts. 3. Hitchin does not have the road or community infrastructure in the historic centre of the town to cope with such a significant addition to the population - traffic would increase dramatically and pressure on local services would be to the detriment of the existing population. In contrast, the area as preserved, helps maintain the historic nature of Hitchin. 4. The by-pass between the A505 and the A602 is not detailed in the papers explaining the proposed development and could lead to a much greater area of destruction of the countryside than is shown on the map- this part of the application seems deliberately undetailed at this point. 5. The proposal contains no reference at all to the development of any new local jobs or training or employment possibilities for an additional 8,000 households, putting huge pressure on existing employment markets. 6. Pressure on available employment would be to the detriment of many young people in North Herts and contribute to the further dissolution of family communities. 7. The proposed road would add to the current bottlenecks of traffic at the A1(M) junction 8 and at junction 6/7 and further into London as more cars are added, both from the proposed new development of 8,000 houses and more traffic being directed that way as a result of building the road. 8. Rail services into London are inadequate to cope with such a dramatic increase in the local population. 9. The by-pass would cause existing pubs, shops and businesses to be "by-passed" with a significant impact on trade. 10. Part of the sites fall within flood plains within as yet, unknown impacts. 11. Sewage facilities are inadequate as are other services such as fire and police. 12. Electricity services in the villages are already inadequate. 13. Schooling in Hitchin is already stretched - and while I note that there is a proposal to build six new primary and two new secondary schools - these will be unproven educational establishment which may lower the standard of education in the town. 14. The proposal has no identified environmental benefits, would add to local air pollution and destroy huge amounts of farmland and animal and bird communities.

Instead, I strongly support the development of a combination of brownfield sites and non-strategic sites in order to support the housing needs of North Hertfordshire.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/5828 8 Davies Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/5899 8 Burstow Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/5899 12 Burstow Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: This proposal is insane- traffic is at breaking point. Historic countryside will be lost. Green belt should be sacrosanct.

LDF/5903 8 Wise Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/5905 8 Lesnick Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/5906 6 Turnham Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: This is not a plan to satisfy building X number of homes in N Herts, this is a plan to change the whole of Hitchin eminating from a single geographic area (SW Hitchin), it's population, infrastructure, service provision, council size and budget etc It will impact the whole of Hitchin's surrounding area for a radius of several miles and alter the town 'feel' beyond recognition. A development of this scale has the following damaging effects; The nature of Hitchin as a market town will change/be destroyed forever, erasing hundreds of years of heritage It would cause irreprable damage to the ecology of Hitchin, N Herts and the UK. Archaeological sites, AONB at Oughtenhead, wildlife habitat etc will be destroyed forever...this development will turn Hitchin into tarmac and bricks. It can't be reversed once the damage is done. The scale of this plan has come from a developer...hence it is about profit. I don't see an offer of a balanced mix of housing sites across the region to reach a number, the SW Hitchin proposal for this number of dwellings is completly disproportionate to what is sensible of this area or Hitchin as a whole (as opposed to another town that has better infrastructure, services, jobs etc)....it is just a proposal for developing a huge single area to achieve a housing quota number for N Herts, the minimum of thought has been applied i.e. find a big enough space on the edge of Hitchin + build as many houses are we can = quota met and profit... There is unsold property (Coopers Yard) and land (by Wratten Road West) that has remained unsold for a couple/few years...why build more unrequired housing (unrequired in Hitchin specifically, not N Herts) and on green belt when houses/flats on brownfiled are not being bought, built upon or sold successfully? It is my understanding that affordable homes are required in areas where lots of people need to work but can't afford to live. Hitchin hasn't got the jobs as it is small...hence it doesn't need lots of affordable homes for a workforce that isn't required (and presumably why the affordable homes/flats that have been built don't sell very fast/at all). Stevenage and Luton are bigger towns, have more local jobs and need more houses for people to live in. Both have a road network that can hold mroe capacity. Hitchin town centre (and businesses) isn't going to expand (in terms of area), so there will be few more jobs, hence no need for affordable homes... The following considerations will need to be ironed out before any housing development can take place There is currently too much congestion on the A655 Pirton Road and A505 Offley Road, it can't take more traffic There is no bypass between these roads and A602/A1. Until this is built around Charlton development should not be considered. SW Hitchin is clogged most mornings. Local roads are inadequte; (West Hill, Grays Lane, Gaping Lance, Lucas Lane, Crow Furlong) to take any more traffic than they currently do accessing any new housing development Primary and Secondary schools are at capacity. Before any development can be made this needs to be addressed (and 1 extra class at Samuel Lucas..currently being debated) is not enough. Children who live a few hundred meters away are not guaranteed to get into this school...more houses = more families and kids. The area cannot take

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent it. Medical services in town (i.e. doctors and dentists) have long waiting lists...if the proposal is to increase the town by 50%. Hitchin will also need a hospital (which was/is being cloased) plus 50% extra Police, Fire etc Recreational space & Maintenance; potholes on every street (Grays Lane, High View etc) and graffiti by the children's playground at the bottom of Winston Close has not been removed in months...has the council got the budget, manpower or appetitie to deal with further a massive population increase in the area when it is evident there is not the capactiy to maintain the area currently? General This is a plan for destruction not development in SW Hitchin It is not a measured development proposal, it's creating a new town in a very confined local area which cannot handle it and bolting it onto Hitchin. This plan wipes out 3 villages There are no services or infrastructure (roads, schools, Police, fire, hospitals, recreation area etc etc) in place to accomodate this growth. There isn't the infrastructure because the town is already the 'right size' and can't be stretched further. It has a natural boundary to the SW already. The scale of this proposal is disporportionate and goes beyond a housing quota debate. It's a crazy percentage increase on Hitchin, Stevenage or Luton would be better placed to accomodate this number of homes. There is little acknowledgment or concern of the total and irreversible destruction of countryside by suggesting this plan.

LDF/5907 8 Schuster Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/5908 8 Williams Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/5921 8 Budge Document Section: South West of Hitchin

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LDF/5936 8 Furr Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/5937 8 Brooker Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/5947 9 Walker Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any

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I do not believe the use of Green Belt land for housing expansion is all at strategic.

LDF/5955 5 Burrows Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/5957 9 Underhill Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/5964 7 Russell Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/5976 7 Smithson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/5983 10 Norman Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: This development would effectively double the size of Hitchin in the space of 20 years. The town does not have the infrastructure to cope, nor does the train and car connections. I am biased, but this development would spoil the country town/market town atmosphere forever.

LDF/5985 8 Birdsey Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/5990 8 John Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any

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LDF/5990 12 John Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: This proposal would totally destroy the historic market town of Hitchin, currently ranked one of the best in the country. The proposal is ludicrous. Think again!

LDF/5999 8 Davies Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5.This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development. 6. Such development would only be possible with major strategic road additions and improvements, none of which seem to get a mention. These would then impact on the areas beyong the strategic sites. All this plays into the hands of speculators.

LDF/6009 9 Cooper Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/6027 7 King Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation:

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LDF/6050 5 Summerhayes Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I would preface my comments with an acknowledgement of the need for more affordable homes for local residents. Lack of these is matter of direct personal concern to me -I am currently sharing my family home not only with my wife and three children but also my sister-in-law and her two young children following the breakdown of her marriage. She is a midwife and, as such provides essential support to local residents, but will find it very difficult to find local accommodation that will allow her and her children to live as a separate family unit. The comments that follow are not those of someone who lives in a nice house in a nice town blissfully unaware of the housing needs of others.

Overall impression of the options document I appreciate that the document is only an attempt to present 'options' rather than a clear plan. However, the options seem to simply be those where developers have expressed an interest in building houses with a critique of their suitability. This seems insane as it is clear that developers are driven solely by profit and will build houses almost anywhere they are allowed to and where there is a market without any reference to their impact on the quality of life for the new or existing residents, sustainability or the long term environmental impact. Surely, the council should be leading with a plan of where they think housing is needed and should best be built at least one would expect this to informed by something other than a desire to make money?

I note that the driving force behind the most objectionable proposal (South West Hitchin) seems to be the same developer that wants to build a supermarket on Top Field in Hitchin against the wishes of a large proportion of Hitchin residents ¿ clearly they have no interest in the sustainability of Hitchin as town.

Comments on specific sites There can be little complaint about most of the non-strategic sites from the information provided ¿ they are small in size and distributed. Although neighbours to some of the sites are bound to object it seems unlikely that any of these will fundamentally alter the character of the town or village to which they are attached, or will so overburden the local infrastructure as to significantly impair quality of life, nor do they destroy significant amounts of green-belt land.

The strategic sites vary in their impact but individually, or collectively, they all seem to share a common problem ¿ a large proportion of the urban residents of North Herts are commuters into London. Provision of large blocks of housing without local employment growth will simply stretch road and rail services into London to unsustainable levels ¿ peak hour rail services are already 'standing room only' .

However one of the suggested sites stands out for its appalling unsuitability on all levels ¿the crescent of development around the south and west of Hitchin. There is no logic in this development whatsoever. There is no evidence of anything approaching this level of development being needed for organic growth to meet the needs of Hitchin residents or of any planned expansion of employment that would necessitate this level of expansion. Consequently, if built, the proposed development would most likely be a sterile area of dormitory housing leading to horrible overcrowding of transport in and out of the town to areas of employment. It would result in the destruction of what is, by anyone's

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent standard some particularly beautiful countryside and deprive existing residents of ready access to open space. Increasing the size of Hitchin by around 40% in one stroke would fundamentally alter the character of the town, which is currently a very fine place to live ¿ it is a peaceful but vibrant mixed community with a diversity of social classes, ethnicity, religion and employment. This could be preserved with modest expansion in small sites but not with the proposed slab development.

Furthermore, expansion on this scale would completely overload the constrained central facilities of this small market town. If this development were to go ahead it would, in all probability, completely destroy Hitchin.

What of the other sites? Firstly I would question the need for housing developmentof the suggested by the options document in Hertfordshire which is already one of the most densely populated shire counties ¿ why should its residents suffer the burden of far more houses than organic growth of their own communities demands? Provision of good quality housing is the hallmark of a civilised society (as is access to unspoiled countryside), but it doesn't all need to be in Hertfordshire!

However, given that some housing is needed, the least damaging approach would seem to involve spreading the provision over several smaller sites (whilst keeping account of their combined impact on infrastructure ¿ it doesn't matter which junction of the A1M you get on at, you still end up in the same traffic jam). It also makes sense that more houses should be added in those areas where new development will not fundamentally alter the character of the existing environment. By this criterion it makes sense to attach a bigger share of the development to Stevenage ¿ a town already characterised by large areas of uniform modern housing. Personally, the West of Stevenage site looks like a one of the least damaging, most logical large sites, provided infrastructure considerations are dealt with (which applies to any site)

I look forward to hearing more about NHDC's thoughts on this matter including, hopefully, that they have rejected anything but modest development to the South and west of Hitchin

LDF/6055 8 Ransome Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: The proposed large development to the South West of Hitchin would increase the town by almost 50%. This would be unacceptable. It would ruin the character and nature of the town and spoil its rural setting - destroying what makes Hitchin so special.

It would also swallow up the neighbouring villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St Ippollits. They would effectively loose their separate identity and become merged into Hitchin.

The proposed development would also damage the important areas of Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

LDF/6058 5 Coyne Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the areas have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command higher house prices and I do not think that this is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the Council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the District, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population, such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7,400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to be built, in one location, namely South West of Hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development,

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent adding about 50% to its current size, would change completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely Market Town. As a resident of Charlton, I am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the South West of Hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the South, but that will not prevent traffic problems within Hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become an environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this South West of Hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making Hitchin into a so-called 'dormitory town'. The details of some of the proposed sites, I see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrapyard and there must be other sites around the area which are 'brownfield' so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but I believe it is the Council's job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, I see that there are a number of non-strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely Ref nos. 133, H/m02, H/m03, H/r28, H/r48 and H/r50 (and there may be others that I do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so-called 'town sites' that have not 'failed' there would be land available for 1,531 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case, I should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that it should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the District, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites. The proposal to develop from the North East of Stevenage strategic site seems best suited for the implied dwelling proposals because of the service base in Stevenage to accommodate such growth. Houses there would also be more affordable and therefore more likely to sell, given that the current economic climate is not likely to improve extensively in the foreseeable future. Within Charlton, there are on-going studies of national concern such as; on-going study to monitor birds (and other wildlife) on a site via licensed Bird Ringing and Garden BirdWatch, both of which are carried under the auspices of the British Trust for Ornithology. As an example, the data from the Ringing records, the following Red List birds (showing their percentage decline nationally) are present and/or breeding regularly on the fields immediately surrounding Charlton; Corn Bunting (87%); Grey Partridge (91%); Skylark (63%); SongThrush (50%); Linnet (76%); Lesser Redpoll (89%); Yellowhammer (57%) plus a further 14 species of birds on the Amber List, including nesting Barn Owl, Kestrel and Whitethroat. If building was allowed on the adjacent fields, birds would all but disappear, another nail in the coffin of declining farmland birds. In this area is an observatory owned and operated by a resident who holds the world record, as an individual amateur astronomer, for discovering the greatest number of variable stars. The proposed development would cause a source of light pollution and would make it much more difficult for him to continue with his work. The areas around Charlton and Temple End are used extensively by people from Hitchin town and others for recreational use as an amenity. There are numerous walkers, joggers, dog walkers, bird watchers, horse riders etc. who enjoy using the area and who would be deprived of the beauty of the landscape and surrounding countryside and of its special wildlife, were the South West of Hitchin proposal adopted. Finally, the implementation of this proposal, even with the suggested 'buffer of undeveloped land' around the village of Charlton itself, would be an encroachment on the ancient and historic villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St. Ippolyts. This would undoubtedly be the 'thin end of the wedge' and leave the door open to loss of identity and full subsumption within Hitchin itself at some time in the future.

LDF/6077 8 Aldous Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected.

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LDF/6102 11 Anderson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/6111 5 Clark Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Should this proposal be allowed it would destroy the character of Hitchin as a market town, which still has countryside close to the centre of the town. The proposal is for far in excess of local needs and would take many acres of good agricultural land and encroach on an area of outstanding natural beauty.

LDF/6114 8 Hughes Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development. 6. It would remove a large amount of land that local people enjoy for healthy recreation. 7.With the incresed desire about the provenance of food. It would be unwise to take away farmland.

LDF/6116 6 Manning Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation:

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LDF/6131 9 Briercliffe Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development

LDF/6134 6 O'Reilly Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. This is an area of significant beauty in the Green Belt including conservation areas, sites of archaeological interest and listed properties as well as commons near Westmill. The rural areas and commons provide huge enjoyment to the village communities as well as residents of Hitchin and the surrounding areas. 2. Development on such a scale would destroy the character of Hitchin, Charlton, Gosmore, Preston and St Ippolyts effectively joining these villages to Hitchin under the proposed coalescence and paving the way for further obliteration of this area of North Herts. 3. Hitchin does not have the road or community infrastructure in the historic centre of the town to cope with such a significant addition to the population - traffic would increase dramatically and pressure on local services would be to the detriment of the existing population. In contrast, the area as preserved, helps maintain the historic nature of Hitchin. 4. The by-pass between the A505 and the A602 is not detailed in the papers explaining the proposed development and could lead to a much greater area of destruction of the countryside than is shown on the map- this part of the application seems deliberately undetailed at this point. 5. The proposal contains no reference at all to the development of any new local jobs or training or employment possibilities for an additional 8,000 households, putting huge pressure on existing employment markets. 6. Pressure on available employment would be to the detriment of many young people in North Herts and contribute to the further dissolution of family communities. 7. The proposed road would add to the current bottlenecks of traffic at the A1(M) junction 8 and at junction 6/7 and further into London as more cars are added, both from the proposed new development of 8,000 houses and more traffic being directed that way as a result of building the road. 8. Rail services into London are inadequate to cope with such a dramatic increase in the local population. 9. The by-pass would cause existing pubs, shops and businesses to be "by-passed" with a significant impact on trade. 10. Part of the sites fall within flood plains within as yet, unknown impacts.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent 11. Sewage facilities are inadequate as are other services such as fire and police. 12. Electricity services in the villages are already inadequate. 13. Schooling in Hitchin is already stretched - and while I note that there is a proposal to build six new primary and two new secondary schools - these will be unproven educational establishment which may lower the standard of education in the town. 14. The proposal has no identified environmental benefits, would add to local air pollution and destroy huge amounts of farmland and animal and bird communities.

Instead, I strongly support the development of a combination of brownfield sites and non-strategic sites in order to support the housing needs of North Hertfordshire.

LDF/6136 8 Briercliffe Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/6190 8 Walker Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

I disagree with building on any greenbelt land. We bought our home because of the beautiful land. Please don't ruin our countryside.

LDF/6191 8 Wright Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any

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LDF/6192 7 Tomlinson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/6198 5 Kostrzewska Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/6220 10 Morgan Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/6234 5 Foreman Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: It seems to me that this site alone is far too large, it will swamp the market town of Hitchin its prized atmosphere and character. It will destroy Charlton and damage St ippolyts and Gosmore and is far too close to the nature reserve of Oughton Head. If it is accepted that we need this much building in North Herts, then far better to look for large separate area and build 10,000 houses and with their facilities as stated in "south west hitchin" summary of findings 2.11-2.14 and 2.18-2.21 noting that 2.28 may cause increase in traffic at the Three Moorhens and Paynes Park its not may but will. As for building the new bypass out of the dual carriage way Wymondley bypass that is idiotic. We had to use it at 9:10am last Monday and it took us 20 minutes to get from the Hitchin end to A1m junction roundabout, just volume of traffic and lights what will happen with all new traffic? This amount of housing needs its own new site to grow and expand- as it will inevitably it will already have town facilities envisaged- it is already a town size and can be a freestanding entity as stevenage or Milton Keynes with freedom to grow and not making a sprawling blight of building ad hoc across north herts and s policy areas at random. Far too large it must be 50%of Hitchin area.

LDF/6240 8 Haynes Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/6244 9 Moss Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/6251 2 Emanuel Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation:

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent 1. This is an area of significant beauty in the Green Belt including conservation areas, sites of archaeological interest and listed properties as well as commons near Westmill. The rural areas and commons provide huge enjoyment to the village communities as well as residents of Hitchin and the surrounding areas. 2. Development on such a scale would destroy the character of Hitchin, Charlton, Gosmore, Preston and St Ippolyts effectively joining these villages to Hitchin under the proposed coalescence and paving the way for further obliteration of this area of North Herts. 3. Hitchin does not have the road or community infrastructure in the historic centre of the town to cope with such a significant addition to the population - traffic would increase dramatically and pressure on local services would be to the detriment of the existing population. In contrast, the area as preserved, helps maintain the historic nature of Hitchin. 4. The by-pass between the A505 and the A602 is not detailed in the papers explaining the proposed development and could lead to a much greater area of destruction of the countryside than is shown on the map- this part of the application seems deliberately undetailed at this point. 5. The proposal contains no reference at all to the development of any new local jobs or training or employment possibilities for an additional 8,000 households, putting huge pressure on existing employment markets. 6. Pressure on available employment would be to the detriment of many young people in North Herts and contribute to the further dissolution of family communities. 7. The proposed road would add to the current bottlenecks of traffic at the A1(M) junction 8 and at junction 6/7 and further into London as more cars are added, both from the proposed new development of 8,000 houses and more traffic being directed that way as a result of building the road. 8. Rail services into London are inadequate to cope with such a dramatic increase in the local population. 9. The by-pass would cause existing pubs, shops and businesses to be "by-passed" with a significant impact on trade. 10. Part of the sites fall within flood plains within as yet, unknown impacts. 11. Sewage facilities are inadequate as are other services such as fire and police. 12. Electricity services in the villages are already inadequate. 13. Schooling in Hitchin is already stretched - and while I note that there is a proposal to build six new primary and two new secondary schools - these will be unproven educational establishment which may lower the standard of education in the town. 14. The proposal has no identified environmental benefits, would add to local air pollution and destroy huge amounts of farmland and animal and bird communities.

Instead, I strongly support the development of a combination of brownfield sites and non-strategic sites in order to support the housing needs of North Hertfordshire.

LDF/6257 30 Taylor Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Hitchin is reaching its environmental capacity, with significant constraints in terms of its historic centre and setting. The argument would be that the excess needs to have to be met beyond its Green Belt. It is not clear how far Stevenage may be seeking housing sites outside its own built up area either adjacent to or within North Hertfordshire in the period up to 2031. However this is strongly contested in the two of the sites shown close to Stevenage: West of Stevenage (Ref WS: 3,100 homes) is vitally important for its rural character, sense of remoteness and for preserving open landscapes and a clear separation between Stevenage and Hitchin and the nearby villages/hamlets. There are four wildlife sites and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Rush Green (Ref: RG: 1,000 homes) is proposed as a new village despite the limited size of the site as shown. If extended northwards, this site could link to the West of Stevenage site, raising traffic implications for the B656 which is a minor country road. The Letchworth/Hitchin/Stevenage area as a whole is becoming increasingly congested with significant difficulties in providing infrastructure and services, and with very fragile gaps between settlements. Taking a longer term and more sustainable view it may therefore be worth considering the development of a new settlement further north in a location with associated rail links. Such consideration would seem to be appropriate in the context of the government's view of the building of new settlements built on Garden City principles (NPPF page 13), and its expectation that local Authorities will be co-operating:

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent the Stevenage and A1(M) housing sub market area includes much of Bedfordshire(SMHA page 7) and there could be an argument for needs to be met at a new settlement elsewhere in the same functional sub market. NHDC could take account of the growing economic base of Cambridge and the related employment opportunities. It might then be appropriate to look for a new settlement in the north east of the District to meet these opportunities.

A new settlement could also provide for any additional needs not met by other towns or villages in the District.

FINALLY ¿ 'ONCE THE GREEN BELT IS GONE IT IS GONE FOR GOOD'

LDF/6265 6 De Boise Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: To preserve the setting and special character of historic towns Hitchin has been recognised by English Heritage as an important historic town (Urban Panel Review July 2012) and by the Council for British Archaeology as of national importance. Hitchin is unusual in the retention of an extensive medieval street pattern and the close relationship of that core to the countryside. The development of the strategic site would sever the centre from its rural setting, double the physical extent of the town and increase its population by 50%. The pressure on services, facilities and the transport network would entail significant changes to the physical fabric of the town which would have a much greater impact than any benefits that might be claimed from the associated construction of a bypass. To assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment Land Use Consultant's Landscape Sensitivity Study (LSS 2012) makes clear the significance and sensitivity of this attractive area of countryside as an open undulating valley with its small villages and isolated farms lying between the historic town and the Chilterns AONB and Langley Scarp. The town has a very clear edge along the ridge line to west and south so that even partial development into the valley would have very significant impact (which by the nature of the area could not be successfully mitigated by tree planting). The area also provides an extremely important setting for informal recreation for a town with limited open space within its built up area. To prevent neighbouring towns merging into one another Part of the site area is also crucial in providing separation between Hitchin and Stevenage (LSS page 39); and much of it is also vital in retaining separation between Hitchin and the villages of Charlton, Gosmore, St Ippollytts, Titmore Green and Little Wymondley (LSS pages 38 and 48). Any developments of multiple houses should take place in brownfield sites in the town, eg: redundant units in Bury Mead and Cadwell Lane Industrial Estates, and former post office site in Portmill Lane.

LDF/6302 30 Taylor Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I strongly oppose the proposed development on the strategic site South West of Hitchin which would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way ¿ increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000 The Hitchin site would significantly undermine the rural nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected The proposed Hitchin development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin with an inevitable infilling of all available plots of land currently retained as green rural areas.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent

Hitchin is reaching its environmental capacity, with significant constraints in terms of its historic centre and setting. The argument would be that the excess needs to have to be met beyond its Green Belt. It is not clear how far Stevenage may be seeking housing sites outside its own built up area either adjacent to or within North Hertfordshire in the period up to 2031. However this is strongly contested in the two of the sites shown close to Stevenage: West of Stevenage (Ref WS: 3,100 homes) is vitally important for its rural character, sense of remoteness and for preserving open landscapes and a clear separation between Stevenage and Hitchin and the nearby villages/hamlets. There are four wildlife sites and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Rush Green (Ref: RG: 1,000 homes) is proposed as a new village despite the limited size of the site as shown. If extended northwards, this site could link to the West of Stevenage site, raising traffic implications for the B656 which is a minor country road. The Letchworth/Hitchin/Stevenage area as a whole is becoming increasingly congested with significant difficulties in providing infrastructure and services, and with very fragile gaps between settlements. Taking a longer term and more sustainable view it may therefore be worth considering the development of a new settlement further north in a location with associated rail links. Such consideration would seem to be appropriate in the context of the government's view of the building of new settlements built on Garden City principles (NPPF page 13), and its expectation that local Authorities will be co-operating: the Stevenage and A1(M) housing sub market area includes much of Bedfordshire(SMHA page 7) and there could be an argument for needs to be met at a new settlement elsewhere in the same functional sub market. NHDC could take account of the growing economic base of Cambridge and the related employment opportunities. It might then be appropriate to look for a new settlement in the north east of the District to meet these opportunities.

A new settlement could also provide for any additional needs not met by other towns or villages in the District.

FINALLY ¿ 'ONCE THE GREEN BELT IS GONE IT IS GONE FOR GOOD'

LDF/6306 2 Davis Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I strongly object to the proposed South West of Hitchin plans, on the following grounds: - The proposed development would destroy green belt land which ought to be retained around Hitchin, ensuring separation between the town of Hitchin and its surrounding villages such as Charlton, Gosmore, and St Ippolyts - The proposed development would ruin the rural character of the villages of Charlton, Gosmore, St Ippolyts and the surrounding areas - This proposed development would destroy significant areas of natural wildlife and beauty - The Southern bypass road proposed by the developers would also destroy the natural beauty of the area, and given the number of new dwellings proposed would likely lead to an overall increase in traffic congestion rather than a reduction. - The proposed addition of up to 7,400 new houses is wholly disproportionate compared with the existing number of houses in Hitchin today - In short, the proposed South West of Hitchin housing development and southern bypass would completely wreck the vital green belt around Hitchin, destroy the villages of Charlton, Gosmore, and St Ippolyts, and create significantly more problems that it is attempting to solve. I would urge the council to decline this proposal given the disproportionate and devastating impact it would have on the area to the south west of Hitchin.

LDF/6327 2 Morton Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I strongly object to the proposed South West of Hitchin plans, on the following grounds:

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent - The proposed development would destroy green belt land which ought to be retained around Hitchin, ensuring separation between the town of Hitchin and its surrounding villages such as Charlton, Gosmore, and St Ippolyts - The proposed development would ruin the rural character of the villages of Charlton, Gosmore, St Ippolyts and the surrounding areas - This proposed development would destroy significant areas of natural wildlife and beauty - The Southern bypass road proposed by the developers would also destroy the natural beauty of the area, and given the number of new dwellings proposed would likely lead to an overall increase in traffic congestion rather than a reduction. - The proposed addition of up to 7,400 new houses is wholly disproportionate compared with the existing number of houses in Hitchin today - In short, the proposed South West of Hitchin housing development and southern bypass would completely wreck the vital green belt around Hitchin, destroy the villages of Charlton, Gosmore, and St Ippolyts, and create significantly more problems that it is attempting to solve.

I would urge the council to decline this proposal given the disproportionate and devastating impact it would have on the area to the south west of Hitchin.

LDF/6405 10 Bloor Homes White Peak Planning Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Suitability A development at the scale proposed in this location is not considered to be remotely suitable given that it would increase the built area of Hitchin by roughly a third and impact directly and irrevocably on nationally designated areas of landscape, wildlife and heritage importance. It would entirely subsume the village of Charlton and its Conservation Area and bring development close to St Ippolyts. It is unclear as to why the land north of the A505 is included as this would seem to create a large cul-de-sac of housing with no connection to the A600 north of the site and hence all traffic from this half of the site would be funnelled into Hitchin town centre on the B655/A505 or be directed through Westmill. If this area is included to simply increase the numbers of houses to fund the bypass this does not therefore make this area suitable, especially given the adjacent Chilterns AONB and Oughtonhead Common Local Nature Reserve, both of which would be directly affected by the proposed development. The by-pass route to the south is not defined which makes commenting on this difficult and consideration of the site inherently flawed as its overall effects cannot be judged. Hence if the site were taken forward the decision to do so could be challenged on the basis of a fundamental lack of information on which to make an informed decision.

Deliverability It is not clear as to whether all the land required to deliver the bypass is in the control of the promoter of the site. If all the land is not under control then this raises significant concerns over the deliverability of the scheme as it would require additional compulsory purchase proceedings in order to secure the land for the road. It is also questionable as to whether the stated number of homes could be delivered on the site given the significant on and near site constraints due to the various designated areas, together with the physical nature and steep topography of the site which would restrict the areas where new houses could be built and the density of development in others.

Viability Even at the scale proposed at this site the viability of the scheme must be questionable. The requirement to provide two secondary schools and six primary schools alone will cost around £75m, along with the other required community infrastructure and the funding of the bypass.

Based on experience at other strategic sites it is considered highly unlikely that this could all be funded and the required level of affordable housing provided on site and hence either the provision of affordable housing would have to be dramatically reduced or the infrastructure provision would suffer. Either way the development would not constitute a sustainable development as a result.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Another point to bear in mind is that by concentrating a large amount of housing around the relatively small town of Hitchin will risk 'flooding the market' whereby house builders will want to restrict the number of units completed and number of competing developers in order to protect their sales price ¿ which if they did not would mean that funding for infrastructure would again be under threat. This would also mean that in cash-flow terms the development is unlikely to break even until a long way into the build out (easily 10-15 years into the development) meaning that there will be significant financing costs (if finance is available) which would reduce the ability to contribute to infrastructure during the early phases of the scheme. A final point is that by taking this site forward then there is a concern of placing 'all the eggs in one basket' and relying on an unproven scheme in an unsuitable location to deliver the required infrastructure in a viable way and hence a significant danger that a large proportion of the housing need would remain undeveloped during the plan period. The lack of flexibility in this approach would make delivery of the Local Plan Housing Objectives extremely vulnerable or high risk as the local authority would be beholden to one main development and hence less able to negotiate a Sustainable form of development.

LDF/6406 30 Taylor Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: I strongly oppose the proposed development on the strategic site South West of Hitchin which would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way ¿ increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000 The Hitchin site would significantly undermine the rural nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected The proposed Hitchin development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin with an inevitable infilling of all available plots of land currently retained as green rural areas.

A new settlement could also provide for any additional needs not met by other towns or villages in the District.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent FINALLY ¿ 'ONCE THE GREEN BELT IS GONE IT IS GONE FOR GOOD'

LDF/6408 31 Chismon Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/6408 35 Chismon Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Need to keep Hitchin special. No jobs to support the house building need to keep greenfield sites around Hitchin and keep villages separate from each other and from Hitchin.

LDF/6473 5 Sanchez Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I am against changing the nature of Hitchin, the blocking of views and the swallowing up of villages such as Gosmore, St Ippollits and Charlton in masses of houses which will merge with South West Hitchin. In my view, building only on Brownfield sites are acceptable. Green belts must be protected.

LDF/6531 8 Shirley Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/6532 8 Shirley

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LDF/6539 7 Taylor Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I cannot express how strongly I object to the idea of building 6,000 ¿ 8,000 homes to the west/south of Hitchin. I am astonished that you could even consider this. I have similar concerns in relation to the land west of Lucas Lane. My primary objections are: 1. Most of the proposed area is green belt, incorporating a number of small villages. Green belt land is essential for the purposes of wildlife habitat, agriculture, air quality, leisure and its mitigating effects in regard to greenhouse gases and climate change. I do not support the building of housing on green belt land particularly in the light of my comments in para. 5 below. People live in small villages because they want to live in small villages, not in the middle of a vast development. 2. It would mean an increase in the number of households and of Hitchin's population of at least 50%. Hitchin is a small market town, this is just insane. People live here because they like the small town feel, the rural setting and quality of life and because they enjoy having easy access to countryside where they can get fresh air, pleasant views and 'escape'. Oughtonhead common, for example, would be completely spoilt by the proposed development; although you would not be building on the common itself the effect of building so close to the common land would be highly undesirable, it would be like walking around in somebody's back garden. Views over the Chilterns AONB would also be adversely affected. 3. I would have grave concerns about the effect on wildlife on the common, not to mention the effect on the wildlife that exists on the land that you would be developing. Much of our wildlife is struggling already due to habitat loss. I find it laughable, though not in a good way, that you consider that one of the so-called strengths of this development would be 'opportunity for provision of green space' given the amount of it that would be lost or adversely affected. 4. Where are all these people going to work? Either they will not work, in which case you will just be adding more problems similar to those you have already created on Westmill, where people have been ghettoised and socially excluded due to the absence of adequate local facilities, investment and an adequate level of public transport. Or they will work but not in Hitchin as there are very few local jobs. They will be commuting elsewhere, putting additional strain on the already congested roads and overcrowded trains. Neither the roads nor the trains have any additional capacity let alone the capacity for several thousand more people using them. I do not think that the bypass would be a solution besides which you should be investing in public transport, not more roads, and in making the roads safe for cyclists, so that people have a genuine alternative to the car. It is typical of NHDC that you should be thinking about creating ways of accommodating more cars rather than encouraging and supporting more sustainable forms of transport. Piling thousands more people and their cars into the area would be an environmental disaster. 5. If you build such a large number of houses in Hitchin I expect that you will find yourselves with a lot of empty housing as many of the people who already live here will be moving out. I am not able to comment fully on your predictions for the number of new homes that will be needed as I have not conducted my own detailed research although those sources I have consulted, such as ONS migration data, indicate to me that your figure is an overestimate and I suspect that it includes much more than the provision of housing for local people; as I have observed elsewhere there is no point in building houses for people who work in e.g. London as the transport infrastructure could not cope. Furthermore it

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent would detract from the sense of community that currently prevails. Also, re. my comment 5 above, have you taken into account the number of people who will leave the area if you ruin it? BUT even assuming that your estimates are correct the idea that you can just append the bulk of it to a small town such as Hitchin is absurd. If it is genuinely the case that this amount of new housing will be essential ONCE YOU HAVE UTILISED ALL THE EXISTING HOUSING STOCK AND BROWNFIELD LAND, and that some development on green belt land is essential (which I would dispute) then I would suggest that it is time to start thinking about a new town, not radically and irrevocably altering the nature and character of an existing one, and a number of its villages, and damaging the quality of life of the 33,000 or so people who already live here.

LDF/6555 8 Davies Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/6555 12 Davies Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Not sufficient schooling already. Will spoil the countryside and wildlife Already insufficient road structure Enough empty properties in other areas- why not spend money to make them habitable.

LDF/6569 8 Whates Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/6596 8 Harris

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/6607 5 Norris Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/6610 8 Lea Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/6610 12 Lea Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: The infrastructure surrounding Hitchin cannot support any more developments. Roads/rail are already overloaded.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/6645 9 Hook Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/6657 7 Windsor Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I strongly oppose the proposed developmenton the strategic site South West of Hitchinwhich would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way ¿ increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000 The Hitchin site would significantly undermine the rural nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected The proposed Hitchin development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollits and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin

LDF/6662 5 Pastor Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: This is a huge housing proposal that would decimate a beautiful landscape and engulf the village of Charlton.

The area is fed by a network of tiny country roads and does not have the capacity to cope with such a development and the traffic and footfall this would produce.

It says the site straddles Hitchin and the parishes of St Ippolyts and Preston - it would not straddle but intrude and turn what are peaceful villages into part of Hitchin.

As for the suggested southern bypass - that again would threat its way across tranquil green countryside - like an oil slick. I again object strongly to this suggestion.

LDF/6664 8 Barley Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up

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LDF/6664 12 Barley Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: I do not believe accommodation should be built on greenbelt around Hitchin.

LDF/6731 5 Simpson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: If the proposed plan for 7,000 plus dwellings is adopted for Hitchin it will destroy the town forever. There will be no recreational space left for future generations and it will destroy the villages and the lovely countryside around here. Whatever happened to the promise of keeping the greenbelt? On the continent they build blocks of flats to cope with the growing population, why can't that be done here. Why do all the single parents have to have a house. Most of them don't use their garden anyway, and flats with parks and playing fields would be so much nicer places for single mothers and children to meet.

LDF/6737 8 Webb Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/6747 9 Foreman Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000.

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LDF/6749 8 Finnissy Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/6750 5 Walter Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: The possible strategic site south and west of hitchin is far too big and the amenities needed for them would destroy this historic town and encroach upon the greenbelt, devastating archaeological and wildlife sites to the detriment of local people. The flood plain issue is another bar to wholesale development, particularly in the south side and a large volume of building in the western edge would not only concrete over our lovely countryside but push us ever close to luton which i suggest no one who lives here wants or needs.

LDF/6759 8 MacDonald Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/6760 5 Creasey

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following: The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the area have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command high house prices and i do not think that is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the Council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the District, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population, such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7,400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to b built in one location, namely South West of Hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would change completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely Market Town. As a resident of Charlton, i am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the South West of Hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the South, but that will not prevent traffic problems within Hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become and environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this South West of Hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making Hitchin into a so called "dormitory town". This details of some of the proposed sites, i see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrap yard and there must be other sites around the area which are "brownfield" so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but i believe it is the Council's job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, i see that there are a number of non-strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely Ref nos. 133, H/m02, H/m03, H/r28. H/r48 and H/r50 ( and there may be others that i do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so-called "town sites" that have not "failed" there would be land available for 1,531 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case i should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that i should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the District, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/6791 8 Card Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/6791 12 Card Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: I am totally and utterfly against this development.

LDF/6808 5 Lord Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I do not think the questionnaire is particularly easy for lay people to complete but wish to comment on the proposals.

I appreciate that the Council has to comply with government requirements to produce a local plan for housing but it seems that far too much of what is proposed is concentrated in Hitchin. Your strategy would completely swamp the town with new development and result in hideous urban sprawl over what is at present beautiful countryside that residents currently enjoy. It would turn Hitchin from a lovely market town to a large urban area leaving no excuse for it not to be joined up with stevenage and ultimately Luton.

I feel very strongly about this, it seems that Hitchin is always under threat and development on this scale would lead to even more congestion on the surrounding roads and rail services than we already experience.

LDF/6837 5 McCutcheon Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Concerning the suggested local housing plans for north herts. Hitchin is a very special town having a great deal of character, retaining a medieval street plan. As such it should be concerned for future generations. The suggested building of such a huge number of houses making hitchin half as large again would surely swamp its fragile nature and surely affect its infrastructure. One appreciates that more homes need to be built, but such large numbers built on mass is hardly satisfactory. Some of these sites seem to be those proposed by landowners and builders with a vested interest rather than where it might be best to place homes.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent There seems to be no consideration of any form of infrastructure. One can hardly drop homes from heaven without some consideration. Surely smaller developments would be more satisfactory. These could be spread around the whole of North Herts? Such large scale planning should not be limited to certain areas- this would be more satisfactory for all concerned. Building should surely take place on any remaining bronwfield sites where possible. There are some left. One should not immediately turn to green field sites. The present suggestions rather make a mockery of the green belt policy which is meant to safeguard the countryside from the towns and villages. In some cases there are special sites of scientific interest which would be destroyed by such plans. Also we already have drainage problems which are not going to go away. Building on mass behind oakfield, between the stevenage road and wymondley road and up around kingshott school is hardly satisfactory. Where is the access to be? Also this area has drainage problems due to the water courses and there are sites of scientific interest. The Stevenage road at present without any additional building is highly dangerous. There is a very nasty junction at the bottom of whitehill coupled with vehicles travelling far too dast into town down a hill into hitchin. No-ones seems to do anything about controlling this. We should surely have cameras along there? You may promise a bypass but i dont see it being built before homes appear. It is easy to make promises. A different matter to keep these. Meanwhile i hope more careful consideration will be given to the plans of houses to be built in this area which will not drastically affect the way of life.

LDF/7043 2 Cussens Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: The area around Charlton is a popular walking area for the people of Hitchin. Hitchin Hill is locally known as Cowslip Hill and is one of the few areas where they grow in perfusion. To surround Charlton with houses is tragic. People enjoy taking a quiet country walk to Charlton away from traffic and the trapping of everyday living. There are many footpaths in this area which are well used and are popular with local walking clubs. Walkers enjoy the beauty of the flora and the peacefulness of these walks. It is of no use to tell people to get more exercise when you develop the areas in which they can get away from the traffic and enjoy the natural beauty of which in this county we are so proud. Most of the sites that are proposed development sites around Hitchin, Charlton, Tea Green, Cockernhoe, Offley and East of Luton are a haven for wild animals, flowers and insects. These sites should remain as green belt areas and as such should remain free from development. Future generation will not forgive us for losing that which we treasure as areas that give us joy to see and to walk in, as well as losing very many species of trees and wildlife. The whole plan needs rethinking.

LDF/7045 4 Davey Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: The South West of Hitchin Scheme encroaches on farmland and areas where there is extensive recreational use.

South West of Hitchin encroaches into farmland as well and an area which also has extensive recreational use as well. The same could be said of areas around St Ippolyts. It is unclear what employment prospects Hitchin could offer and with the cost of commuting increasing exponentially it would suggest that the additional housing stock might be difficult to fill.

LDF/7060 5 Mann Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation:

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LDF/7062 4 Mamier Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: The proposal for a major urban extension to Hitchin of between 6000 & 7400 dwellings and associated infrastructure is both unsustainable and unviable as a serious option to meet NHDC housing numbers. The information set out in the options paper under sustainability appraisal and strategic environmental assessment, clearly shows that the site has far more weakness than strengths in terms of credentials for a viable site, but i would like to reinforce the following points; The site is situated within a major green landscape buffer between the south west approach to hitchin and adjacent villages. This buffer has safeguarded the surrounding countryside from encroachment and has served to preserve the historic setting of Hitchin town. The site is a designated greenfield site, of grade 3 agricultural merit which is currently farmed. The combination of SSSIs, 6 wildlife sites and the site bordering the chilterns AONB should be enough to reinforce the importance of this area to remain as a greenbelt bugger to the south west of hitchin. The proposal for a new bypass to Hitchin Town, would result in a currently thriving town centre being effectively bypassed by traffic would have a detrimental impact on its vitality and commercial viability. It is worth noting that despite its proximity to both luton and stevenage and the many out of town shopping locations/superstores. Hitchin remains a successful and thriving shopping destination, and this is mainly due to the level of vehicular traffic able to access the town centre. To proposed a bypass and consider commercial development on the edge of this town goes against both government guidance and common sense. A development of this size would also impact on junction 7 & 8 of A1 north, which is already at maximum capacity at peak flows.

Based on the above i would request that NHDC reconsiders these sites and removes them from the strategic/non-strategic sites options.

LDF/7076 7 Chadbourne Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/7076 11 Chadbourne Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: The road to Offley is already congested daily. The hospitals have long waiting lists. Doctors are hard to access- so no more building in the South!

LDF/7127 6 Millbank Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

I have major concerns about the following: Building on greenbelt land, threat to wildlife, villages being morphed into the town. Lack of greenspace for the local population. The increase in traffic, stevenage road where i live is already congested and undergoing a pollution survey and investigation Lack of infrastructure Where are all the potential new residents going to work? We need to maintain the lovely character of Hitchin, thats why people who live here like living here with access to the very nearby countryside!

LDF/7131 4 Kelsall Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Please consider this email as a formal objection to the proposal to develop the site to the South West of Hitchin (Ref 37). I object to this idea because of the fact it would have a huge impact on the character and feel of Hitchin, traditionally a historic market town. The population of Hitchin would increase significantly, and this would undermine the rural nature of the town. There are also environmental factors, concerning the destruction of part of the Oughtonhead Nature Reserve. I am also concerned that the proposed development would swallow up Gosmore, St Ippolyts and Charlton ¿ all villages with their own character and identity. In general I feel that the growth target for housing is way in excess of what is necessary; and huge growth, as is being proposed, woud adversely affect the surroundings of those who already live in the area.

LDF/7133 4 EHW Architects Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation:

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Hitchin has grown organically over many years into the much cherished market town it is today. To suddenly slap 7000 houses south west of the town with all its associated infrastructure would effectively double the towns population over night. I believe the south west proposal to be hugely inappropriate. The proposal seeks to solve some 70% of the total districts needs in one location, which i suggest to be a poor solution rather than a more pepper pot approach. This proposal sticks two fingers up at green belt/open countryside policy in a major way and would decimate some of our most picturesque villages and countryside. The crime is further compounded in justifying the development since it would allow the bypass from the A602 to A505 to be constructed cost neutral. The proposed link road will go through glorious undulating typical English countryside, creating a black tarmac scar, disturbing wildlife habitats and providing residents for miles around with 24 hours of noise and at night light pollution. Extraordinary to think that a handful of houses in Gosmore are turned down because they will be harmful to the open character of the green belt, when in fact they sit comfortably within the , be it undefined, clear village envelope. Even more extraordinary is carving a ghastly swathe through open countryside/ green belt with a major road and destroying similar countryside with 7000 houses and infrastructure is deems, ipso facto, not to be harmful. Sorry but i just cannot square the circle on this one. Although it is acknowledged that at peak times Hitchin does suffer a surfeit of traffic, this is however almost exclusively on the periphery, having little effect on the town itself and for very short periods. Noting the drive to reduce reliance on the motor vehicle, hugely costly proposals like this are doomed to becoming a white elephant. There are however other sites identified that would lend themselves to larger scale development and the one that stand out is North of Stevenage/ Graveley, which would almost certainly allow Stevenage to join in south of the district/borough boundary line.

However, irrespective of which options emerge for further detailed consideration it is hugely unlikely that many, if any, houses will be built. The punitive community infrastructure levy will see to that and combined with the retention of S106, S278s etc, CIL will definitely kill any meaningful development, whether ill conceived or not.

LDF/7133 5 EHW Architects Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Following my earlier submission of comments dated 19th March 2013, i have reviewed statements from other parties and had my own further thoughts, which i schedule below related to some of the larger sites proposed.

South West of Hitchin Hitchin enjoys a significant reputation, both locally and nationally, as a traditional medium-sized market town, with good north-south rail and road links together with easy access to Luton Airport. It is acknowledged that the east-west links are not as direct, with Hitchin forming a punctuation to that directional flow of traffic. However, as already observed in my earlier submission, this only becomes a minor inconvenience at peak commuter times. It is clear that the overly declared motivation for considering the wholesale destruction of Hitchin, since the whole town would suffer and not just this very desirable southwest corner, is the funding of the A602/A505 link bypass. I consider that any such highway proposal should be a matter for national funding rather than locally borne. Irrespective of funding, it is patently clear that the south-west development would create "double trouble" (i) a town that would lose its character and charm and just be another urban sprawl and (ii) a massive environmental disaster of visual and aural scare across some of the most beautiful and treasured English countryside in the district. The addition of nearly 7,500 new homes located in one enclave would swamp Hitchin and all its current services and infrastructure, having a knock-on effect in terms of pressure to create shopping centres, car parks (multi storey!), more schools, better transport facilities generally etc. Any bypass would not help reduce the pursuant congestion within the town. The scale of this proposal is simply not compatible with the town and if selected would very soon be shown to be a catastrophic irreversible decision which future generations

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent would be forced to suffer on a daily basis. In summary, the addition of some 20,000 extra people to one corner of the district alone, together with a brutal roadway funded by the ill conceived development, could be a price too high to pay. I do not support this proposal and OBJECT.

LDF/7134 10 Clarke and Moody Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: it is far too big and would completely overwhelm the market town feeling of Hitchin it would be visually obtrusive approaching Hitchin from the west it would destroy the village of Charlton and coalesce with Gosmore and St Ippolytes We both agree that there is a need for a road to connect the A505 with the A602 but we do not agree that this 'bribe' from the developers is the way to fund it. This road would be beneficial to the whole of North Herts and should be funded by the Highways agency. If this is not possible the development levy from all the development in this area should support the cost. Without the SW Hitchin housing it should be possible to build a much shorter road closer to the boundary of Hitchin. Additional housing using the small part of the site adjoining H/r30, H/r14, H/r25 could be considered.

LDF/7138 2 The Hitchin Society Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: The Hitchin Society does not propose to join in the game of comparing the merits or otherwise of all the 'strategic' and non-strategic sites proposed by NHDC on behalf of landowners and developers, because we do not feel that this is the right way to proceed (see Section 1). We intend to confine our comments to the huge site located to the South West of Hitchin.

This site comprises approximately 50% of the area which Hitchin occupies today and would therefore drastically change the town of Hitchin and its hinterland. The Hitchin Society is totally opposed to such a proposal, for the following reasons:

3.1 Infrastructure ¿ The section of the NHDC documentation dealing with this site refers to an Infrastructure Delivery Plan (2.18 ¿ 2.21). This plan acknowledges the need for new schools, neighbourhood centres, etc. and admits that the capacity of the fire station and the Hitchin Sewage Treatment Works 'require further investigation'. It is our understanding that Anglian Water said some years ago of the sewage works that enlargement was not possible on the present site and that a new site would be needed ¿ where would this be?

The result of the Transport Modelling (2.22 ¿ 2.23) illustrates another difficulty with this proposal. A by-pass might, but would not necessarily, ease congestion in the town centre ¿ NHDC admits that there would still be pinch points in the town and at junctions 7 and 8 of the A1(M). Access to the town centre would not be straightforward for the residents of such a new development - the amount of extra traffic generated by a development of 6,000 ¿ 7,400 homes would be huge, because no part of this proposed development is within easy walking distance of the station, particularly if many were trying, as would almost certainly be the case, to get to and from the station during morning and evening rush hours. More parking capacity would also be needed at the station, especially if other railway land were to be used for housing. Clearly new roads would be built through any development, but when traffic moving to the town centre met the original streets of Hitchin, there would be horrendous congestion, probably frequent gridlock. This would add unacceptably to existing noise and air pollution levels within the town. More car parks would be needed in the town centre ¿ where would they go? The town is already choked with traffic at busy times; this proposal would only make it worse.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent

We assume that the statement (2.8) about the path of a possible southern by-pass was provided by the developer, as any competent highway engineer would instantly see that such a route is a nonsense, economically and environmentally, and presumably made to justify the extent of the land proposed for housing. We are disappointed that NHDC appears to have reproduced such statements without even a cursory examination.

3.2 ¿ Green Belt, Landscape, Amenity and Biodiversity

The land to the south and west of Hitchin is not only in the Green Belt, but is intimately connected with and vitally necessary to the life and character of the town. It is all but unbelievable that anyone could even contemplate the wholesale violation of this area of countryside. The NPPF insists that the Green Belt should not be built over for insufficient reason ¿ the Green Belt exists for five purposes, three of which are applicable to Hitchin. These are: to preserve the setting and special character of historic towns, to assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment and to prevent neighbouring towns (and presumably villages too) merging into one another. These principles would all be utterly denied by a development in this location.

Section 9.79 of the NPPF sets out the policy on protection for the Green Belt: 'The Government attaches great importance to Green Belts. The fundamental aim of Green Belt policy is to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open; the essential characteristics of Green Belts are their openness and their permanence.' These characteristics are stated twice in the same sentence, which clearly emphasises their importance.

The NPPF speaks of previously developed land in many Green Belt areas, which could be put to more productive use, and the legislation encourages councils to make best use of this land, whilst protecting the openness of the Green Belt. This does not, however, apply to the area south and west of Hitchin, the land here being Grade 3 farmland, needed, as the Food 2030 report said, for food production. The NPPF contains a presumption in favour of sustainable development, which it defines as having three dimensions: economic, social and environmental. The proposal to develop a huge swathe of Green Belt land around Hitchin makes no sense in any of those three dimensions, and especially not environmentally.

As the NHDC document admits, a development here would have impacts (we would say, 'huge impacts') on the landscape, potentially (we would say, 'inevitably') on the adjacent AONB, on the designated Archaeological Area and on neighbouring Conservation Areas. The Landscape Assessment acknowledges the high or moderate sensitivity of this whole area to development. This is without doubt the wrong scheme in absolutely the wrong place.

This land is not just beautiful for people to gaze at from their passing cars ¿ it is actually very much used for recreation, and access is facilitated by the myriads of paths and tracks which criss-cross it. Hitchin has a relatively small amount of space within its built-up area, so the adjacent countryside is essential for recreational activity, serving much the same purpose as, say, Norton Common in Letchworth or the Heath for Royston. The land to the south and west of Hitchin is a well-used green lung for the residents of the town, and this space would no longer be accessible on foot, as it is now, if a huge development lay between the town and the suddenly distant countryside.

Biodiversity would also be lost if this scheme were to come to pass. As the document admits, the area contains a number of wildlife sites and an SSSI. Development here would destroy the local distinctiveness and special character of this land, and the Oughtonhead Common Nature Reserve and other wildlife sites would be ravaged.

3.3 ¿ Sustainability ¿ The site completely overlays two of Hitchin's principal sources of drinking water (Wellhead and Temple End Pumping Stations) and borders the third (Oughtonhead PS). It must therefore cover the Inner and much, if not all, of the Outer Protection Zones for the former, and again cover part of the Inner Zone for Oughtonhead. Our understanding is that the Environment Agency will not countenance development within an Inner SPZ and will demand extraordinary safeguards within the Outer SPZ.

The site also incorporates the whole of the upper reaches of the River Hiz and borders the River Oughton. The Hiz was rescued from its position as one of the most at-risk

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent rivers in the Anglian Region in the 1990s by an augmentation scheme and we understand that further improvements are planned by the Environment Agency in the interests of the natural environment and biodiversity.

To propose building over such water-sensitive areas makes a nonsense of sustainability viewed from any standpoint.

NHDC also claims in the section on South West of Hitchin (2.15) that there would be 'significant opportunities for sustainable energy, given the size of the development'. We believe that the use of 'significant' is a considerable overstatement as low density housing seriously limits the opportunity for sustainable energy solutions.

Given the water-sensitive nature of the site, the limited opportunity for sustainable energy and the inevitability that car use will be the preferred method of transport, including to the town centre and to the station, the idea that this site is in any way sustainable begins to look somewhat far-fetched.

3.4 ¿ Proportionality ¿ Officers at the exhibitions have suggested that this argument would carry little weight. We, however, think that it should carry significant weight ¿ brownfield sites and infrastructure surpluses within Hitchin have already been used up. There is now much less capacity for any further increases, and this needs to be reflected in strategic planning.

The total actual and estimated dwelling completions in the district between 2001 and 2021, as a percentage, show that Baldock has contributed 5.1%, the villages 12.7%, Letchworth 15.2%, Royston 22.9% and Hitchin 44.1%. In other words, Hitchin has, or will have, contributed to dwellings in the district almost half as much again as Royston and over eight times as much as Baldock. In which case, Hitchin should not, as a matter of equity, have to contribute such a huge amount as these latest proposals might expect. The NHDC Core Strategy (Preferred Options Paper 2007), whose policy wording, according to the NHDC website, still represents the council's latest published thinking for new policies to be incorporated into the new Local Plan, refers to the public consultation at the time and states at 2.22 that: 'The most popular of these alternatives was the proportionate growth of the towns and villages. Our preferred option is based on this principle, although strict proportionality is unlikely to be achieved given the differing types and availability of sites around the towns. However, the preferred distribution does try to give appropriate levels of growth to all the towns and villages.' As this policy has not been superseded, we would expect it to be adhered to, if not in the letter of the law, then at least in the spirit.

4. Conclusion

Referring again to the Preferred Options paper of 2007, the first section of the 'Hitchin Discounted Options' states: 'The main discounted option at Hitchin is the major expansion of the town to the south-west. This has been suggested as a way of funding a southern bypass to the town, linking the A505 Offley Road with the A602 Stevenage Road. Whilst it is acknowledged that such a road could reduce traffic on Offley Road and Stevenage Road, the quantity of housing required to fund it is considered too high a price.' We hope that NHDC will stick to its principles on this.

However, the new houses have to be built somewhere, and wherever that may be, people will object, not least because the council's present choice of so-called 'strategic' sites will be recognised as purely arbitrary, with no foundation in logic or equity, and will therefore encourage respondents towards a reaction verging on nimbyism.

The Hitchin Society therefore suggests that it would be more appropriate for NHDC to take the courageous but sensible step of naming and investigating some sites that really are strategic, on one of which a totally new settlement could be built. These sites must, of course, be genuinely sustainable, so obvious possibilities are areas close to and easily accessible from existing stations. Such areas, which should at least be considered on their merits, include land to the north of Baldock and its station, land to the south of Royston and its station and, perhaps most obviously, land around Ashwell station, where the existing rail network could carry new residents eastwards to Cambridge with its university and Science Park, or southwards towards Stevenage and London. This last suggestion might well mean joint working with South Cambridgeshire, which NHDC could

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent find challenging, but this option should not be dismissed out of hand.

We reiterate that we would like to see the council addressing the housing needs of its area in a much more proactive and genuinely strategic way.

LDF/7161 19 Croudace Strategic Limited Portchester Planning Consultancy Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: An urban extension of between 6,000 and 7,400 homes located to the south and west of Hitchin would be likely to overwhelm the host settlement in terms of shopping, local services, schools, recreational facilities and cause major congestion on the roads in the town centre.

Hitchin is a medium sized market town and is unable to accommodate the scale of growth being proposed without major detrimental impacts. A significant driver of the proposal is the objective to secure the funding of a new southern bypass. The impact of the development would mean that the bypass would be delivered at too high a cost to the local community.

It is therefore argued that the scale of development being consulted upon at Hitchin should be abandoned as an option. Any future development at Hitchin should be proportionate to the size and role of the town.

LDF/7163 6 Bracey Document Section: South West of Hitchin Support Representation: The immediate benefits of this development are obvious with the proposed bypass that would enable easy passage to Luton Airport for most of the district and the additional residents would help re invigorate the town centre. Sewerage it appears would not be such a problem as with other sites. However the price in the terms of coalescence and destruction of surrounding villages would be a very high price to pay. It is my opinion that there should be no further coalescence within the district as part of this process.

LDF/7172 10 Bellcross Company LTD Rapleys LLP Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: The strategic site named as 'South West of Hitchin' exhibits a number of constraints which affect the appropriateness of an allocation. These include the site being located in the Green Belt, the site being Grade 3 agricultural land, and there being a number of environmental constraints such as flooding and impacts on a SSSI, heritage assets, AONB, and the likely need to provide town centre uses in an out-of-centre location which would compete with the town centre. The site relies upon significant infrastructure contributions and improvements to accompany the development. The extent of the site appears to be contrived with small link at the southern boundary. The site also represents a significant area of housing growth which would fundamentally change the nature and character of the settlement of Hitchin. This strategic site is therefore wholly inappropriate for residential development and a more suitable and proportionate addition to the town should be sought such as site no.39. In summary, the strategic site, as proposed, fails on all of the assessment criteria applied to my client's site to classify it as a 'Priority 3 Site' (including the specific comment relating to the erosion of gaps between settlements). This level of 'priority' should similarly be applied to this

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent strategic site. Site no. 39 has less constraints and is more appropriate for housing development in terms of the assessment criteria applied by the Council, and for the reasons set out below, should be included as an allocation for residential in future Development Plan Documents. We reserve the right to comment further on the Council's allocation of all the strategic sites at a later date.

LDF/7173 8 Sheail Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: The sites therefore do not offer a sustainable solution to either Stevenage's housing need or that of North Herts. Both sites perform all 5 functions of the purposes of Green Belt. Development of either site would not be consistent with these purposes and would undermine the Green Belt in this area. Neither site offers good accessibility with roads and junctions already severely congested at peak times and transport modelling demonstrates that congestion is likely to increase. Access to the North-East Stevenage site is particularly bad. Considering the current dire infrastructure in these areas (Great Ashby in particular), significant infrastructure investment would be required for development of this scale, in particular in roads, schools and provision of utilities. The landowner of a significant proportion of the North-East Stevenage site is unwilling to make his land available for development, which arguably means that the site is not deliverable. With regards to the current NS3 Roundwood proposal, any consideration of this site mus acknowledge that it requires its own service road rather than using the already stretched road infrastructure through Haybluff Drive and Mendip Way. All access roads under the current proposal (Calder Way, Haybluff Drive and Mendip Way, Church Lane and Weston Road) are either single traffic lance (Calder Way and Church Lane) or roads which are not equipped for traffic travelling in opposite directions, causing one or both vehicles to slow down in order to pass (Haybluff Drive and Mendip Way and Weston Road). In addition, both Great Ashby Way and St Martins Way struggle to cope with existing traffic demands, often resulting in long queues at peak times which would only increase if a propoer service road to this site was not built. Looking at the current proposals, their solution is to expand the width of both Haybluff Drive and Mendip Way by cutting back the verges. Putting aside the closeness of the road to houses (far closer than is the case on Great Ashby Way), clearly their thinking has not been joined upas why was the road network not developed like this in the first place? Otherwise residents purchasing houses along these roads have been badly mislead by the developers, with them aiming to change the status of the road once all houses were sold, benefitting from higher house prices than would have been the case if they had been honest and upfront about their plans. Therefore, the NS3 proposal has to be considered in light of the overall North East of Stevenage site.

LDF/7202 3 Dawson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Will create new town. Totally developer led.

LDF/7213 4 Smith Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: - The proposed development in the strategic site "South West of Hitchin" would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way, increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000 - This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views - The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and both would be adversely affected - The proposed development would encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollits and Charlton, which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin - This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development. The

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent area also provides recreational opportunities for walkers, cyclists, horse riders, wildlife watchers etc.

LDF/7215 4 Branston Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I am aware that within Hitchin there has been a significant in building over the past number of years. To propose to build the highest projected number of houses to the South West of Hitchin seems significantly unbalanced and unfair and appears to based on the need of New Roads Developments. It would affect the character of the town adversely. A character which only recently resulted in Hitchin begin described as one of Englands top 100 towns to live according to The Times Newspaper. We should be proud of this and try not to destroy the distinct diverse community character that is reflective of Hitchin as a market town.

To increase the urbanisation of Hitchin by 50% will have a significant negative impact on the character of the town and will destroy much of the surrounding countryside which is a reason that many people enjoy living in Hitchin.

Building such a development would increase the need for infrastructure which would also have further negative consequences for the countryside. We are all aware that simply building roads does not solve the traffic problem but merely moves it on. We are all aware that there is a sweetener to build a bypass from the A505 to the A602, but this again will cut across beautiful countryside and will merely move the traffic problems to the A602 Stevenage Road and the end of the dual carriageway from Luton. Not only this but a new road would not answer the issue that such an increase in development will have an impact on the towns internal traffic.

Whilst we live overlooking these amazing views, and feel immensely privileged to do so, we are able to observe a significant number of people, at all times of day and in all weathers, using the local paths and enjoying the countryside which is accessible through the close network of paths that is indicative of an old market town. This includes walkers, cyclists runners and horseriders. These paths are also form part of the Hitchin Hoop path and the Inca Way and are clearly advertised on North Herts website as a way to explore the beautiful countryside. The area also covers a marked cycle route designed to allow cyclists to explore Hitchin and the surrounding villages.

The tarmac of Brick Kiln Lane and means this path is particularly popular with families and people with pushchairs. It is even wheelchair friendly; which means a wide group of people can access the countryside at all times of the year.

The area South West of Hitchin has a significant level of nature which needs to preserved for the enjoyment of just not the local residents but all those that enjoy the surrounding countryside. I regularly see redkite, kestrel, green woodpeckers, lesser spotted woodpeckers, blue and long tailed tits, herons and on rare occasions owls.

LDF/7219 14 Phillips Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I would strongly oppose such a large development SW of Hitchin. This would spoil the rural nature of the town and encroach on valuable countryside between Hitchin and Luton.

I would support some development North of Letchworth as this has been proposed by Letchworth Heritage Foundation and they own the land. It would not encroach on land between towns.

I would object to any development that would begin to encroach on land between Luton and Hitchin.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent

Rush Green is Brownfield land, I therefore have no objection to this.

I most strongly oppose further development to all the proposed Stevenage sites.

LDF/7242 2 North Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town by over a third. 8,000 new dwellings would put an unmanageable strain on the infra structure and facilities. Building on this area would destroy the landscape and green boundary. Recreational facilities would be lost forever. Pollution would increase and the roads (including the proposed new bypass) would prove insufficient leading to grid lock. The surrounding villages would be engulfed in the developments.

LDF/7245 1 Rayment Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Generally i support the case for preserving green belt land in this part of hertfordshire. The Hitchin, Stevenage, Letchworth, Baldock area is already highly congested. This is a prime example of a location for which the green belt was conceived for the purpose of safeguarding the countryside from encroachment and preventing the merger of neighbouring towns and villages. Hitchin is a small town with distinctive and attractive character. The development of the west of hitchin strategic site would alter this entirely. The size of the development would require substantial shopping, schooling and other local infrastructure to be provided. This would lead to the growth of an urban belt, with local centres separating the historic centre from the countryside it once served as a market town. Like so many other towns in England we would end up as a heritage site engulfed by an urban sprawl. Apart from the argument that a development of this size would destroy the very character that make Hitchin a town worthy of protection, it would not be sustainable. The railway station is the other side of the town. How would commuters get there?- local roads are already congested during the rush hour. Where would they park?- the station car park is already full during the working week. A bypass would feed new volumes of traffic into the stevenage road leading to congestion and bottlenecks approaching the A1. How would the town centre support the considerable extra population seeing entertainment, shopping and services without radically changing? I have read criticisms of the housing options process that argue that it is developer led and lacks a strategic plan. I agree as a layman i am not able to digest the enormous amount of consultation material that is available and come up with alternative options though i am aware that organisations such as the Hitchin Forum have done so. What i can say is that, for reasons outlined above and elsewhere. Hitchin is not a town suitable for expansion to the extent that the housing options would allow.

LDF/7246 4 Little Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development. 6. As mentioned above nearly all of these sites are deemed to be highly sensitive to any development.

LDF/7246 8 Little Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Any further encroachment of the urban setting around hitchin towards and into the surrounding greenbelt land, is entirely detrimental. Species decline and the weakening of biodiversity throughout all habitats around Hitchin is as a direct result of ever increasing expansion. To put it simply. If we ever want to pass onto our children, the beauty which is naturally all around us, we must take responsibility and act now. Arrogance and the desire for wealth and expansion will not be allowed to prevail.

LDF/7248 2 Sisson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: The total number of dwellings proposed in the plan for Hitchin is far to large for the town and will completely change its character. The increase in road traggic and congestion in the town even with the southern bypass will be significant.

LDF/7248 4 Sisson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Developing this whole area is bound to interfere with wildlife habitat. This is so close to the Oughton Common and the river. By building in the area so close to the Oughton Common and the river these may be some risk of run off water flooding the common and the river as these are west areas in winter. The increase n road traffic through the Westmill areas would be of great concern. Last of all the authority who gives permission to build all over this picturesque part of north hertfordshire will be forever remembered.

LDF/7263 3 Huckstep Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. I strongly oppose the proposed development on the strategic site South West of Hitchin which would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way ¿ increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000 2. The Hitchin site would significantly undermine the rural nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected 3. The proposed Hitchin development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippolyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin.

LDF/7264 1 Stephenson Document Section: South West of Hitchin

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Object Representation: Hitchin Town Centre could not cope with an expansion of this magnitude.The sensible solution for this scale of growth would be a new town. Why is Hitchin taking a disproportionate part of NH expansion? I am opposed to these plans which are obviously developer led. Why do the Planners not lead as opposed to react. Show some initiative!

LDF/7268 9 Living Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I write in connection with the above planning applications. I have examined the plans and I know the sites well. I wish to object strongly to the development of houses in all of these locations. Infilling could ruin the character of the town while estate development would overwhelm it. The protection of Hitchin's visual, historic and archaeological qualities should be supported. The proposed siting of the Possible Strategic Site, Proposed New Settlement Boundary and Settlement Boundary developments are particularly ill-considered: they are on greenfield sites used by many town dwellers, villagers and tourists for recreation and walking dogs (the development sites proposed are on several public footpaths), and building here would diminish the striking views and beautiful countryside as well as many other issues that would arise including congestion. Of particular importance are the grounds and surrounding countryside of Hitchin Priory with historical origins dating back as far as 1317. This area incorporating the grounds of Hitchin Priory and Bridge Street area (Planning Ref: H/r07) of Hitchin are steeped in history and a valuable part of our heritage. Bridge Street still retains 15th and 18th century houses. It is preposterous to develop around this area of the town. Hitchin radiates from the Market Place (Planning Ref: H/m02. H/m03) with buildings dating back to the 15th century. The area around St. Mary's and the Churchgate is a unique, historical and attractive area and the already bustling town square cannot accommodate more residents and traffic. Hitchin market dates back as far 1268 and is popular and well renowned. Your current plans would demolish the current site in the centre of town where it should rightfully be. We cannot build any more housing developments in the charming historical town of Hitchin and must protect the surrounding villages and greenbelt areas.

LDF/7272 4 Borner Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. I strongly oppose the proposed development on the strategic site South West of Hitchin which would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way ¿ increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000 2. The Hitchin site would significantly undermine the rural nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected 3. The proposed Hitchin development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin.

LDF/7275 4 Ewin Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. I strongly oppose the proposed development on the strategic site South West of Hitchin which would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way ¿ increasing the

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent number of dwellings by up to 8,000 2. The Hitchin site would significantly undermine the rural nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected 3. The proposed Hitchin development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin 4. The development would place excessive strain on what is a residential and minor roads. The traffic is already heavy with associated risks to residents. 5. The road network required to service any such development would disproportionately and irrevocably damage the amenity of the surviving greenbelt and existing urban areas. 6. The proposed Hitchin development would also encroach on the villages of gosmore, st ippolyts and charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 7. I object strongly to any form of housing development on greenbelt land around Hitchin. 8. Building huge numbers of dwellings to fund a bypass on an area half the existing size of hitchin would (A) ruin the innate rural character of our town (b) be totally disproportionate to hitchins true housing and transportation needs (c) create unwarranted urban sprawl that would destroy Charlton as a village and key conservation area (d) raise pollution levels (car noise and emissions from the additional residential and through traffic) and (e) forever lose swatches of hitchins surround green belt ( including beautiful sections of agricultural land, wildlife areas and woodland.) 9. Moreover, building thousands of dwellings on this site goes far in excess of any housing growth target set for hitchin and its environs and would be disproportionate housing growth purely on the basis of raising funds for a bypass that has not been formally assess as meeting hitchins transportation needs. 10. Additionally, the area in question is recommended as a leisure cycling route by herts count council and classified as a tranquil area on the campaign to protect rural england (CPRE) tranquility maps. It also has numerous rights of way and footpaths regularly used by dog walkers and ramblers. Therefore developing this area would devastate the extensive use currently made by walkers, runners, cyclist and horse-riders. 11. With the additional threat from lutons proposed housing expansion towards hitchin, it is even more important to retain this are as greenbelt. 12. On this basis i strongly object to any form of housing or bypass development on this proposed site.

LDF/7276 4 Ewin Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. I strongly oppose the proposed development on the strategic site South West of Hitchin which would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way ¿ increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000 2. The Hitchin site would significantly undermine the rural nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected 3. The proposed Hitchin development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin 4. The development would place excessive strain on what is a residential and minor roads. The traffic is already heavy with associated risks to residents. 5. The road network required to service any such development would disproportionately and irrevocably damage the amenity of the surviving greenbelt and existing urban areas. 6. The proposed Hitchin development would also encroach on the villages of gosmore, st ippolyts and charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 7. I object strongly to any form of housing development on greenbelt land around Hitchin. 8. Building huge numbers of dwellings to fund a bypass on an area half the existing size of hitchin would (A) ruin the innate rural character of our town (b) be totally disproportionate to hitchins true housing and transportation needs (c) create unwarranted urban sprawl that would destroy Charlton as a village and key conservation area (d) raise pollution levels (car noise and emissions from the additional residential and through traffic) and (e) forever lose swatches of hitchins surround green belt ( including beautiful sections of agricultural land, wildlife areas and woodland.)

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent 9. Moreover, building thousands of dwellings on this site goes far in excess of any housing growth target set for hitchin and its environs and would be disproportionate housing growth purely on the basis of raising funds for a bypass that has not been formally assess as meeting hitchins transportation needs. 10. Additionally, the area in question is recommended as a leisure cycling route by herts count council and classified as a tranquil area on the campaign to protect rural england (CPRE) tranquility maps. It also has numerous rights of way and footpaths regularly used by dog walkers and ramblers. Therefore developing this area would devastate the extensive use currently made by walkers, runners, cyclist and horse-riders. 11. With the additional threat from lutons proposed housing expansion towards hitchin, it is even more important to retain this are as greenbelt. 12. On this basis i strongly object to any form of housing or bypass development on this proposed site.

LDF/7277 4 McCann Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/7278 3 Kelsall Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I take my two young sons for walks in the area to the Souuth-West side of Hitchin on a regular basis. They enjoy the fresh air and lovely countryside, as well as the exercise. With this in mind, I would like to state my dismay at the proposal to build houses over the fields in this area (SITE REF 37). Please consider this as a formal objection to the proposal. Alas, I oppose the outlandish growth targets for north herts. They should be reduced to a more sensible level.

LDF/7294 5 Banham Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I strongly oppose the proposed developmenton the strategic site South West of Hitchin which would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000 The Hitchin site would significantly undermine the rural nature of the town and the character of the town which is the attraction for many visiting people. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected The proposed Hitchin development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollits and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin The potential use of farm land for development. Loss of farm land makes the country ever more reliant on, I guess, crop and cereal imports.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent The potential use of existing sports facilities - is this in accordance with the Olympic legacy? Looking at the plans in full, the road infrastructure on the South West of Hitchin is not capable of a mass increase in traffic there is already significant pressure on capacity for some roads in this area such as Redhill Road.

LDF/7297 7 Shaw Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/7300 8 GASP (Graveley Against Stevenage Expansion) Document Section: South West of Hitchin Support Representation: Our joint second most favoured strategic site is South West of Hitchin. One of the main reasons behind this is the offer from developers to help finance the bypass on the southern edge of Hitchin to connect the A505 Offley Road with the A602 Wymondly bypass. This would reduce congestion within Hitchin itself, facilitate the movement of traffic travelling east/west across the district from the A1 to M1, and improve the attractiveness of the area for many of the existing residents (which some current planning proposals, most notably the NES3 Roundwood proposal, totally fails to achieve).

This is a very large site, and in addition to offering flexibility as to where development takes place (in the process protecting areas of particular sensitivity or interest), it offers economies of scale for infrastructure and should reduce the number of off site journeys to access schools and shops, in the process reducing pressure on the heavily congested A1 corridor road network, especially during peak times.

Unlike the three sites just outside of Stevenage, Hitchin already has its own sewerage treatment works, with no further upgrade is required. In addition, and again unlike the three sites just outside of Stevenage, no major upgrades to gas pipeline supplies would be required.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/7301 5 Warden Developments Ltd Phillips Planning Services Ltd Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: This site could in theory deliver between 6,000 and 7,400 new homes. However, it is noted that the site promoter does not own all of the land and has options with only some of the landowners. If this site were to be seriously considered the deliverability of it would need to be investigated fully and assurances in the form of signed agreements provided to demonstrate that all landowners are on board.

It seems likely that a development of this scale would take at least 3 ¿ 5 years from adoption of the plan to actually start delivering completions. Therefore if a first build year of approximately 2018 / 2019 were assumed with say 100 in the first year then 200 building up to an average (Buchanan Study) of 330 thereafter the most that could be assumed off this site would be approximately 3,500 by 2031.

This assumes that average build rates of 330 could be achieved for a significant period. We submit that given the relatively small scale of Hitchin and its housing market that the market itself is unlikely to absorb this many completions on a strategic site west of the town?

LDF/7311 5 Walsby Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: The proposed site here is far too large and quite inappropriate. I do not find that the notion of a new bypass makes it any more attractive, as this would even further spoil the countryside and villages in the locality. The planned siting of the road is well to the west and south of the proposed development and this would encourage infill to the boundary of the road, which is highly undesirable. The proposed development would: be far too big, completely overwhelming the market town feeling of Hitchin be visually obtrusive approaching Hitchin from the west destroy the village of Charlton and coalesce with Gosmore and St Ippolyts

If it is decided that a level of development in and around Hitchin in proportion to its current size is necessary, I would prefer to see a small and sensitively designed development north of the A505 in place of that planned east of Luton.

LDF/7312 7 Mason Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: The proposed new bypass is needed but I understand this would not be built until money was available from the sale of the proposed houses. This would not be acceptable. Routes around Hitchin are already heavily congested with long delays at peak times, so the additional traffic associated with this large development could potentially result in grid lock. The bypass would need to be built before the new houses. The bypass takes a route well to the west and south of the proposed new housing which would encourage infilling and make further development difficult to reject.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/7314 1 Sellicks Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I have concerns over this consultation, the processes leading to the identification of the proposed sites and their evaluation. I can express an opinion only on the sites which I know best. The consultation Whilst I support the principle that decisions should be informed by consultation of those who will be affected, I am deeply concerned about the nature of this consultation. It is unclear, and therefore particularly worrying, how the results of questions 3 and 5 of the Consultation Questionnaire might be used in coming to any decision. Respondents are faced with many pages of 'evidence' including 9 landscape sensitivity studies ranging in date from 2007 to 2012. These are prepared to different formats, rendering like-for-like comparison extremely difficult, even if it were accepted that no material changes had taken place over the 5 year period. These documents are only part of the material on which judgements should be based. Rational Planning I would expect that rational planning would involve stating a series of criteria for the desirability of any new development site. Locations which would meet these criteria would be identified. By contrast, the proposed sites are identified only because they are 'available'. There are other sites in the area which would be far more suitable. No attempt to identify and evaluate these has been made, and no steps taken to facilitate their availability. Whilst appreciating that compulsory purchase is an option the council wishes to avoid due to expense, the post-delivery costs of an unsuitable development are born by council tax payers throughout its lifetime. Had the educational, social and health costs of inner city housing schemes been considered during the 1960s, perhaps we would not still be agonizing about some areas of our inner cities today. Such costs are impossible to evaluate, and are therefore never considered. They are outside the scope of the current consultation since they are often dependent on design. Failure to choose the right sites will mean that good design will be constrained with inevitable consequences. Sites around Hitchin I am only able to comment on sites of which I have some knowledge ¿ my comments relate mainly to the strategic sites on the green belt to the south and west of Hitchin, but also to the priority 2 and 3 sites on its western fringes. Proportionate contribution The percentage population increase of Hitchin over the past 10 years has been greater than that for any other of the major towns in North Hertfordshire. Any further increase in dwellings should take account of the contribution the town has already made to the increase in North Hertfordshire's housing stock, and should therefore be considerably less than the 6000 lower limit identified for the strategic area. Infrastructure Hitchin's current infrastructure is incapable of absorbing new development. Its roads, major junctions and station car park operate at full capacity. Hardly any progress has been made in implementing the proposals of the 1999 cycle routes study to attempt any mitigation. The non-strategic priority 2 and 3 sites on the western fringes of Hitchin would make an already difficult traffic situation worse due to access problems, even without any contribution from the considerably larger strategic site beyond. The proposed bypass will do nothing to address congestion due to traffic entering Hitchin from either the A600 from the north or the A505 Cambridge Road, and could arguably increase it. It will not help to address the problems with HGVs accessing the Hitchin industrial area. The people living in any new development would be likely to commute, but the town's existing infrastructure would be unable to cope. Heritage and recreation As a Hitchin resident for 29 years, a walker and cyclist, its attractiveness for me is often to do with the ease of access to the surrounding countryside and its rich history which is cherished and nurtured by many enthusiasts, who also recognize the need for development, but not at any price. Hitchin is an important example of a medieval market town with many nationally recognized, historically significant features. Charlton, Gosmore and St Ippolytts are attractive villages with interesting and important buildings. Significant developments will threaten the quiet character of this area in a number of ways. The topographically varied, visually and environmentally sensitive countryside to the south and west of Hitchin, in which these villages are set, is relatively easily accessed on foot or cycle from the town and would be destroyed by development of the strategic site. Views of Hitchin, particularly from the high ground to the south west, some within the Chilterns AONB, would be degraded by development. The noise from the proposed new bypass

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent would also compromise the recreational amenity of the area, to say nothing of the desirability of living in the proposed development. The land-take for this proposal is misrepresented by the area shown on the map. The development is only viable if a bypass is constructed outside the boundary of the proposed development area, thus further reducing the aesthetic and recreational value of the area and severing wildlife habitats. Summary In principle I am opposed to development on greenbelt land, but accept that some development may be necessary if we are to provide housing for a growing population. The proposals for Hitchin suggest a disproportionate expansion which the town cannot absorb without loss of its unique character. I do not accept that the current proposals are the way to achieve housing growth. I consider both the identification of sites and consultation to be flawed, leading to unsatisfactory solutions that will cause more problems in the medium and long term.

LDF/7333 1 Fossey Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I object to the proposed plan for 781 new homes on Site 122 at Little Wymondley. A site this large would destroy current village life.

The infrastructure for such a large site is non-existant. These new homes could increase the population of the village by upwards of 3,500 people. The roads would not cope with the influx of additional cars and noise pollution would increase. With this scale of increase in traffic, Little Wymondley would be gridlocked.

At present Stevenage Road is prone to flooding and this build would increase the risk of flooding dramatically. Existing utilities and sewerage would not cope if the build goes ahead.

Public transport in the village is limited and would therefore not cope with this additional influx.

Wymondley is far too small in size to cope with a build of this size and I feel it would destroy the character and community feel of the village. It would no longer be the quiet, safe and peaceful village it has always been. We cannot continue to destroy village life and for this reason I strongly oppose this proposal.

LDF/7333 5 Fossey Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/7334 4 Fossey Document Section: South West of Hitchin

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LDF/7335 3 Jones Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippolyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archeological sites, listed and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/7336 3 Jones Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippolyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archeological sites, listed and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/7342 1 Berry Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: The proposals for Hitchin are out of all proportion to the size of the existing town. I do not believe an extension of this size is necessary, especially when so many premises are empty. A worrying aspect is the lack of control Councils exerts on density of building, as can be seen in new developments in outskirts of Arlesey , Letchworth etc which are over

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent built.,and deliberately done so for profit of the Developer. NHDC has the responsibility to ensure Hitchin character is retained not bow to the wishes of Developers Finally the fields in red adjacent to Oakfield Avenue are on a flood plane and any building would cause damage to residents in said area. I object to the massive loss of green belt land round Hitchin, which will destroy the town if allowed.

LDF/7345 5 Bedfordshire & River Ivel IDB Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: The site South West of Hitchin discharges into the river Oughton, which in the main is neither Main River (EA) nor and IDB maintained watercourse. Therefore the ability to outfall into an unmaintained watercourse needs investigating and assessing.

LDF/7346 3 Williams Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/7354 8 AT4 Architects Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: The south west of Hitchin is too large and precludes the A505/A602 bypass. It needs to be better throughout.

LDF/7370 2 Waller Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: The strategic site to the south west of Hitchin will result in three villages being joined to Hitchin to develop an even larger town. Not only would this have a negative affect on the villages but also on Hitchin itself. I can not comment on the other sites as I do not know them so well but they are all very large and will have a negative effect on the surrounding areas. It would seem better to develop more smaller sites rather than one huge area which will have a detrimental impact.

LDF/7379 1 Willis Document Section: South West of Hitchin

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Object Representation: Regarding: Proposal to build on the South-West of Hitchin

I have a number of strong objections to this proposal:

1: As a Hitchin resident I am convinced that the proposal would ruin the character of the town. At present Hitchin has sprawling housing on the North and East sides of the town. The lack of sprawl on the South-West side at present makes the town a highly attractive place for prospective home buyers as it means the town has close links to the country-side. Whenever friends visit they comment on how nice the entrance to Hitchin is when driving in from the A1. My wife and I regularly walk our dog near Charlton and Oughtonhead and the fact that these areas are so close to the town centre gives the Hitchin a nice feel. If these plans went ahead I would not hesitate to look at moving away from Hitchin and I am sure there are others who feel the same.

2. This proposal would involve adding around an extra 50% to the size of Hitchin as someone who has relatives from Aylsebury, where similar growth took place, I know the devastating impact that this kind of growth can have on a town.

3. The areas of greenbelt which directly border the Southwest of Hitchin (the fields off the Gosmore roundabout and those just past Gaping Lane) may not be the most appealing areas of greenspace. However, the main reason for this is that they border directly onto either main roads or housing estates and are, therefore, subject to significant litter and noise. Therefore, were these areas to be built on, then the areas beyond would become similarly spoiled. Development not only spoils the land being built upon but also that beyond. Anyone who has driven from Charlton to Preston will know how stunning the landscape is in the hills beyond Charlton an area that would be swallowed up by the development.

4. Given the projected food shortages which the UK is likely to be faced with it would be criminal to build on the rich agricultural land that Hertfordshire has to offer.

5. Stevenage is a town that lacks the character and links to the countryside that Hitchin has. Any growth there would, therefore, have far less impact on the town itself.

LDF/7381 2 Hogg and Hickton Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We object to the development of housing on the greenbelt land (highlighted in blue on the map in the "Housing Options Part 2: Strategic Sites" PDF) as this will have a significant impact on the wildlife, aesthetics and overall attractiveness of the area.

LDF/7388 3 Watt Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: The site south-west of Hitchin is far too large. I understand that North Herts needs more housing and Hitchin could take some of that housing but the numbers and size of the area proposed is too much for the towns infrastructure to take, that is roads, schools, healthcare, car parks in particular. Even the swim pool car park is often full! Hitchin has managed to retain its charm and personality and it would be a shame if any excessive development put an end to that forever. If it is decided that Hitchin does need to take more housing than numbers a third of what is proposed would be more realistic, and that is only if the traffic and school implications (primary and secondary) are taken into account. Any development would need to be very sympathetic to its surroundings.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent I only ranked it as fifth priority based on housing numbers not being as large as proposed in the consultation. Access to the train station for these extra numbers is important to consider, and as people should be encouraged to use the train if they need to commute, then more trains, more parking at the station and quick and often buses to the station in peak times must be considered. For this area, and all the other sites in the consultation, implications for the roads, especially the A505, A602 and the junctions of the A1 need to be carefully looked at.

LDF/7390 1 O'Dell Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I am writing to express my concerns and oppose the loss of greenbelt land to the West of Hitchin. We would like some green space left for our grand children and others to come and Hitchin has had more than it's fair share of development in the last few years. I strongly oppose the building and possible opening up of Westbury Close cul de sac which will mean we live in the middle of a housing estate when we bought our house where it is because it was near open fields.

LDF/7391 1 O'Dell Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I am writing to express my concerns and oppose the loss of greenbelt land to the West of Hitchin. We would like some green space left for our Grand children and others to come and Hitchin has had more than it's fair share of development in the last few years. I strongly oppose the building and possible opening up of Westbury Close cul de sac which will mean we live in the middle of a housing estate when we bought our house where it is because it was near open fields.

LDF/7393 1 Manning Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I am writing to voice my concerns over the proposed expansion of Hitchin/Stevenage area with some 10,000 homes. I have lived on the Oughtonhead side of Hitchin almost all of my life. The area has an abundance of wildlife (now a nature reserve), where will they go? This was green belt land that they are proposing to build on, surely this is criminal to build on such land? The infrastructure of Hitchin and surrounding villages will not be able to cope, it cannot cope now. The queues to get through Hitchin from Henlow build up quickly and the trains are rammed at 7am when I commute to London. The schools are over crowded and getting a doctors appointment is a joke, how will they all cope with an additional 10,000 homes? Lister Hospital has expanded to take on the QE II patients, how will they cope with the expanding population? I understand the need to build additional homes, but in all honesty what is needed is more affordable housing (when I look through the local papers there is an abudence of homes for sale so not a short fall of 'normal' housing). We have so many shop units and industrial units standing empty and neglected, surely the best use would to build housing on these sites? In Stevenage and Hitchin alone there are many office blocks standing empty (great for flats??) and building on industrial units will make the blot on the landscape more attractive to look at! If there is a genuine need to build on green land, the area between Baldock and Royston has far more room and still close to train lines (although this line cannot cope with more commuters). I really do feel strongly that these plans must be abandoned and other solutions found (such as I have suggested above).

LDF/7395 4 Barker

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I am totally against the development to the South West of Hitchin - increasing the number of dwellings up to 8000 because:- 1. It would 'swallow-up' Gosmore, Charlton and St Ippolyts and they would lose their rural appeal and become part of the town. 2. It would use up green belt land and adversely affect the Oughtonhead nature reserve. 3. It would undermine the "feel" of Hitchin which at the moment retains a feeling of being a semi-rural market town.

LDF/7395 5 Barker Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: The edge of Hitchin is clearly defined so any development on the edge would encroach on "Green belt" and ruin many very pleasant rural views that can be had @ the edge of town.

LDF/7402 1 Walters Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I wish to object to points 2.7 and 2.8 of the document for the following reasons;

Landscape impacts and potential impact on an area of outstanding natural beauty. We have enjoyed for many years walking regularly around the proposed development site, as do many other people. Such a large development would cause Hitchin to lose its appeal as being an historic town, where local people and visitors have easy access to an outstanding area of natural beauty on their doorstep It would become like Stevenage and Luton and lose its market town appeal which attracts many people. Site contains a number of wildlife sites which development would destroy. These should be protected for future generations to enjoy.

LDF/7407 1 Chapman Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We wish to raise our strong objection to the South West of Hitchin Housing development. We believe this will provide no benefits to Hitchin of such a large development without any mention of supporting public services such as health care (GP and secondary care services, dentists, pharmacies etc) and public amenities. Hitchin is already overloaded with traffic and such an expansion will only increase town centre traffic dramatically, making such a town into continuous gridlock in the rush hour periods. The train services are already heavily crowded into and out of London, something which would only get much worse without serious investment into the current infrastructures.

We love Hitchin for the market town environment it provides and I fear this will be lost with such a large development of modern housing. Surely a more subtle and balanced approach is smaller increases in housing throughout the region?

LDF/7409 7 Lawrence

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: The SW Hitchin should not also go ahead, as it creates a Hitchin - Stevenage conurbation.

LDF/7483 1 Hanson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I believe that it is wrong to consider building the number of proposed dwellings (6400-7000) in the area for the following reasons: 1. Road Transport Infrastructure a. In order to build this development a by-pass would be required to link the A505 to the A602 which in itself would offer many benefits to the town relieving traffic from the Town Centre but this would in turn create more pressure on the A1(M) Junction 8 in particular and more pressure on the two lane section of the A1(M) to Junction 6 which is already at a standstill in peak traffic periods. b. In turn this then increases pressure to widen the A1(M) from J8 to 6 . c. The traffic links from the new development particularly from the north of the A505 into the Town Centre are not viable: i. Access from A505 is down to a single carriageway on Upper Tilehouse Street with no capacity to widen this to a dual carriageway; ii. West Hill, Gaping Lane and Oughton Head Way are all not viable options for access points as the housing offers little or no opportunity for off-road parking which would make traffic congestion ridiculous; iii. There is the possibility of some access down Redhill Road but this would not serve much traffic. This leave the option of bringing traffic out further on to the Bedford Road but this would interfere with Oughten Head land, which is not acceptable is the next access point and this is not an option with Victorian housing and no opportunities for off-road parking for residents; 2. Rail Transport Hitchin is not going to offer employment for this number of dwellings so inevitably this means many will seek employment in London and commute via train. a. Does the station have the capacity for more people travelling into London? I'd suggest not for the numbers who would wish to travel b. A large investment in public transport would be needed as Hitchin Station does not have the parking capacity to cope with more people wishing to travel by train ¿ many commuters rely on friends/family to drop off/pick up and peak times are a joke at the re-designed station short term parking; town centre car parks include commuter cars ¿ more pressure on parking in the Town 3. Countryside a. Not only does Hitchin mark the edge of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which must be recognised and protected, but Oughtenhead Common a protected nature reserve, area of Special Scientific Interest and everything should be done to protect this and not interfere or impact on the site's inhabitants. 4. Floodplains a. The river Hiz rises in Charlton b. The St Ippolyts Brook also impacts on this development Both will create challenges and risk flooding if the flood plains are not managed properly, which will either increase the cost of development and /or risk flooding I would also question the sense in building one massive development and not spreading the development over several smaller sites having a lower impact on landscape and incumbent residents. More should be done to create infill housing, look at sites in/around outlying villages ¿ Preston for example ¿ three sites turned down and NHDC's own land between Chequers Lane and Back Lane not even offered for development!

LDF/7485 4 Patten Document Section: South West of Hitchin

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LDF/7486 1 Stears Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Hitchin is obviously a very old town with many roads ill-equipped to deal with today's traffic levels. The scale of the plans suggests that the town will more than double in size, creating massive pressure on the existing roads - especially across town, as people try to get across to the train station (the town is already heavily loaded to the west of the line).

The character of the town will also inevitably change, with such an extreme increase in population numbers - what will this do to the character of the town?

Surrounding towns and villages

It is difficult to think of three such major urban centres in the county which are as close together as Hitchin, Stevenage and Letchworth (and also Baldock). Also, the plans as presented would involve the cannibalisation of charming villages such as Gosmore and Charlton.

It cannot be sensible then to build over the area separating these different places, when elsewhere in Hertfordshire, and in North Herts, has much more space to play with. I can think of other places on main lines which have much less urban concentration, and so the need for new housing can, I believe, be much more satisfactorily achieved by looking elsewhere.

I am conscious that this may sound like nimbyism, but I genuinely believe that, because of the natural environment around Oughtonhead Common, Hitchin's character and infrastructure, the existing proximity of the town to its neighbours, and the existence of other sites which must be more suitable for development, that these plans should be rejected.

LDF/7487 6 Hanson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: This is simply a joke. The promoter is a small Shefford based developer without the financial clout to deliver the by-pass. Much of the land is much too sensitive in landscape terms To develop sitting as it does on the edge of the Chilterns AONB. The sheer numbers proposed are way beyond what the existing road network in Hitchin could support. We all know most of the people who will live in the homes ¿ whichever site is chosen, will work in London. Getting to the railway station from this site, given the proposed numbers will be impossible. The southern by pass won't solve the problem that large numbers of cars come into Hitchin to then go north towards Bedford. Even if the residents could get to the station there would be nowhere for them to park. Add to this the Charlton Conservation area, and the Aquifer protection zone which Veolia have around

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Charlton and the scheme becomes obviously non-deliverable as well as highly undesirable. One is driven to the conclusion that the promoter has in reality another purpose in making this proposal, possibly some part of the site that might be do-able is his real intent- and he hopes the Council will point that up to him.

LDF/7488 1 Stears Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: This site includes a nature reserve and beautiful countryside and is visited by numbers of people throughout the year who want to enjoy the countryside and its wildlife. There is a multitude of wildlife there - where are they supposed to go? To build on this would be criminal and can never be recovered. Access would also be a serious problem and I do not believe we have the infrastructure to support it. Last year we had a hose pipe ban as the reservoirs were low. How would they cope with even extra homes? Trying to drive through and around Hitchin in the rush hour can be a nightmare. These roads cannot cope with any more traffic. It is now reported that extra classes are going to have to be added to primary schools as there will not be enough places for local children next year. How will they cope with an even greater influx of children? And a few years down the line the senior schools will be in the same position. How are the already crowded trains going to cope with even more passengers. It's usually standing room only by the times the trains get to Hitchin. And the buses - try getting to Stevenage from Hitchin in the rush hour. Buses are full with local children going to John Henry Newman who virtually take over the buses and there is no room for other passengers who either have to stand or wait for another bus. To summarise, Hitchin would not be able to cope with a development of this size which would be at the detriment of those who already live and work here and we would also lose some lovely countryside which could never be replaced., I also question whether the building of so many houses is justified or is it to put money into the pockets of the developers. I most strongly object to this plan.

LDF/7498 4 Skyers Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/7501 3 Ingleby Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development of areas to south west hitchin are not appropriate . They will create something far beyond the pleasant and ideal town we have chosen to live in. The proposed developments will destroy beautiful countryside, create very significant travel disruption in a town that already easily becomes congested in rush hour and weekends. I am also concerned on the demand for water from 10700 dwellings. Already some area struggle in summer. Development must not be at the expense of green belt land.

LDF/7509 1 Kindley

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: The site extends all around the west and south sides of Hitchin, from Oughtonhead Common to the Stevenage Road. 6000-7400 homes are proposed, partly to fund a proposed bypass linking the A505 Offley Road with the A602 Stevenage Road. My concern is not just the destruction of this area, but in particular the inclusion of land so close to Oughtonhead Common. This tract of land contains much bio-diversity and has been recovered over recent by the diligent work of volunteers. The 'butting-up' of dwellings so close to this outstanding reserve would effectively starve the very nature of the common and inevitably lead to its demise. I feel strongly that if a line is to be drawn then it should be to the south of the Barton Road (but ideally south of the A505), leaving a tract of green belt (agricultural land) as a buffer for the Ougtonhead Common. Furthermore the beautiful vista and panorama across the valley looking towards Offley from the west side of Hitchin (that is to say look west between the Barton Road and A505) is one which should be cherished and not destroyed. The obvious increase in traffic (and we all know what it is like trying to navigate the bottle-neck of Hitchin between the hours of 7am-9am and 4pm-6pm on weekdays - I should know living near the junction of the A505 and Barton roads) will exacerbate the problem ¿ a link road from the A505 to the A602 Stevenage Road will do little to help it will simply move the jam further up the 'chain' But most importantly where do you propose to find the water supply for all these new dwellings. Our water supply is finite and the town had already come perilously close to rationing in very recent times. The water pumping stations around Hitchin all stand on or near our spring heads. Oughtonhead, Hiz, etc all have at least one or more pumps drawing water. You place that number of new dwellings in the area where are you hoping to extract more water? How will sewage treatment work? It is close to capacity now. Finally how will the area cope with the treatment of so many more people seeking medical help ¿ maybe double the size of the Lister Hospital?

LDF/7513 1 Rose Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Whilst I agree that we there is a need for housing to meet the growing needs of our population, the proposal to expend Hitchin by over 6000 new homes is a gross over development and will destroy the character and historic nature of this vibrant Market Town. The existing roads already fail to cope with the traffic passing through the town and new development will bring gridlock and misery to those that live on the feeder roads around the town. Some development will be good for the town because it will bring a mass of population that will help sustain the Town centre and high street but over development could bring about the same fate that overtook Stevenage Old Town that has now been swallowed up by ring roads, retail parks and development not in keeping with the original town. Hitchin and Stevenage have very different personalities because of the recent developments and I do not believe that Hitchin residents want to become Stevenage version 2. Rather we should ensure we retain the historic nature of the town. I welcomed the landscape sensitivity study that was provided by the consultation and this highlights the green belt areas of land around Hitchin that would be destroyed by development. In particular I refer to areas OP1 and L3 which form the border with the areas of outstanding beauty and are home to natural water springs, historic and unique farming land, a very varied wildlife population and have a network of bridle paths that the whole community use to walk, play, ride bikes and horses. This area provides the really important leisure area for residents to escape the built environment and must be retained. It helps families and children understand the benefits of an outdoor lifestyle and why the environment around them must be preserved and used. We complain that children do not go out enough, please ensure you do not take away the areas families can use and enjoy, every town needs these spaces and I would argue this is what has helped Hitchin become so attractive to families and develop it's unique character. There are therefore very real reasons why this was designated as green belt land and that designation must remain and development not be allowed with OP1 and L3. New development brings responsibility and the planners must ensure that brown field sites within the town or other potential opportunities such as the football ground are developed for family housing to ensure a mass of people live in the town and do not rely on the car for every trip. High quality architecture, not poorly detailed faceless housing is required with developers expected to build to the highest energy standards such as passivhaus to ensure future generations do not rely on expensive energy.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent I therefore urge the committee to think very carefully about any development and to ensure that they retain the green areas that make Hitchin what it is today. I and my neighbours love Hitchin so please don't destroy it

LDF/7518 4 Smead Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/7519 2 Pells Document Section: South West of Hitchin Support Representation: Together with the non-Strategic sites this development would meet the proposed housing requirement completely. There is good access to Hitchin and also good access to the M1. A development of this size could easily incorporate the needed bypass to the south of Hitchin. This would also provide even better access to the proposed site.

LDF/7522 1 Hackney Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I must object, most strongly to the 'pebble dash' effect of your planning proposals , affecting Hitchin Town. Anywhere there is a patch of grass you want to build on ! There are places like the railway cuttings where flats would fit and not be out of place but as the planners have proved with the Churchgate Project that common sense is not a commodity they are blessed with ! You do NOT have to build house/flat after house/flat ! If you want to be a City build a Cathedral ! Run a motorway through, open the Canal up, get rid of Hitchin ! Leave things as they are with minimal building and structured expansion where OBVIOUS !

LDF/7534 4 Cant Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any

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LDF/7535 4 Bransby Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: I strongly oppose the proposed development on the strategic site South West of Hitchin which would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000

The proposed Hitchin development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollits and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin

LDF/7537 1 Harrington-Smith Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. This is an area of significant beauty in the Green Belt including conservation areas, sites of archaeological interest and listed properties as well as commons near Westmill. The rural areas and commons provide huge enjoyment to the village communities as well as residents of Hitchin and the surrounding areas. 2. Development on such a scale would destroy the character of Hitchin, Charlton, Gosmore, Preston and St Ippolyts effectively joining these villages to Hitchin under the proposed coalescence and paving the way for further obliteration of this area of North Herts. 3. Hitchin does not have the road or community infrastructure in the historic centre of the town to cope with such a significant addition to the population - traffic would increase dramatically and pressure on local services would be to the detriment of the existing population. In contrast, the area as preserved, helps maintain the historic nature of Hitchin. 4. The by-pass between the A505 and the A602 is not detailed in the papers explaining the proposed development and could lead to a much greater area of destruction of the countryside than is shown on the map- this part of the application seems deliberately undetailed at this point. 5. The proposal contains no reference at all to the development of any new local jobs or training or employment possibilities for an additional 8,000 households, putting huge pressure on existing employment markets. 6. Pressure on available employment would be to the detriment of many young people in North Herts and contribute to the further dissolution of family communities. 7. The proposed road would add to the current bottlenecks of traffic at the A1(M) junction 8 and at junction 6/7 and further into London as more cars are added, both from the proposed new development of 8,000 houses and more traffic being directed that way as a result of building the road. 8. Rail services into London are inadequate to cope with such a dramatic increase in the local population. 9. The by-pass would cause existing pubs, shops and businesses to be "by-passed" with a significant impact on trade. 10. Part of the sites fall within flood plains within as yet, unknown impacts. 11. Sewage facilities are inadequate as are other services such as fire and police. 12. Electricity services in the villages are already inadequate. 13. Schooling in Hitchin is already stretched - and while I note that there is a proposal to build six new primary and two new secondary schools - these will be unproven

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent educational establishment which may lower the standard of education in the town. 14. The proposal has no identified environmental benefits, would add to local air pollution and destroy huge amounts of farmland and animal and bird communities.

Instead, I strongly support the development of a combination of brownfield sites and non-strategic sites in order to support the housing needs of North Hertfordshire.

LDF/7544 9 Briggs Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: This development is simply too big and would overwhelm the existing town. The new bypass while desperately needed would only come one houses were built resulting in significant congestion.

LDF/7547 1 Lombard Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: it is a great shame that we have to actually fight to save our natural beauty history and landscape surrounding Hitchin this is something that you would think should be cherished by all including the NHDC , over the years Hitchin has already lost some beautiful historic buildings only to be replaced with ugly characterless boxes, the beauty of Hitchin and the surrounding villages slowly over time keep being chipped away at until all the character will be lost, thank goodness that people still have Charlton the surrounding villages and countryside to escape to, somewhere for them to breathe, walk be part of nature, which is just as important to the welfare of the community of Hitchin as anything else.

We object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following: The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the area have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command high house prices and i do not think that is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the Council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the District, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population, such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7,400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to b built in one location, namely South West of Hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would change completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely Market Town. As a resident of Charlton, i am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the South West of Hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the South, but that will not prevent traffic problems within Hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become and environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this South West of Hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making Hitchin into a so called "dormitory town". This details of some of the proposed sites, i see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrap yard and there must be other sites around the area which are "brownfield" so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but i believe it is the Council's job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, i see that there are a number of non-strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely Ref nos. 133, H/m02, H/m03, H/r28. H/r48 and H/r50 ( and there may be others that i do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so-called "town sites" that have not "failed" there would be land available for 1,531 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case i should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that i should be possible to find the vast majority

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the District, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites. The proposal to develop from the North East of Stevenage strategic site seems best suited for the implied dwelling proposals because of the service base in Stevenage to accommodate such growth. Houses there would also be more affordable and therefore more likely to sell, given that the current economic climate is not likely to improve extensively in the foreseeable future.

Within Charlton, there are on-going studies of national concern such as; on-going study to monitor birds (and other wildlife) on a site via licensed Bird Ringing and Garden Birdwatch, both of which are carried under the auspices of the British Trust for Ornithology. As an example, the date from the Ringing records, the following Red List birds (showing their percentage decline nationally) are present and/or breeding regularly on the fields immediately surround Charlton; Corn Bunting (87%) Grey Partridge (91%) Skylark (63%) Song Thrush (50%) Linnet (76%) Lesser Redpoll (89%) Yellowhammer (57%) plus a further 14 species of birds on the Amber List, including nesting Barn Owl, Kestrel and Whitethroat. If building was allowed on the adjacent fields, birds would all but disappear, another nail in the coffin of declining farmland birds. In this area is an observatory owned and operated by a resident who holds the world record, as an individual amateur astronomer, for discovering the greatest number of variable stars. The proposed development would cause a source of light pollution and would make it much more difficult for him to continue with this work. The areas around Charlton and Temple End are used extensively by people from Hitchin town and others for recreational use as an amenity. There are number walkers, joggers, dog walkers, bird watchers, horse riders etc. who enjoy using the area and who would be deprived of the beauty of the landscape and surrounding countryside and of its special wildlife, were the South West of Hitchin proposal adopted. Finally, the implementation of this proposal, even with the suggested "buffer of undeveloped land" around the village of Charlton itself, would be an encroachment on the ancient and historic villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St Ippolyts. This would undoubtedly be the "thin end of the wedge" and leave he door open to loss of identity and full subsumption within Hitchin itself at some time in the future. Therefore, on all the above grounds, i wish to register my objection to the South West of Hitchin housing proposal.

LDF/7549 1 Carvell Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We have read through the proposals and associated information on your website and are writing to express concern as to the scale of the possible development. We understand that new homes have to be provided and that Hitchin will have to take a share of the new building, but if this proposal is allowed to proceed in its present form it will change the nature of our town irreversibly. Hitchin is a very attractive town with a special character and it owes much of this its "small market town" feel and its proximity to open countryside, reachable in any direction by a short walk from the centre. The extra pressure on the existing infrastructure will also be detrimental to the quality of life which is one of the most important reasons why people choose to live in Hitchin. Anyone who has to use the Priory bypass everyday to get to and from work will agree that it is barely adequate for the exiting volume of traffic it has to carry let alone that created by another 7000 plus householders with one or two cars per household. Similarly Hitchin's wonderful medieval street layout is totally inadequate for a population increase on this scale. A notable feature of the proposal is the concentration of development on one side of the town. This raises the concern that it is being driven by developers who may have no real stake in the town and its history or any consideration for the existing residents. Has NHDC not considered any other possible options such as spacing the development around the district in a more even spread? Why not consider more expansion to the North and South East of Hitchin? These areas are just as suitable and closer to the A1 and the station. We also note that the proposals so far include quite a small development of 1000 homes in Letchworth. This is disproportionate in view of what is proposed for Hitchin. Surely it would be better if the houses could be spread out more across North Herts, this would have less impact on the environment and create less pressure on existing infrastructure. Why no proposals for South of Letchworth, or Baldock? Shouldn't every settlement take a fair share? The proposed development south of A505, covering Charlton, Priory Park and Wellhead is especially worrying. Anyone who walks regularly will know that the area round Charlton and south towards St Ippolyts is very popular as it has many footpaths and is of huge amenity value. The area is also full of springs, which is why it is green all year round. It is completely unsuitable for the type of high density housing the developers would have in mind.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Hitchin has suffered so many times in the past because of bad planning disasters. Don't let this be another one.

LDF/7551 4 Pearce Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Hitchin has been recognised by English Heritage as an important historic town (Urban Panel Review July 2012) and by the council for british archaeology as of national importance. Hitchin is unusual in the retention of an extensive medieval street pattern and the close relationship of that core to the countryside. The development of the strategic site would sever the centre from its rural setting, double the physical extent of the town and increase its population by 50%. The pressure on services, facilities and the transport network would entail significant changes to the physical fabric of the town which would have a much greater impact than any benefits that might be claimed from the associated construction of a bypass. To assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment land use consultants landscape sensitivity study (LSS 2012) makes clear the significance and sensitivity of this attractive area of countryside as an open undulating valley with its small villages and isolated farms lying between the historic town and the chilterns AONB and Langley scarp. The town has a very clear edge along the ridge line to west and south so that even partial development into the valley would have very significant impact (which by the nature of the area could not be successfully mitigated by tree planting). The area also provides an extremely important setting for informal recreation for a town with limited open space within its build up area. Part of the site area is also ccrucialin providing separation between Hitchin and Stevenage and much of it is also vital in retaining separation between hitchin and the villages of charlton, gosmore, st ippolyts, titmore green and little wymondley.

LDF/7551 5 Pearce Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following: The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the area have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command high house prices and i do not think that is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the Council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the District, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population, such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7,400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to b built in one location, namely South West of Hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would change completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely Market Town. As a resident of Charlton, i am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the South West of Hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the South, but that will not prevent traffic problems within Hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become and environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this South West of Hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making Hitchin into a so called "dormitory town". This details of some of the proposed sites, i see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrap yard and there must be other sites around the area which are "brownfield" so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield

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LDF/7559 4 Jackson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development. 6.The proposed development in the strategic site " south west of Hitchin", being at a distance greater than any of the existing boundary would add further traffic to already congested Hitchin roads and parking facilities, and, based on self containment figures, particularly the road links with the railway station at Hitchin, and road connecting Stevenage. 7. Furthermore, based on these self containment figures, the proposed site and its distance from the railway station and rail corridor to/with London may limit its attractiveness to prospective residents anyway. 8.While the additional residents of the proposed site may be expected to benefit to local retail businesses in the Hitchin area, it could be expected that retailers such as supermarkets will be oversubscribed as extensive queuing is already common at break times. This would result in additional development. Schools are a similar issue.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/7560 4 Buckingham Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/7561 2 Buckingham Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/7564 10 Seed Document Section: South West of Hitchin Support Representation: Of the two largest strategic sites, South West of Hitchin strikes the best balance between all the considerations. The development has the added benefit of placing the nexus of the town (the local shops in the town centre) back at the heart of Hitchin, and since there are already two large supermarkets on the West / South West of the town centre any new shops built as part of the development would be primarily local shops that would boost the local economy.

LDF/7574 1 Johnson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: The proposal for a major urban extension to Hitchin of between 6000 & 7400 dwellings and associated infrastructure is both unsustainable and unviable as a serious option to meet NHDC housing numbers. The information set out in the options paper under sustainability appraisal and strategic environmental assessment, clearly shows that the site has far more weakness than strengths in terms of credentials for a viable site, but i would like to reinforce the following points; The site is situated within a major green landscape buffer between the south west approach to hitchin and adjacent villages. This buffer has safeguarded the surrounding

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent countryside from encroachment and has served to preserve the historic setting of Hitchin town. The site is a designated greenfield site, of grade 3 agricultural merit which is currently farmed. The combination of SSSIs, 6 wildlife sites and the site bordering the chilterns AONB should be enough to reinforce the importance of this area to remain as a greenbelt bugger to the south west of hitchin. The proposal for a new bypass to Hitchin Town, would result in a currently thriving town centre being effectively bypassed by traffic would have a detrimental impact on its vitality and commercial viability. It is worth noting that despite its proximity to both luton and stevenage and the many out of town shopping locations/superstores. Hitchin remains a successful and thriving shopping destination, and this is mainly due to the level of vehicular traffic able to access the town centre. To proposed a bypass and consider commercial development on the edge of this town goes against both government guidance and common sense. A development of this size would also impact on junction 7 & 8 of A1 north, which is already at maximum capacity at peak flows.

Based on the above i would request that NHDC reconsiders these sites and removes them from the strategic/non-strategic sites options.

LDF/7576 1 Jennings Document Section: South West of Hitchin ADOC Additional document attached Representation: We fully endorse and agree with the contents of our neighbour Jean Crystal's letter together with that of the Charlton's Village. However, we wish to highlight an important aspect that has not been mentioned. The Avanti Stud, which we run at Temple End, has enabled a breed of horses to be taken off the 'Rare Breeds Survival Trust's Register' and is an important resource both at home and overseas. Temple End was chosen for this operation mainly for its peaceful environment and total freedom from traffic noise and distractions. Having the by-pass so close to the Stud (200 metres approx) will undoubtedly have a detrimental effect on this important enterprise and future of a rare breed. My wife has been a member of the Irish Draught Horse Society (GB) for 20 years and was Council Member for many years. Our stallion Archie is a pure bred Registered Irish Draught Stallion Life Approved by the society, born and bred in Chalton Village in 2001 at Mill Farm where his Dam (mother) is still living today, having been retired from breeding. Please find included with this letter details from a very prominent horse journal showing that in 2010 Archie had more foals born than any other Irish Draught Stallion for the last 17 years proving that the breed is slowly starting to recover. Archie is fully approved worldwide and we have exported frozed semen to many countries resulting in pure bred foals being born in Sweden, Germany, New Zealand, Australia, USA and 2013 saw the only pure bred Irish Draught mare in South Africa give birth to an Archie Filly (girl) foal. The Avanti Stud is run as a labour of love and any profits achieved are put back into promoting the Irish Draught rare breed of horse. The conclusion of the proposed by-pass will without doubt bring to an end the studs activities and will be a heart braking conclusion to 20 years of dedicated hard work put in to preserving the continuance of this rare breed of horse.

LDF/7579 4 Byrne Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/7579 8 Byrne Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Market Town historically sleepy nature- Hitchin will now soon to be a suburb of Luton! or Stevenage!

LDF/7580 4 Byrne Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/7581 4 Pearce Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/7581 8 Pearce Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Hitchin is a historical market town which places pride on its countryside. By all means build on brownfield sites and ensure people are housed but leave greenbelt alone. The turfmead planning not passed officially yet but road markings are being put in place for its go ahead. Its already a for gone conclusion from a corrupt system which make a mockery of the objection system- democracy and fairness! not it seems.

LDF/7582 4 Pearce Document Section: South West of Hitchin

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LDF/7583 6 Lipinski Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Development of south west Hitchin will subsume Charlton and narrow the strategic green belt gap between Hitchin, Gosmore and St Ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm areas of high landscape value.

LDF/7586 2 Harte-Andrews Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: This proposal is not appropriate, even with an extra road. There are no other local transport links. A huge amount of greenbelt land would be sacrificed and irreversible damage done to an area of outstanding natural beauty. Part of the suggested area falls within flood plains, surely therefore not a safe place to build given the problems year on year with flooding and the problems with obtaining insurance. Hitchin has a wonderful, vibrant, original in these times, town centre. The build could pull shoppers away from that destroying the heart of the community. Your report also mentions wildlife sites and sites of specific scientific interest which would be lost. I object to the development of this site.

LDF/7590 3 Waterfield Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: South West of Hitchin - High threat to historic town community and character of town that currently attracts people to live and work in it.

LDF/7593 10 Carley Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: An additional 6-7k new homes would completely overwhelm Hitchin. No new road until developer gets the money from the houses built. Traffic in Hitchin is already particularly congested and the town is in no way capable of supporting an additional 6000 new homes

LDF/7596 3 Sheldon

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LDF/7597 1 McDowall Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I would like to state that I am wholly opposed to ANY new developments, regardless of size and scope, and do not wish to see the town of my birth ruined by this terrible plan.

LDF/7599 5 Wootten Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Simply too large. It would swallow up or encroach on the green belt surrounding three villages - Gosmore, Charlton and St Ippolyts and be a blight on the landscape, especially near Oughton Head. It would start to push the boundaries of Hitchin out towards Luton which is not desirable. Hitchin is not built for the significant extra traffic which would be generated. The traffic on the A1M down to Stevenage would be significantly worse and the effect of all the extra commuters (even an extra 1000 people) on the train towards London would be unacceptable - the railway is almost at capacity. The settlement would require its own amenities and that could threaten the viability of Hitchin town centre. In conclusion, there are better alternatives.

LDF/7601 13 Ainsworth Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: This is unnecessary and inappropriate. This site appeared attractive at first because of the ¡¥carrot¡¦ of a new bypass but this creates its own additional problems. In summary: a. it is far too big and would completely overwhelm the market town feeling of Hitchin b. it would be visually obtrusive approaching Hitchin from the west c. it would destroy the village of Charlton and coalesce with Gosmore and St Ippolytes d. the new road would not be built until the developers got money from the houses built e. the planned siting of the road is well to the west and south of the proposed development and this would encourage infill to the boundary of the road the new bypass is needed but this should be provided as an essential support for the total North Herts infrastructure and the expansion of Luton.

LDF/7602 4 Patten

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: The area: - Is established Green Belt land - Is an important wild resource and open space for Hitchin residents and the surrounding villages in terms of walking, running, cycling and spending time outdoors - Provides panoramic views along the valley - Is an important buffer keeping Hitchin distinct the larger neighbour Luton - Contains many species of plants and is home for a wide variety of wildlife

Any new building will destroy the character of the area and undermine the reason why many residents choose to live there. It will place additional strains on Hitchin for which the town, train station and other amenities are not equipped to cope. It will fundamentally change the nature of the area and encourage established residents to move away.

The South West of Hitchin is the least suitable site for any development

LDF/7605 2 White Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/7606 2 Wilkins Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. I strongly oppose the proposed development on the strategic site South West of Hitchin which would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way ¿ increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000 2. The Hitchin site would significantly undermine the rural nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected 3. The proposed Hitchin development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin.

LDF/7610 4 Else Document Section: South West of Hitchin

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LDF/7616 4 Willis Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/7625 1 Kiddle Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I am making an objection in respect of the proposed expansion and development of houses west of Hitchin and the associated proposals for the development of a by-pass to support the same.

This is an area of exceptional natural beauty and wildlife, and an area for recreation and leisure for much of the surrounding area, all of which would be destroyed with such a development.

The development of a by-pass would effectively be a waste of time to support a development of such a size, the town's amenities, facilities and road network could not, in my view, support such a development.

Having just been rated in the top 10 towns to live in the UK, such a development would very quickly destroy such a reputation, much of which I believe has been founded on a strong community, a beautiful market town, with a "village atmosphere" and would wholly ruin Gosmore, St Ippolytts and the surrounding area.

Stevenage already has the facilities and infrastructure to support further growth, and I feel this is where the focus should be placed.

LDF/7631 6 Cooper

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: The large scale development of South West Hitchin is highly undesirable for all of the reasons you list as disadvantages. It would in my view totally destroy the nature of Hitchin. However, that is not to say that some development in this area would necessarily be unreasonable and I suggest that 500 houses would be realistic.. I would suggest that some of the zone to the south of Hitchin (towards St Ippolyts) and that straddling the A602 might prove to be reasonable. Similarly a small development along the A505 might also prove acceptable. However, care must be taken to plan road access in a manner that does not intrinsically cause congestion (e.g. see Buchanan report 1964). Overall I believe it is important to keep the number of houses in this zone to a much smaller number than the 6000+ under consideration and that this might then be accommodated without destroying the nature of the town. A level of 500 should be plausible.

LDF/7631 8 Cooper Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: The large scale development of South West Hitchin is highly undesirable for all of the reasons you list as disadvantages. It would in my view totally destroy the nature of Hitchin. However, that is not to say that some development in this area would necessarily be unreasonable and I suggest that 500 houses would be realistic.

I would suggest that some of the zone to the south of Hitchin (towards St Ippolyts) and that straddling the A602 might prove to be reasonable. Similarly a small development along the A505 might also prove acceptable. However, care must be taken to plan road access in a manner that does not intrinsically cause congestion (e.g. see Buchanan report 1964)

Overall I believe it is important to keep the number of houses in this zone to a much smaller number than the 6000+ under consideration and that this might then be accommodated without destroying the nature of the town. A level of 500 should be plausible.

LDF/7642 10 Hale Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: This vast site of 6,000-7,000 houses would completely over whelm the characterful market town of Hitchin. It would be visually obtrusive and would destroy the village of Charlton and coalesce the villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St Ippolyttes and completely destroy the rural aspect of the area. Current traffic problems in this area would escalate to a catastrophic level.

LDF/7643 7 Yates-Mercer Document Section: South West of Hitchin Support Representation: The size of South West of Hitchin means that development in that area can allow for greater potential for open space and will assist in preserving many of the desirable aspects. The bypass offered will greatly alleviate traffic volumes though central Hitchin, thereby improving the environment there and making it safer for residents. It will also provide a better flow of traffic between the A1 and the M1.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/7660 10 Lubbock Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development to the South West of Hitchin whilst potentially generating 6000 - 7400 potential homes would require the installation of a bypass to the South of Hitchin, something arguably needed today, at considerable cost. There is an opportunity to develop that part of the area just to the north of the A505 which would have less of an impact and potentially defer any need for a bypass in the future.

LDF/7669 1 Bennett Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Whilst I regard the proposed urban extension of between 6,000 and 7,400 homes to the south and west of Hitchin to be vastly excessive in proportion to the size of the town and its growth needs, I do consider that there is some scope for expansion of the town to the southwest in order to fund much needed improvements to infrastructure.

A reduced urban extension of 1,000 to 2,000 homes could support the provision of additional primary schools and possibly a new or expanded secondary school providing new school places to meet the growing pupil levels. It could also fund/facilitate the provision of a reduced scale link road proposal between the A505 Offley Road and the A602 at Park Way. This would relieve the significant traffic pressures on central Hitchin at Paynes Park roundabout caused by traffic travelling from the A1(M) to Luton airport. This traffic is only going to increase with any expansion of Luton Airport and forward planning needs to be put into place to deal with this increase. The existing road system in central Hitchin cannot accommodate this increase in traffic and the pattern of existing development within Hitchin does not allow for any significant modification/enlargement of existing arrangements. The best medium to long term approach is to remove the traffic from central Hitchin altogether though a new link road/bypass.

I recognize that in this economic climate such infrastructure will not happen without development to fund it.

The role of the planning system is to plan monitor and manage development. Monitoring of the traffic situation in central Hitchin has demonstrated a clear need to take action to control traffic travelling through the town between the A1(M) and Luton, and to manage predicted traffic growth. Monitoring is also showing a need to provide a level of new homes within the District. This necessary development should be accommodated throughout the District in a planned manner in order to achieve positive planning benefits in the long term and minimize adverse impacts. It is the role of forward planning to anticipate need and to plan for it. Housing need should not be the sole focus in this approach.

I trust my representation will be given due consideration.

Regards

Duncan Bennett

LDF/7670 11 Ainsworth Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: This is unnecessary and inappropriate. This site appeared attractive at first because of the carrot of a new bypass but this creates its own additional problems. In summary: it is far too big and would completely overwhelm the market town feeling of Hitchin

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent it would be visually obtrusive approaching Hitchin from the west it would destroy the village of Charlton and coalesce with Gosmore and St Ippolytes the new road would not be built until the developers got money from the houses built the planned siting of the road is well to the west and south of the proposed development and this would encourage infill to the boundary of the road the new bypass is needed but this should be provided as an essential support for the total North Herts infrastructure and the expansion of Luton.

LDF/7676 4 Reynolds Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/7677 6 Ellis Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Development south west hitchin will subsume charlton and narrow the strategic green belt hap between hitchin, gosmore, and st ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm area of high landscape value. The scale of development proposed is disproportionate to the size of Hitchin. Development north east stevenage is poorly related to meet north herts needs, is of ecological, archaeological importance, and is of high landscape value. Access to the site is wholly inadequate and any new link road would have many other negative impacts.

LDF/7678 6 Ellis Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development south west hitchin will subsume charlton and narrow the strategic green belt hap between hitchin, gosmore, and st ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm area of high landscape value. The scale of development proposed is disproportionate to the size of Hitchin. Development north east stevenage is poorly related to meet north herts needs, is of ecological, archaeological importance, and is of high landscape value. Access to the site is wholly inadequate and any new link road would have many other negative impacts.

LDF/7679 4 Logan Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation:

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LDF/7681 6 Edwards Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: If there was development south west of hitchin then it would subsume charlton and narrow the greenbelt gap between hitchin, gosmore and st ippolyts to a undesirable level and it will harm area of high landscape value.

LDF/7682 4 Willmott Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/7683 4 Lewitt Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/7684 4 Brown

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LDF/7687 4 Cooke Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development. 6. We should not be building on Greenbelt land.

LDF/7689 4 Borner Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. I strongly oppose the proposed development on the strategic site South West of Hitchin which would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way ¿ increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000 2. The Hitchin site would significantly undermine the rural nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected 3. The proposed Hitchin development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin.

LDF/7690 4 Gulliver Document Section: South West of Hitchin

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LDF/7691 4 Maddison Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development. 6. Current rail facilities are hitchin station and A1(M) road width to the south make this devleopment unrealisable in my view.

LDF/7692 4 Maddison Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development. 6. The development would impact severely on land used by walkers. This land provides an important leisure facility and adds to the attractiveness of Hitchins amenities, probably contributing to making Hitchin 9th in the list of best towns to live in.

LDF/7693 6 Djuric Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation:

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent To develop south west of hitchin would engulf, Charlton and make a narrow green belt if any between Gosmore, St Ippolyts which is not acceptable and will diminish areas of characterised landscape values.

LDF/7696 4 McCann Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/7696 8 McCann Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: The blue area between B656 codicote road and A602 stevenage road contains the paddock wood, which is a local nature site. A large part of the wood is owned and maintained by 4 households of the paddock. This area is in a zone 3 floodplain and as such will increase the probability of flooding should a new development be carried out here.

LDF/7697 4 Arend Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/7697 8 Arend Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Whilst i accept that there is real need for affordable housing in the UK, the extent of proposed expansion seems excessively disproportionate to the size of Hitchin.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent The impact on the town centre, access to and around the town would be adversely impacted. I fail to understand the rationale for the extent of the expansion. My overall feeling is an expansion of the proposed size would be detrimental, not a benefit to the town and to the community. I therefore do not support the expansion plans as presented.

LDF/7705 3 Buckley Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: South west of hitchin is the one which would affect me. St ippolyts is a small and beautiful village and the plan to engulf it in 8000 homes would just link it to the town and all semblance of village life would be gone, the same for charlton and offley. We do need affordable housing for our young people but as the village is not adequately serviced by public transport then surely brownfield sites within the towns would be better allowing young people to have access to all amenities. Green belt- AONB surely should not be compromised.

LDF/7722 3 Sutcliffe Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: SW Hitchin - popular amenity use of land shame to swallow up Charlton and build so close to the common. Not enough road or rail o support so many extra people, though this also applies to other sites.

LDF/7728 1 Morrison Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Building significant housing to the south and west of Hitchin would place severe congestion on the roads through Hitchin towards Bedford and Letchworth. Congestion already occurs on the A602 on Park Way; by the Hitchin railway station at the junction between B656 and A505; at the junction of Woolgrove Road and Cambridge Road. A relief road to the South of Hitchin would not help this ccongestion. There would be demand for a relief road to the North West of Hitchin.

LDF/7728 4 Morrison Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: The Priory Park area is of significant historic and natural interest. There are few country areas with the beauty and facility for interaction between town and country. There are habitats for rare birds such as Nightingales and Greater spotted woodpeckers. The country footpaths are well used providing a portal between town and country. The book by Bridget Howlett on Priory Park should be read by everyone with any influence on the developments highlighted in this consultation. The boo identifies the historic and natural points of major interest worth protecting.

LDF/7731 4 Ogunleye

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I don't believe that South West of Hitchin is a viable option. It is proposed that the town is extended by 50% again. It will destroy the Hitchin market town as we know it. It will also put a tremendous strain on an already stretched infrastructure such as schools, doctors and services eg Fire and hospital. It is also proposed that houses are built on precious greenbelt land which will have an impact on the environment. Once the green belt has gone it can never be replaced. The plans should therefore be rigorously reconsidered.

LDF/7744 4 Southwood Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: South West of Hitchin and many other strategic sites are very important breeding sites for many farmland birds whose numbers have declined dramatically in the last few decades. Many farmlands birds are ground nesting relying on the protection of crops for the ability to raise young. Softening housing developments with tree planting would have no benefit for ground nesting birds. These developments will greatly reduce the biodiversity of North Hertfordshire.

LDF/7752 4 Waters Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/7753 4 Kostrzewski Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/7754 4 Kostrzewska Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/7755 4 Robert & Else Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/7756 4 Bickerton Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/7757 4 Price Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation:

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LDF/7758 1 Mansfield Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. This is an area of significant beauty in the Green Belt including conservation areas, sites of archaeological interest and listed properties as well as commons near Westmill. The rural areas and commons provide huge enjoyment to the village communities as well as residents of Hitchin and the surrounding areas. 2. Development on such a scale would destroy the character of Hitchin, Charlton, Gosmore, Preston and St Ippolyts effectively joining these villages to Hitchin under the proposed coalescence and paving the way for further obliteration of this area of North Herts. 3. Hitchin does not have the road or community infrastructure in the historic centre of the town to cope with such a significant addition to the population - traffic would increase dramatically and pressure on local services would be to the detriment of the existing population. In contrast, the area as preserved, helps maintain the historic nature of Hitchin. 4. The by-pass between the A505 and the A602 is not detailed in the papers explaining the proposed development and could lead to a much greater area of destruction of the countryside than is shown on the map- this part of the application seems deliberately undetailed at this point. 5. The proposal contains no reference at all to the development of any new local jobs or training or employment possibilities for an additional 8,000 households, putting huge pressure on existing employment markets. 6. Pressure on available employment would be to the detriment of many young people in North Herts and contribute to the further dissolution of family communities. 7. The proposed road would add to the current bottlenecks of traffic at the A1(M) junction 8 and at junction 6/7 and further into London as more cars are added, both from the proposed new development of 8,000 houses and more traffic being directed that way as a result of building the road. 8. Rail services into London are inadequate to cope with such a dramatic increase in the local population. 9. The by-pass would cause existing pubs, shops and businesses to be "by-passed" with a significant impact on trade. 10. Part of the sites fall within flood plains within as yet, unknown impacts. 11. Sewage facilities are inadequate as are other services such as fire and police. 12. Electricity services in the villages are already inadequate. 13. Schooling in Hitchin is already stretched - and while I note that there is a proposal to build six new primary and two new secondary schools - these will be unproven educational establishment which may lower the standard of education in the town. 14. The proposal has no identified environmental benefits, would add to local air pollution and destroy huge amounts of farmland and animal and bird communities.

Instead, I strongly support the development of a combination of brownfield sites and non-strategic sites in order to support the housing needs of North Hertfordshire.

LDF/7759 1 Emanuel Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation:

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Instead, I strongly support the development of a combination of brownfield sites and non-strategic sites in order to support the housing needs of North Hertfordshire.

LDF/7760 6 Pitcairn Document Section: South West of Hitchin Support Representation: I am in favour of development West of Hitchin on following grounds: 1. That development be scaled back to be proportionate ie 2,400 dwellings 2. That land on the crest of the hill be kept as open space to maintain quality of life for existing residents. 3. That local valuable assets ie Wobbly Bottom Farm be protected and maintained. 4. That Hitchin Hill be maintained as open space.

LDF/7765 1 Newton Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1) I reject totally any plan to build on Green Belt land and expect the council to react to such proposals with integrity and honesty and reject them. 2) The proposal to build 6000/7000 homes south and west of Hitchin is a monstrous plan. The land covers areas of beauty, rich in natural history and indeed historical interest.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent To allow this landscape to disappear under a massive building programme would be a desecration and a disaster; an irreversible process, changing the face of Hitchin and its surrounding countryside. 3) I am in agreement with the Hitchin Forum's response to the Housing Options Consultation and see little point in repeating the content of its document here. Hitchin is a much loved market town and its councillors ought to be diligent in working to save it.

LDF/7773 4 Stevens Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: In terms of the projected target dwelling number, we are all aware that within Hitchin there has been significant in-building over the past number of years. To propose to build the highest projected number of houses to the South West of Hitchin seems significantly unbalanced and unfair and appears to based on the need of 'New Roads Developments'. It would affect the character of the town adversely. A character which only recently resulted in Hitchin being described as one of England's top 100 towns (Times newspaper) to live. We should be proud of this accolade therefore look to provide development within North Herts which does not destroy the distinct diverse community character that is reflective of Hitchin as a market town. · Building on an area which would increase the urbanisation of Hitchin by 50% will have a significant negative impact on the character of the town and will destroy much of the surrounding countryside, which is a reason that many people enjoy living in Hitchin. · Building such a development would increase the need for infrastructure which would also have further negative consequences for the countryside. We are all aware that simply building roads does not solve the traffic problem but merely moves it on. We are all aware that there is a 'sweetener' to build a bypass from the A505 to the A602, but this again will cut across beautiful countryside and will merely move the' bottle neck' on; and does not answer the issue that such an increase in development will have on the town's internal traffic. · The further suggestion also that the proposed developments are 'environmentally sensitive' is to defy belief. All the area around the southwest of Hitchin consists of beautiful countryside. Most of which is farmed. The areas cover Charlton which is in an established conservation area. The areas particularly around Gosmore and Charlton have been identified in the 'North Herts Strategic Green plan' as areas that should be preserved. In particular, the 'Green Infrastructure Plan' rightly highlights the incredible views from 'Brick Kiln Lane' looking towards south to west, and states that these should be preserved. · Whilst we live overlooking these amazing views, and feel immensely privileged to do so, we are able to observe the significant number of people, at all times of day and in all weathers, using the local paths and enjoying the countryside which is accessible through the close network of paths that is indicative of an old market town. This includes walkers, cyclists, runners and horseriders. These paths also form part of the Hitchin Hoop path and the Inca Way and are clearly advertised on North Herts website as a way to explore the 'beautiful countryside'. The area also covers a marked cycle route designed to allow cyclists to explore Hitchin and the surrounding villages. To allow building next to these paths would completely spoil the feeling of being in the countryside. · The tarmac of Brick Kiln Lane means this path is particularly popular with families and people with pushchairs. It is even wheelchair friendly; which allows a wider group of people access to the countryside at all times of the year. · I note that a section of land along Brick Kiln Lane is categorised in the 'Land South West of Hitchin, Landscape sensitivity Study' as a 'least sensitive area'. Again I am aghast that this should be described as such, especially as it impacts on two very popular footpaths and again would impact on the amazing views from these footpaths. Allowing development on these areas would also be the 'thin edge of the wedge'; where the principle that development is allowed in this area is accepted. · The area South West of Hitchin has a significant level of nature which needs to be preserved for the enjoyment of just not the local residents but all those that enjoy the surrounding countryside. These include: redkite, kestrel, green woodpecker, lesser spotted woodpecker, heron, badgers bats and owls. · The hamlet of Charlton, with the Windmill Pub and the source of the river Hiz is already an area that is designated as a conversation area and is a significant oasis; rare in an area which is so close to a town centre. All this area would be significantly altered if the proposals by the 'New Road Developments' and the associated landowners were allowed to go ahead. Hence the South West of Hitchin should not be designated as a strategic site:

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/7778 4 Chamberlain Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I do not believe the building of over 5,000 dwellings in any site is acceptable. The South West of Hitchin site would be out of keeping with the town. A far more appropriate development would be by development of smaller satellite villages within this area. 2 or 3 with maximum numbers of properties being in the region of 300 to 400. This would be more in keeping with Hitchins historical market town history and its relationship to its surrounding villages.

LDF/7779 4 Earl Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/7780 4 Young Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/7781 4 Harris Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views.

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LDF/7782 4 Williams Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/7783 4 Farley Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development. 6. Hitchin is taking more than its fair share of the demand. All the infrastructure, schools, parking would be overloaded.

LDF/7784 5 Farley Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development. 6. Hitchin is taking more than its fair share of extra housing - all the infrastructure of the town would be overloaded.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent

LDF/7789 1 Massie Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We conclude from the documents available that the offer of a bypass suggests an all or nothing approach to the size of development suggested. This development would wrap around half the circumference of our precious ancient market town causing a complete traffic standstill and depriving the existing inhabitants of the facility of valuable accessible countryside. As we live on the urban rural boundary we witness the number of townsfolk of all ages who appreciate and use the side range of bridlepaths and footpaths. It is within access of so many people to set out and enjoy the stunning countryside without jumping in the car. There are many interesting sights and buildings which have stood undisturbed and appreciated for hundred of years. Hitchin has always been a good commuting town. Now so few who work in London can afford to live any nearer their work and they have chosen to settle and bring up their families in a place which is not a rambling suburb. The bypass would only relieve a proportion of traffic passing through Hitchin, the number of vehicles generated by that size of development would bring the whole area to a complete standstill. We understand that Green Belt may only be breached in special circumstances. The council has the unenviable task of supplying government with sites to build enough new homes. We query how these projected numbers are arrived at and is the quality of life of existing inhabitants to be completely sacrificed for profit of developers and conveniently complying with questionable government targets. We support small scale developments which supply homes to those in need, areas which are sustainable and can be absorbed around our town. At the risk of being labelled N.I.M.B.Y. We would cope with a certain amount of development ruining our view but don't wrap it around half of Hitchin, throttle our town and make it somewhere where nobody wants to live. SUMMARY:- Objecting to the size of proposed development in relation to the existing size of Hitchin. Objecting to the breach of Green Belt and the impact of loss of countryside and views. Objecting on the grounds of the impact of extra traffic. Objecting to addition of a bypass to set off the housing which will only divert a proportion of traffic travelling from A1-Luton. We support small scale development.

LDF/7793 4 Prutton Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. I strongly oppose the proposed development on the strategic site South West of Hitchin which would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way ¿ increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000 2. The Hitchin site would significantly undermine the rural nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected 3. The proposed Hitchin development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin.

LDF/7800 4 Hyde Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000.

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LDF/7846 1 More Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: The playing fields off Swinburne Ave that NHDC has put up for development is totally unacceptable. The land currently has two football pitches and changing rooms. This is the only open space for Westmill , which is one of the most deprived areas in Hertfordshire. The building of houses around the boundaries of Oughtonhead nature reserve should not be done as it will have an impact on it.

LDF/7872 3 Lewis Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/7879 5 Cairncross Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: This is predominantly rural with lovely villages such as Charlton, which would be totally swallowed up if developed. There is also a large network of public footpaths in this area.

All other priorities 2 through 6 were graded as we saw fit.

LDF/7882 4 Covell Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: In reference to the south west of hitchin proposal i would like to make the following comments: The size of the development would completely change the character of hitchin and is far too big in relation to the current size of hitchin.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Hitchin does not have the schools, GPs surgeries etc to sustain this level of development. The road system in hitchin would not cope with the number of cars generated by this many households. The residents of housing built would not be able to get into town to the train station or to the A1- which can not cope with the number of cars now.

LDF/7905 4 Elliott Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/7906 4 Wills Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

I am very concerned at traffic impact- this proposed area isn't in easy walking distance of the station, so current serious traffic overload will worsen. Much improved bus and bike provision is required to make this workable, and covenants restricting car ownership in the area. I am also concerned that the overloading on the train network will worsen.

LDF/7907 4 Mules Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. I strongly oppose the proposed development on the strategic site South West of Hitchin which would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way ¿ increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000 2. The Hitchin site would significantly undermine the rural nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected 3. The proposed Hitchin development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent

LDF/7908 4 Mules Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. I strongly oppose the proposed development on the strategic site South West of Hitchin which would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way ¿ increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000 2. The Hitchin site would significantly undermine the rural nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected 3. The proposed Hitchin development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin.

LDF/7911 4 Chilvers Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/7916 7 Briggs Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Far too big. Would overwhelm the town and place a completely unbearable burden on the existing (overcrowded) road system.

LDF/7918 15 Davies Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development to the South West of Hitchin whilst potentially generating 6000 - 7400 potential homes would require the installation of a bypass to the South of Hitchin, something arguably needed today, at considerable cost. There is an opportunity to develop that part of the area just to the north of the A505 which would have less of an impact and potentially defer any need for a bypass in the future.

LDF/7920 3 Pheasant Document Section: South West of Hitchin

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Comment Representation: The site to the SW of Hitchin is hilly and has some low-lying land which is prone to flooding. This site should be re-evaluated and should probably stand about 4000 houses. The river Mimram is already endangered for water supplying and a committee should be appointed specifically to look at the infrastructure of ALL of these sites, with a special view to schools.

LDF/7921 5 Barnard Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Great Ashby and around can cater for growth. Hitchin cant!

LDF/7924 1 McDowall Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: The proposed development of green belt land around Hitchin must not be allowed to go forward. NHDC should keep land owners and developers out of proposals for any site selections, they should only be approached when sites have been chosen. Common sense must dictate the size of any development and the type of land to be used for that development. Hitchin is a historic market town and must remain so. Any development must be sustained by existing services and the number of houses build should fit that criteria. The adage, " less is more" should apply here. Assuredly more will be less for the people of Hitchin.

LDF/7928 5 Hussey Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Green Belt land around Hitchin - That is what is was set up to provide green lungs for everyone, and barriers between towns, and land to grow food, protected from developers. How are we to feed ourselves, when they have cemented over the whole of the South East.

LDF/7929 4 Broughton Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I object to the inclusion of SW Hitchin as a strategic site and believe this option should be rejected. Any development in this area could only be seriously detrimental to the Chilterns AONB and would destroy greenbelt land which has so far protected Hitchin from insensitive development. Additionally the extra traffic associated with this level of development would be completely unmanageable. The roads coming into Hitchin from this direction are already heavily congested and the existing access points are already dangerous and the site of regular accidents. The proposed new by pass would do nothing to allieviate this and would only add to the current congestion. The proposed new shops and services would compete with the town centre which is already suffering from decline. Local countryside crossed by footpaths and sweeping panoramic views would be destroyed and would seriously reduce the attractiveness of this historic market town. There is little opportunity for jobs to go with this proposed level of population growth so anyone living in the new development would need to travel to work. Local public travel

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent options are already under pressure and could not cope with this level of increase.

LDF/7930 9 Ward Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: South West of Hitchin - this plan appears to be extremely large in comparison to the existing size of the town, and also starts to join Hitchin to Little Wymondley, with the frankly humungous development at Ashbrook. Again, those of us who choose to live in Little Wymondley do so as WE CHOSE VILLAGE LIFE, not town living, for that reason, I object to the large scale development proposed on this site.

LDF/7938 1 Tizard Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I live in Hitchin and have done so now for many years, I fully understand that new houses are required for both first time buyers and also for growing families. The government believe that this approach will help us get out of the current recession we are still in. I agree with this strategy, as it will bring jobs and money to our town and surrounding areas. My concern is there does not seem to be the infrastructure for size of development to take place. I live in Kipling Close and work in London, as such I walk to the train station every day, the walk takes circa 20mins which is fine as I am fit and healthy male, who is interested in fitness and I include the walk as a part of my exercise routine. But many people are unable or unwilling to commit to walking this distance before & after work every day (this could be due to illness, disability, feeling vulnerable during the winter months etc). Where the new large development is being proposed is over two miles away from the train station, as such I believe people would need to drive to the station, but at £31 per week to park in the station car park many people do not have the funds for this to possible. This situation causes well know parking troubles in and around Hitchin station, with many people parking around the residential closes and or on St Michael's road. St Michael's road is soon to have parking restrictions, which will force these drivers to park around the surrounding closes. This situation will only be exacerbated when over 6000 new homes are added to Hitchin. If people could afford to pay for the parking then they would find that there is not enough space for their car within the current station car park. You may say that a percentage of people would take the bus to or from the bus station, the last bus which leaves Hitchin Train station and heads toward Stevenage stops before 7pm, which is not late enough for many people who work in London. Unless the busses run later into the night I cannot see how this will support the growth of the local people, let alone the new number of people from the new development. The current train service runs from Hitchin to London and works well in regard to amount of trains and time taken, but at present there is not one spare seat on any train from 7am till gone 9am, the trains are running at 120% capacity and I fear this will get become a serious issue with the sheer amount of people that will be brought to the areas from the new development. As the train network will not be directly linked to the overall development, as such it is not clear how NHC will make the Network Rail provide a greater for this area. The final option would be that people drive from Hitchin to their place of work. This situation would rely on improved roads including that of the A1. As Hitchin is a historic market town, is was not designed around cars and adding another 7000 houses and a potential 14,000 cars would cause many parking and traffic concerns. As it is not possible to expand the A1 the congestion that currently takes place from the 'clock hotel roundabout' all the way to junction 7 is going to become a critical bottle neck that will hinder all transport up and down the A1. Planning of this development is going to be critical as at present the government are stretched to provide all the service requirements such as Policing, Fire, primary and secondary schools.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent I cannot see how these are going to be paid for, as the developer will not have the funds to supply all of these different vital services nor will the government. NHDC need to think of the bigger picture and see how the impact of adding a development the size of Royston on the side of Hitchin will cause a 'New town' that could affect this historic town for years to come.

LDF/7939 1 Buckland Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. It is far too big and would destroy Hitchin as a lovely and highly regarded market town. Hitchin was recently voted in 9th place in the 'Best Places to Live in Britain' in 'The Times' survey. 2. To add another 6,000-7,400 dwellings would almost double the size of the place. The infrastructure would not cope. The road system in particular could not stand it and the other services would be put under significant strain. Water in particular would be a problem. 3. To place such a vast proportion (almost 70% if you use the 7,400 figure) of NHDCs proposed growth of 10,700 dwellings in just one place is clearly disproportionate and totally unbalanced. 4. It is in Green Belt and should therefore be opposed. It would effectively destroy the villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St. Ippolyts and the history there. The historic buildings in these villages would be at risk and no longer in the village settings 5. There are numerous rights of way and footpaths which would be destroyed. These are very actively used by walkers, riders and joggers and their eradication would be injurious to the long term health of many people. The ancient 'Hica Way', would be destroyed or so altered as to ruin it's charecter entirely. 6. This proposal would fly in the face of the council's own Green Infrastructure Plan of August 2009. Many of the proposals contained within that Plan including Key Views to Conserve, Green Gateways, and Level 2 Green and Blue Links are compromised by this proposal. 7. This proposal includes the flood plains of the River Hiz and Ippolyts Brook. 8. There is a site of Special Scientific Intersest within Oughtonhead Lane. 9. There are 6 wildlife sites and the area borders the Chiltern Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 10. There are 4 known archaeological sites within the proposed area. 11. This is largely agricultural land and as such should not be developed. There is little enough farmland in this country and if we are to focus more on local produce we should not allow farmland to disappear for deveopment. Overall these arguments clearly show that this development is in an inappropriate location, and would destroy a wonderful town. It cannot be the desire of NHDC to do that I would hope. The other smaller developments proposed would be more than enougnh to satisfy the new development targets of the council.

LDF/7954 1 Dear Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I filled in a questionnaire last Saturday very hastily I might have and filled in one section wrongly on The Grid, I miss read and Iticked my Preference for Hitchin to be developed, No way was this intention. So I have written this letter to put my point of view across.

As I live on the outskirts of the westmill estate, I feel I shall be enveloped by a great Tsunami of homes and traffic, living as I do in Moss Way it is bad enough now being on the rat run from Bedford Road down to the Red hill Road roundabout, The speed limit Just does not apply Having Oughton Head Lane designated an out road can you imagine what it is going to be like, especially early in the morning from 7.30 to 9.30am as well as in the evening from 4.30-6.30pm, it's bad enough now with all the traffic merging from Bedford Road Letchworth Stevenage and Luton, Hitchin is a bottle neck.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Another point is how you'regoing to cope with all the amenities that is needed, as were struggling with no school places, Doctors, Dentist, shops are closing all the time because the rent and rates are so high due to fat cat landlords.

Another strong point of mine is that the whole area round Hitchin which is supposed to be Green belt is to be destroyed which consists of good arable land. A nature reserve will be engulfed by pollution (light fumes and noise) which nobody wants round them. The Community use the fields for parties, rounders, football leagues, picnics and kites. Families with no Gardens come and fun with the Ougthon fields and commons. People come from miles around to walk round the public footpaths and enjoy the country side all around Hitchin and the Great Historic Town.

This will be no MORE!!

LDF/7954 5 Dear Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/7954 9 Dear Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Theres not enough doctors surgeries schools plus highway to support any more housing as well as destroying our countryside.

LDF/7956 1 Dewhurst Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the areas have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command higher house prices and I do not think that this is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the Council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the District, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population, such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7,400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to be built, in one location, namely South West of Hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would change completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely Market Town. As a resident of Charlton, I am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the South West of Hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the South, but that will not prevent traffic problems within Hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become an environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this South West of Hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making Hitchin into a so-called 'dormitory town'. The details of some of the proposed sites, I see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrapyard and there must be other sites around the area which are 'brownfield' so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but I believe it is the Council's job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, I see that there are a number of non-strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely Ref nos. 133, H/m02, H/m03, H/r28, H/r48 and H/r50 (and there may be others that I do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so-called 'town sites' that have not 'failed' there would be land available for 1,531 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case, I should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that it should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the District, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites. The proposal to develop from the North East of Stevenage strategic site seems best suited for the implied dwelling proposals because of the service base in Stevenage to accommodate such growth. Houses there would also be more affordable and therefore more likely to sell, given that the current economic climate is not likely to improve extensively in the foreseeable future. Within Charlton, there are on-going studies of national concern such as; on-going study to monitor birds (and other wildlife) on a site via licensed Bird Ringing and Garden BirdWatch, both of which are carried under the auspices of the British Trust for Ornithology. As an example, the data from the Ringing records, the following Red List birds (showing their percentage decline nationally) are present and/or breeding regularly on the fields immediately surrounding Charlton; Corn Bunting (87%); Grey Partridge (91%); Skylark (63%); SongThrush (50%); Linnet (76%); Lesser Redpoll (89%); Yellowhammer (57%) plus a further 14 species of birds on the Amber List, including nesting Barn Owl, Kestrel and Whitethroat. If building was allowed on the adjacent fields, birds would all but disappear, another nail in the coffin of declining farmland birds. In this area is an observatory owned and operated by a resident who holds the world record, as an individual amateur astronomer, for discovering the greatest number of variable stars. The proposed development would cause a source of light pollution and would make it much more difficult for him to continue with his work. The areas around Charlton and Temple End are used extensively by people from Hitchin town and others for recreational use as an amenity. There are numerous walkers, joggers, dog walkers, bird watchers, horse riders etc. who enjoy using the area and who would be deprived of the beauty of the landscape and surrounding countryside and of its special wildlife, were the South West of Hitchin proposal adopted. * Charlton is a conservation area. * Don't carve up this beautiful landscape Finally, the implementation of this proposal, even with the suggested 'buffer of undeveloped land' around the village of Charlton itself, would be an encroachment on the ancient and historic villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St. Ippolyts. This would undoubtedly be the 'thin end of the wedge' and leave the door open to loss of identity and full subsumption within Hitchin itself at some time in the future.

LDF/7957 1 Townsend Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Whilst I acknowledge that new/additional housing is badly needed, I feel that a development of the size proposed would be disproportionate in scale to the size of Hitchin. In addition, this is an area of recreational importance - many people ramble in the area, as evidenced by the large number of Healthy walks etc which include the footpaths on their route. They also jog, walk dogs, and ride horses in the area. I note on the North Herts Green Infrastructure Plan (Fig 6.1) that the views across at least part of this area are considered to be key views to conserve.

LDF/7958 1 Thorning

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Whilst I acknowledge that new/additional housing is badly needed, I feel that a development of the size proposed would be disproportionate in scale to the size of Hitchin. In addition, this is an area of recreational importance - many people ramble in the area, as evidenced by the large number of Healthy walks etc which include the footpaths on their route. They also jog, walk dogs, and ride horses in the area. I note on the North Herts Green Infrastructure Plan (Fig 6.1) that the views across at least part of this area are considered to be key views to conserve.

LDF/7959 1 Siddle Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: I would like to register my concern about the plans to add substantial amounts of housing in Hitchin. I recently moved from Winchester to London, and I'm considering a move out to Hitchin because it has real character and reminded me of Winchester. It is very easy to believe that flooding the market with lots of housing will help the town by encouraging investment, but I personally believe the result will be that Hitchin will lose it's charm, and become just another souless suburb of London, like Reading or Slough. Please reconsider the plans to add more housing, as Hitchin has real character and life, and it would be terrible if that were lost.

LDF/7964 8 Kilham Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development to the South West of Hitchin whilst potentially generating 6000 - 7400 potential homes would require the installation of a bypass to the South of Hitchin, something arguably needed today, at considerable cost. There is an opportunity to develop that part of the area just to the north of the A505 which would have less of an impact and potentially defer any need for a bypass in the future.

LDF/7977 1 Ide Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I wish to register strong objection to the local plan showing gross over-development in Hitchin that will see this market town almost double in population, overstretch the already creaking infrastructure, destroy the Town's character and threaten valuable green belt and recreational land around the boundaries.

LDF/7980 2 Baxter Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. It is far too big and would destroy Hitchin as a lovely and highly regarded market town. Hitchin was recently voted in 9th place in the 'Best Places to Live in Britain' in 'The Times' survey. 2. To add another 6,000-7,400 dwellings would almost double the size of the place. The infrastructure would not cope. The road system in particular could not stand it and the other services would be put under significant strain. Water in particular would be a problem.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent 3. To place such a vast proportion (almost 70% if you use the 7,400 figure) of NHDCs proposed growth of 10,700 dwellings in just one place is clearly disproportionate and totally unbalanced. 4. It is in Green Belt and should therefore be opposed. It would effectively destroy the villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St. Ippolyts and the history there. The historic buildings in these villages would be at risk and no longer in the village settings 5. There are numerous rights of way and footpaths which would be destroyed. These are very actively used by walkers, riders and joggers and their eradication would be injurious to the long term health of many people. The ancient 'Hica Way', would be destroyed or so altered as to ruin it's charecter entirely. 6. This proposal would fly in the face of the council's own Green Infrastructure Plan of August 2009. Many of the proposals contained within that Plan including Key Views to Conserve, Green Gateways, and Level 2 Green and Blue Links are compromised by this proposal. 7. This proposal includes the flood plains of the River Hiz and Ippolyts Brook. 8. There is a site of Special Scientific Intersest within Oughtonhead Lane. 9. There are 6 wildlife sites and the area borders the Chiltern Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 10. There are 4 known archaeological sites within the proposed area. 11. This is largely agricultural land and as such should not be developed. There is little enough farmland in this country and if we are to focus more on local produce we should not allow farmland to disappear for deveopment.

Overall these arguments clearly show that this development is in an inappropriate location, and would destroy a wonderful town. It cannot be the desire of NHDC to do that I would hope. The other smaller developments proposed would be more than enougnh to satisfy the new development targets of the council.

LDF/7981 7 Marlow Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: To us, this development is far too big and would destroy the lovely market town of Hitchin. Several villages would be swallowed up and a large area of countryside used. The pressure it would bring on transport, schools, infrastructure and quality of living would be too high and could destroy Hitchin's reputation and appeal.

LDF/7996 1 Levy Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I am 73 years of age, Hitchin born and have lived in the town my whole life. I have just managed to get to see the plans for the housing options for Hitchin and am horrified at the scale of the development proposed for the south west of the Town. If it goes ahead this will destroy large areas of picturesque countryside which provides a habitat for diverse birds, wildlife and flora. Once lost these can never be recovered, thus depriving future generations of the opportunity to enjoy our native countryside. Particularly adjacent to Oughton Head Common the area is traversed by a number of public bridleways and used extensively by walkers, not only from Hitchin but surrounding areas, including many organised walking groups, i.e. Hitchin Health Walks. Where will it be possible for local people to enjoy healthy walks in the open country? Another concern is the impact of such a development on traffic, not only on major routes such as the Luton, Pirton and Bedford Roads but also residential streets to the south west of town, i.e. Grays Lane, West Hill, Redhill Road, Swinburne Avenue and Burford Way. During rush hours the major roads are frequently congested and the impact of the proposed 7,000-odd houses, many of which will undoubtedly be 2-car households, will only exacerbate the situation. I would also question whether the infrastructure is in place to support such a large development. Schools in the area are currently full to capacity - will new schools be built? If playing fields and sports fields are to be lost, where will recreational facilities be provided for the younger people. Hitchin has always been regarded as a market town surrounded by rural countryside. Looking at the plan this development will increase the town by about 50% - are we

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent destined to become another Stevenage? This is not why people chose to live in and move to the town. There are many brownfield sites in and around the town which could be developed, without building to this extent on the Green Belt. Several much smaller developments, spread around the town would surely be preferable to the destruction of such a large area of open countryside. On a general note, I would also question whether Hitchin needs the amount of housing proposed. Employment is not rising in the town, resulting in an influx of people wishing to live here - indeed many current residents are unable to get jobs. I feel, therefore, that there are other areas in North Herts. more suitable for development, i.e. around Stevenage or to the east of Luton, both much larger towns than Hitchin. On the above grounds, I am totally opposed to the scale of the proposed S.W. Hitchin development.

LDF/8008 9 Scales Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development to the South West of Hitchin whilst potentially generating 6000 - 7400 potential homes would require the installation of a bypass to the South of Hitchin, something arguably needed today, at considerable cost. There is an opportunity to develop that part of the area just to the north of the A505 which would have less of an impact and potentially defer any need for a bypass in the future.

LDF/8014 2 Daniel Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Development of Hitchin to the extent suggested would totally destroy the character of the town, as would the level of development proposed for many of the village sites. There appears to be an overemphasis on land being developed along the A1 corridor, thereby overly concentrating levels of traffic and pollution in already congested areas. While this may benefit landowners and housing developers, little regard is being given to the quality of life of existing homeowners who paid a premium on their properties to be able to live in a rural/semi-rural environment.

I wish to state that the questionnaire and the associated information assumes a much higher knowledge of both national and local housing policy than might be expected of the average householder. It is one thing to be asked to comment on potential development in one's immediate surrounding area, however it is highly unlikely that most people will have sufficient in depth knowledge of the existing infrastructure of other sites to be able to comment appropriately. As a result, the process will inevitably deter a significant number of householders from participating, and their views regarding potential development in their own areas will not be voiced.

LDF/8015 2 Walker Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: The area to the south-west of Hitchin is the least suitable for development; the current infrastructure does not support this level of developmet.

LDF/8016 13 Ludbrook Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation:

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent South of Hitchin (6000-7000) : a) it is far too big and would completely overwhelm the market town feeling of Hitchin, (b)it would be visually obtrusive approaching Hitchin from the west, (c) it would destroy the village of Charlton and coalesce with Gosmore and St Ippolytts, (d)the new road would not be built until the developers got money from the houses built ,(e)the planned siting of the road is well to the west and South of the proposed development and this would encourage infill to the boundary of the road, (f)the new bypass is needed but this should be provided as an essential support for the total North Herts infrastructure and the expansion of Luton.

LDF/8021 3 Porter Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I strongly oppose the proposed developmenton the strategic site South West of Hitchinwhich would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way ¿ increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000 The Hitchin site would significantly undermine the rural nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected The proposed Hitchin development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollits and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin

LDF/8024 1 Geary Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. It is far too big and would destroy Hitchin as a lovely and highly regarded market town. Hitchin was recently voted in 9th place in the 'Best Places to Live in Britain' in 'The Times' survey. 2. To add another 6,000-7,400 dwellings would almost double the size of the place. The infrastructure would not cope. The road system in particular could not stand it and the other services would be put under significant strain. Water in particular would be a problem. 3. To place such a vast proportion (almost 70% if you use the 7,400 figure) of NHDCs proposed growth of 10,700 dwellings in just one place is clearly disproportionate and totally unbalanced. 4. It is in Green Belt and should therefore be opposed. It would effectively destroy the villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St. Ippolyts and the history there. The historic buildings in these villages would be at risk and no longer in the village settings 5. There are numerous rights of way and footpaths which would be destroyed. These are very actively used by walkers, riders and joggers and their eradication would be injurious to the long term health of many people. The ancient 'Hica Way', would be destroyed or so altered as to ruin it's charecter entirely. 6. This proposal would fly in the face of the council's own Green Infrastructure Plan of August 2009. Many of the proposals contained within that Plan including Key Views to Conserve, Green Gateways, and Level 2 Green and Blue Links are compromised by this proposal. 7. This proposal includes the flood plains of the River Hiz and Ippolyts Brook. 8. There is a site of Special Scientific Intersest within Oughtonhead Lane. 9. There are 6 wildlife sites and the area borders the Chiltern Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 10. There are 4 known archaeological sites within the proposed area. 11. This is largely agricultural land and as such should not be developed. There is little enough farmland in this country and if we are to focus more on local produce we should not allow farmland to disappear for deveopment. Overall these arguments clearly show that this development is in an inappropriate location, and would destroy a wonderful town. It cannot be the desire of NHDC to do that I would hope. The other smaller developments proposed would be more than enougnh to satisfy the new development targets of the council.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent

LDF/8026 3 Evans Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I strongly oppose the proposed development on the strategic site South West of Hitchin which would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way ¿ increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000 The Hitchin site would significantly undermine the rural nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected The proposed Hitchin development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollits and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin

LDF/8032 1 Burgess Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I would like to take this opportunity to register my objection to the proposed expansion plans for North Hertfordshire with particular reference to Hitchin. I am concerned not only that this beautiful market town and surrounding area will loose its identity but we cannot substain the expansion with our current infrastructure. Already chools are oversubscribed and roads are gridlocked. Also surely there are enough brown area sites and empty buildings that could be utilised before we use up our green belt and become one big urban sprawl. I have been for fortunate to have lived in Hitchin for over 35 years and I would like to think that my grandchildren will be able to enjoy the town and the surrounding countryside for years to come.

LDF/8036 1 Sander & Rogerson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the areas have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command higher house prices and I do not think that this is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the Council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the District, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population, such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7,400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to be built, in one location, namely South West of Hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would change completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely Market Town. As a resident of Charlton, I am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the South West of Hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the South, but that will not prevent traffic problems within Hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become an environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this South West of Hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making Hitchin into a so-called 'dormitory town'. The details of some of the proposed sites, I see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrapyard and there must be other sites around the

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent area which are 'brownfield' so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but I believe it is the Council's job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, I see that there are a number of non-strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely Ref nos. 133, H/m02, H/m03, H/r28, H/r48 and H/r50 (and there may be others that I do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so-called 'town sites' that have not 'failed' there would be land available for 1,531 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case, I should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that it should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the District, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites. The proposal to develop from the North East of Stevenage strategic site seems best suited for the implied dwelling proposals because of the service base in Stevenage to accommodate such growth. Houses there would also be more affordable and therefore more likely to sell, given that the current economic climate is not likely to improve extensively in the foreseeable future. Within Charlton, there are on-going studies of national concern such as; on-going study to monitor birds (and other wildlife) on a site via licensed Bird Ringing and Garden BirdWatch, both of which are carried under the auspices of the British Trust for Ornithology. As an example, the data from the Ringing records, the following Red List birds (showing their percentage decline nationally) are present and/or breeding regularly on the fields immediately surrounding Charlton; Corn Bunting (87%); Grey Partridge (91%); Skylark (63%); SongThrush (50%); Linnet (76%); Lesser Redpoll (89%); Yellowhammer (57%) plus a further 14 species of birds on the Amber List, including nesting Barn Owl, Kestrel and Whitethroat. If building was allowed on the adjacent fields, birds would all but disappear, another nail in the coffin of declining farmland birds. In this area is an observatory owned and operated by a resident who holds the world record, as an individual amateur astronomer, for discovering the greatest number of variable stars. The proposed development would cause a source of light pollution and would make it much more difficult for him to continue with his work. The areas around Charlton and Temple End are used extensively by people from Hitchin town and others for recreational use as an amenity. There are numerous walkers, joggers, dog walkers, bird watchers, horse riders etc. who enjoy using the area and who would be deprived of the beauty of the landscape and surrounding countryside and of its special wildlife, were the South West of Hitchin proposal adopted. * Charlton is a conservation area. * Don't carve up this beautiful landscape Finally, the implementation of this proposal, even with the suggested 'buffer of undeveloped land' around the village of Charlton itself, would be an encroachment on the ancient and historic villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St. Ippolyts. This would undoubtedly be the 'thin end of the wedge' and leave the door open to loss of identity and full subsumption within Hitchin itself at some time in the future.

LDF/8045 4 Press Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8046 4 Machen Document Section: South West of Hitchin

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LDF/8047 6 Neave Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: South west Hitchin will subsume charlton, and the strategic greenbelt hap between hitchin, gosmore and st ippolyts to an unacceptable level.

LDF/8050 4 Hart Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8051 4 Gentle Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/8053 4 Eayrs Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: It seems quite staggering that this site is even being considered as part of the SHMA. The "strengths" listed in the "summary of findings" for the site are all purely based on the fact that this is a large site and they could all apply equally to any large area of green belt land randomly selected by a developer for their next project. The "weaknesses" however are all very real and relate specifically to the area of land in question. The proposed development would increase the number of dwellings in Hitchin by up to 8000, equating to an expansion of approximately 50%. This would clearly have a huge impact on the nature of what is currently a historic market town. The edge of the town is currently well defined by a greenbelt boundary, with beautiful views and well separated local villages. The proposed development would expand Hitchin towards Luton, engulfing the villages of Gosmore, St Ippolyts and Charlton in the process, with devastating effects on the areas character. The proposed development would also encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chilterns Area of outstanding natural beauty with adverse effects on both. Furthermore, the site contains a number of wildlife sites, a site of specific scientific interest ( which should give legal protection for wildlife and geology in England under the Wildlife and Countryside act 1981), sites designated Archeological areas and also has the potential to impact on adjacent conservation areas. The landscape (particularly to the north of the A505) is also assessed as highly sensitive to development. Even if development on greenbelt land is to be deemed permissible by NHDC (which is a worrying development in planning) the very specific issues with development on this site should surely rule it out of consideration. In addition to this Hitchin is already grid locked by traffic at rush hour, particularly along the A505 from Luton into the town and around the Three Moorhens roundabout. A development of this size would put even greater strain on the road infrastructure which a bypass would be unlikely to full relieve. In the interim, the additional construction traffic would essentially bring the west side of the town to a standstill which could further endanger the commercial viability of the town centre.

LDF/8054 4 Wright Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8055 4 Baker Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected.

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LDF/8060 8 Beach Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Hitchin is a desirable location to live, recently identified by the Times newspaper as the ninth best town to live in the UK. There is no denying the need for additional housing to accommodate people who wish to move into the town. However, the proposed South West of Hitchin strategic area is unsustainably large for the town. Core to the appeal of Hitchin is its historic character and the surrounding open countryside both of which this strategic area would destroy.

Hitchin has a population of around 30,000 people. If all the proposed new homes were to be built (including adjoining non-strategic sites), and assuming an occupancy rate of 2 persons per home the population would increase by 16000 people. This is an unacceptable increase. We do not believe that the infrastructure (Traffic, public transport, schools, health services, sewage works, emergency services, childrens centres, leisure facilities etc) would be able to meet this increase, even with the improvements mentioned in the summary document. It should be noted that the Ashbrook sewage works are currently running almost at capacity as identified in the consultation documentation and this facility would be impacted severely by the Hitchin proposal.

Hitchin town centre is already reaching its capacity in terms of the volume of traffic. To create this number of new homes would increase traffic and parking problems to such an extent that visiting the town centre would become incredibly unappealing. The proposed by-pass would alleviate the through traffic by creating an alternative bottle neck further along the Stevenage Road. It would do nothing to relieve the traffic in Hitchin town centre or the traffic travelling towards Letchworth through the town. Additionally new home owners would drive into Hitchin town centre increasing the traffic there, which the proposed by-pass does nothing to ease. The real traffic problem in Hitchin is not the Stevenage-Luton traffic but the volume of traffic in the town centre, at the station and in the one way system. The proposed bypass is ill conceived in that there is an assumption of either land owner agreement to sell land or compulsory purchase of land. A bypass would require extensive research and consultation to ensure it would improve traffic issues rather than creating yet another problem area. We view the bypass as a separate issue that should be reviewed by the council and highways agency and not as a benefit of allowing such an extensive and disproportionate development.

Hitchin schools are already operating at capacity. The strategic area would include plans to build new primary and secondary schools but we do not believe one secondary school would be enough to relieve demand. Many people moving to Hitchin are families, or couples wanting to start a family. Existing transport (bus) links from the site area are not good enough to support this development, or indeed the west of Stevenage site. A new bus route linking both sites to Hitchin (preferably the station to ease commuting) would be essential for sustainability.

The North Herts Housing Strategy 2008-2013 identified the following themes as a high priority:

· sustainable development challenging development within our green belt and ensuring that any development which does take place is sustainable in the long term · Green issues to include development of our climate change strategy, retention and enhancement of green spaces

Additionally the strategy states that the councils vision for housing is supported by six priorities for action including to protect the natural and physical environment. The strategy states that the planning authority is expected to encourage and promote the use of Brownfield land for development.

The site is located in the green belt. This was put in place to restrict the growth of Hitchin and preserve the rural character of villages such as Charlton, Gosmore, and St

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Ippolyts. We believe that a development of this size, on green belt land, is completely inappropriate. It is not sustainable in the long term in that the site will detract from Hitchins desirability as a place to live. It will not enhance the green space around Hitchin in any way and does not protect the natural environment. The site contains wildlife sites, a site of special scientific significance, and archaeological areas, all of which should be respected and preserved. The development would destroy the agricultural and rural setting of this area as well as having an unacceptable ecological and historical impact.

LDF/8061 4 Baker Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8065 4 Corner Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development. I feel very strongly that expanding Hitchin to this extent would have a huge impact on its status as a historic market town. This side of Hitchin current has a well defined border of green belt land, and well separated neighbouring villages. If this development went ahead, Hitchin would virtually be joined up with Luton. I am also concerned about the effect it would have on wildlife in the area especially Oughtonhead Nature Reserve.

LDF/8069 6 Jones Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development south west hitchin will subsume charlton and narrow the strategic green belt hap between hitchin, gosmore, and st ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm area of high landscape value.

LDF/8071 1 Hackett

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: I write to you with reference to the proposed planning applications for house-building in Stevenage and Hitchin. I hope you understand that it would be seriously wrong to consider building any domestic dwellings within at least a miles radius of Lister Hosptial. The obvious reason for this is that the infrastructure of the roads surrounding and leading up to the hospital, would be unable to cope with any more traffic. At the moment, the Hitchin Road and the North Road are used to capacity, with fast-flowing traffic into and out of Stevenage all day, and during 8am and 9am these roads can come to a stand-still. Cory's Mill Lane, where the main entrance to the hospital is situated, can be completely blocked, with many buses terminating there and turning round. Ambulances often struggle to get through the congestion on these roads, especially the main Hitchin Road, where the exit from Sainsburys joins this road. This is an extremely busy junction, and accident have happened here. Furthermore, Lister Hospital is at the moment under-going huge, major expansions and re-development, and there is no way that the road structure surrounding the hospital can deal with even more traffic. Chancellors Road and Rectory Lane are both, dangerous roads with many sharp bends, and could never safely take more traffic. Therefore, i would suggest that no houses which would need to use any of these approach roads should be planned. Stevenage was purposely built as a small New Town, with a capacity population of 60,000. At the moment, the population has reached about 90,000, so as you can see, not only for the transport reasons i have mentioned, but also for the health and safety of the local inhabitants, it would not be safe or practical to build more houses in areas that use these roads. There is no way that the road infrastructure surrounding the hospital can deal with more traffic without compromising the safety of the public. I hope you will understand the seriousness of the issue when you have to make your expert decisions.

LDF/8074 5 Briant Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: I see South West of Hitchin as a huge impact on this historical town.

LDF/8075 8 Brennan Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Generally, developing the strategic sites is preferable to the smaller non-strategic sites. The larger developments are more efficient and their impact on existing facilities and road networks are more likely to be properly assessed and planned for. West of Hitchin & East of Luton are the most unappropriate sites for future development in my view.

LDF/8077 3 Ingleby Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: The South West of Hitchin plan is not for the people of Hitchin. It suits landowners and developers to dump a massive housing estate in one contained area that is not in keeping with its unfortunate host town. Effectively doubling our lovely market town by plonking a sea of modern buildings on its side threatens the very nature of Hitchin and we as a nation, should be preserving the character of our historic market towns, not diluting them. The size of this development beggas belief- it is utterly disproportionate to Hitchins size and makes Hitchin a scapegoat for the extensive housing demands on N.Herts. This proposed development is poorly conceived- it detrimentally affects market town status, puts pressure of water, sewage and other services, destroys precious green belt (agricultural, recreation, environmental, historical), swallows up long established Printed: 28/06/2013 09:12:56 Representations for Housing Options Growth Levels and Locations 2011-2031

Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent rural settlement and all they represents. The bypass is just a concept and wouldn't solve Hitchins transport issues and already busy roads. It would be better to consider building a new town or settlement say between Royston and Baldock.

LDF/8079 6 Jones Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development south west hitchin will subsume charlton and narrow the strategic green belt hap between hitchin, gosmore, and st ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm area of high landscape value

LDF/8080 6 Jones Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development south west hitchin will subsume charlton and narrow the strategic green belt hap between hitchin, gosmore, and st ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm area of high landscape value.

LDF/8082 5 Walter Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Preserve the identity of existing communities SW of Hitchin would destroy Charlton. Make best use of land close to existing town centre. SW of Hitchin would be at a distance from the town centre.

LDF/8083 4 Harrop Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8087 2 England Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation:

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent South West of Hitchin - considerable potential to develop an area that both eases traffic around Hitchin and provides transport links equally to the A1 corridor and the M1 corridor. Along with the East of Luton development, this is the only area that has this dual road link. Many of the houses on the existing boundaries are already separated from the proposed development area by major roads so the impact on their properties is likely to be less. Also, this is a development large enough to be able to create a new community with new infrastructure built using 21st century technology. Also given the size of this development there would be better flexibility of where development would actually occur, providing better protection for areas of particular sensitivity and special interest. This would also permit a more balanced development in relation to NHDC needs.

LDF/8088 4 Waterfield Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: South West of Hitchin - High threat to historic town community and character of town that currently attracts people to live and work in it.

LDF/8092 5 Graveley Environment Group Graveley Environment Group Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: South West of Hitchin offers economies of scale for infrastructure. The developers have offered to help finance the bypass on the southern edge of Hitchin. This would reduce congestion within Hitchin itself as well as improving east-west links. Hitchin town centre shopping would benefit from development.

LDF/8095 1 Buckland Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. It is far too big and would destroy Hitchin as a lovely and highly regarded market town. Hitchin was recently voted in 9th place in the 'Best Places to Live in Britain' in 'The Times' survey. 2. To add another 6,000-7,400 dwellings would almost double the size of the place. The infrastructure would not cope. The road system in particular could not stand it and the other services would be put under significant strain. Water in particular would be a problem. 3. To place such a vast proportion (almost 70% if you use the 7,400 figure) of NHDCs proposed growth of 10,700 dwellings in just one place is clearly disproportionate and totally unbalanced. 4. It is in Green Belt and should therefore be opposed. It would effectively destroy the villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St. Ippolyts and the history there. The historic buildings in these villages would be at risk and no longer in the village settings 5. There are numerous rights of way and footpaths which would be destroyed. These are very actively used by walkers, riders and joggers and their eradication would be injurious to the long term health of many people. The ancient 'Hica Way', would be destroyed or so altered as to ruin it's charecter entirely. 6. This proposal would fly in the face of the council's own Green Infrastructure Plan of August 2009. Many of the proposals contained within that Plan including Key Views to Conserve, Green Gateways, and Level 2 Green and Blue Links are compromised by this proposal. 7. This proposal includes the flood plains of the River Hiz and Ippolyts Brook. 8. There is a site of Special Scientific Intersest within Oughtonhead Lane. 9. There are 6 wildlife sites and the area borders the Chiltern Area of Outstandin Natural Beauty.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent 10. There are 4 known archaeological sites within the proposed area. 11. This is largely agricultural land and as such should not be developed. There is little enough farmland in this country and if we are to focus more on local produce we should not allow farmland to disappear for deveopment. Overall these arguments clearly show that this development is in an inappropriate location, and would destroy a wonderful town. It cannot be the desire of NHDC to do that I would hope. The other smaller developments proposed would be more than enougnh to satisfy the new development targets of the council.

LDF/8099 7 Williams Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: The Hitchin sites minimum number is so high that allowing for the Already Achieved figure along with the Priority 1 and 2 non-strategic sites leaves a target of 6133 dwellings and means that distributing growth throughout the district becomes difficult, its either all in Hitchin or all away from Hitchin. Could a smaller site be considered up to 2031 with the potential for further growth beyond? Consideration to parking needs to be given taking the current Ford Focus or VW Golf as the basis for average car size rather than older figures. Developers should factor these figures into their garage designs and driveway spacings.

LDF/8103 1 Anrep Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I tried to find out about a plan to build on beautiful countryside between Charlton and Oughtenhead. However the URL could not be found and I know the deadline for objections are 28.3.13. I only heard about this plan from someone today who lives in the village. We live in Hitchin and our regular and favourite walks are in and around this area. Most particularly we enjoy the countryside in and near the line of the power line between Charlton and Offleyholes Farm where I understand a link road connecting the A505 and the A1 is planned. We would like our objections to this proposal noted. It is beautiful rolling Hertfordshire. I'm sure we're not alone in finding solace from busy lives by walking in this area. We even often joke that it is Hitchin's little bit of the Lake District!

LDF/8104 6 Neave Bidwells Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development south west hitchin will subsume charlton and narrow the strategic green belt hap between hitchin, gosmore, and st ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm area of high landscape value. The scale of development proposed is disproportionate to the size of Hitchin.

LDF/8107 4 Risby Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any

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LDF/8108 4 Barry Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development

LDF/8109 4 Chater Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8110 4 Chater Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/8111 4 Ward Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8112 4 Fulton Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8112 8 Fulton Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Without infrastructure improvements, roads, schools and doctors Hitchin cannot support these homes. Schools in the area are full, parking around town is always difficult and the traffic is already a problem. Cambridge Road is always blocked with huge queues all day both way to and from Letchworth, Bedford Road is always blocked and travel is difficult around the area of Waitrose. All these additional homes is going to cause even bigger problems unless this core infrastructure is upgraded to cope with this.

LDF/8113 4 Ward Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views.

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LDF/8114 1 Newcombe Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following: The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the area have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command high house prices and i do not think that is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the Council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the District, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population, such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7,400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to b built in one location, namely South West of Hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would change completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely Market Town. As a resident of Charlton, i am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the South West of Hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the South, but that will not prevent traffic problems within Hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become and environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this South West of Hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making Hitchin into a so called "dormitory town". This details of some of the proposed sites, i see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrap yard and there must be other sites around the area which are "brownfield" so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but i believe it is the Council's job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, i see that there are a number of non-strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely Ref nos. 133, H/m02, H/m03, H/r28. H/r48 and H/r50 ( and there may be others that i do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so-called "town sites" that have not "failed" there would be land available for 1,531 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case i should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that i should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the District, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent its special wildlife, were the South West of Hitchin proposal adopted. Finally, the implementation of this proposal, even with the suggested "buffer of undeveloped land" around the village of Charlton itself, would be an encroachment on the ancient and historic villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St Ippolyts. This would undoubtedly be the "thin end of the wedge" and leave he door open to loss of identity and full subsumption within Hitchin itself at some time in the future. Therefore, on all the above grounds, i wish to register my objection to the South West of Hitchin housing proposal.

LDF/8115 1 Newcombe Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following: The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the area have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command high house prices and i do not think that is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the Council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the District, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population, such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7,400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to b built in one location, namely South West of Hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would change completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely Market Town. As a resident of Charlton, i am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the South West of Hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the South, but that will not prevent traffic problems within Hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become and environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this South West of Hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making Hitchin into a so called "dormitory town". This details of some of the proposed sites, i see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrap yard and there must be other sites around the area which are "brownfield" so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but i believe it is the Council's job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, i see that there are a number of non-strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely Ref nos. 133, H/m02, H/m03, H/r28. H/r48 and H/r50 ( and there may be others that i do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so-called "town sites" that have not "failed" there would be land available for 1,531 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case i should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that i should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the District, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent joggers, dog walkers, bird watchers, horse riders etc. who enjoy using the area and who would be deprived of the beauty of the landscape and surrounding countryside and of its special wildlife, were the South West of Hitchin proposal adopted. Finally, the implementation of this proposal, even with the suggested "buffer of undeveloped land" around the village of Charlton itself, would be an encroachment on the ancient and historic villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St Ippolyts. This would undoubtedly be the "thin end of the wedge" and leave he door open to loss of identity and full subsumption within Hitchin itself at some time in the future. Therefore, on all the above grounds, i wish to register my objection to the South West of Hitchin housing proposal.

LDF/8116 1 Chaudhry Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following: The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the area have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command high house prices and i do not think that is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the Council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the District, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population, such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7,400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to b built in one location, namely South West of Hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would change completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely Market Town. As a resident of Charlton, i am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the South West of Hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the South, but that will not prevent traffic problems within Hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become and environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this South West of Hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making Hitchin into a so called "dormitory town". This details of some of the proposed sites, i see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrap yard and there must be other sites around the area which are "brownfield" so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but i believe it is the Council's job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, i see that there are a number of non-strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely Ref nos. 133, H/m02, H/m03, H/r28. H/r48 and H/r50 ( and there may be others that i do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so-called "town sites" that have not "failed" there would be land available for 1,531 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case i should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that i should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the District, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent The areas around Charlton and Temple End are used extensively by people from Hitchin town and others for recreational use as an amenity. There are number walkers, joggers, dog walkers, bird watchers, horse riders etc. who enjoy using the area and who would be deprived of the beauty of the landscape and surrounding countryside and of its special wildlife, were the South West of Hitchin proposal adopted. Finally, the implementation of this proposal, even with the suggested "buffer of undeveloped land" around the village of Charlton itself, would be an encroachment on the ancient and historic villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St Ippolyts. This would undoubtedly be the "thin end of the wedge" and leave he door open to loss of identity and full subsumption within Hitchin itself at some time in the future. Therefore, on all the above grounds, i wish to register my objection to the South West of Hitchin housing proposal.

LDF/8118 4 Johannessen Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8122 4 Armitage Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: South West of Hitchin would seem the best option if of sufficient size to require the developers to build a bypass connecting to the new site.

LDF/8123 5 Armitage Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: This seems a good option provided the bypass is included and that the bypass itself forms an access route to the site. Most of the new residents will not work in Hitchin. It's essential that access to the main roads is available without using Hitchin's internal road system. A bypass will be even more necessary when Luton airport inevitably expands. The section between the A505 and the B655 Barton road need not be included, and the section north of the B655 could be considered separately. There would be good access to Hitchin town centre (given the bypass removing through traffic), helping to sustain the town's commerce.

LDF/8124 4 Stephens Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up

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LDF/8125 4 Parsons Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8128 1 Massie Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I live in Gosmore having recently moved to the area with my family. My husband grew up locally and we have family members who live within the immediate Hitchin area. I know the area to the south west of Hitchin (highlighted in the consultation) very well and use it regularly to take my children out for walks and to enjoy the open countryside. If you have ever visited the area over a weekend you will know about the vast numbers of people who live in the area and further afield who use the south west of Hitchin area for recreation purposes. How sad it would be to lose this land in its entirety. As a starting point, the Council clearly notes that the proposal is being brought forward by the developer and not the Council. 'New Road Developments Limited' claims to control of some of the site with option agreements in place with other landowners. The developer has then put forward their summary argument which connects the delivery of the housing with a new bypass road that will connect the A505 Offley Road with the A602 Wymondley by-pass. The Council will be aware that the developer's acquisition of land or option agreements over land is not a material planning consideration. The developer will understand that the value of the land is characterised by the policy position today i.e. green belt agricultural land, promoting the use of the land should be entirely at the developers risk and as addressed below a far more detailed evidence base exercise should be undertaken before a view can be taken about the appropriateness of the land for development. The new development sites would provide around 6,000 new homes and associated supporting development which when you look at it on plan would be a circa 40-50% increase in the size of the town. The developer goes on to note that the idea of a new by-pass is not new to address existing traffic problems. My first comment is in relation to the by-pass road that has been proposed. Unfortunately I find the Council's consultation process inadequate on this point. The supporting papers do not address the bypass road unless you dig into the transport papers in detail and even then the proposed route of the road is not included within the documentation. It is not appropriate to undertake a consultation event and not include the route of the by-pass road and thereby avoid the questions about the cumulative impact of the housing and road combined. Moreover I was extremely concerned to understand from an officer at the Council that this is an 'all or nothing' consultation i.e. the developer would need to build the housing to pay for the road. I come on to the question of viability later in this letter. However, from the outset I would like to register my

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent objection to the misleading nature of the consultation and the fundamental lack of a joined up approach. I have not reviewed the Council's agreed approach to community consultation but doubt that the consultation is adequate. I understand the Government's priority for housing delivery. However, what is not clear from the consultation document is whether the land identified in Hitchin is necessary for the town's current and future needs or whether this is simply an opportunity to address housing need in the whole district within a single housing area. This issue should be clarified. The consultation should also consider the consequences for sustainable development of channelling development towards urban areas inside the Green Belt boundary, towards towns and villages inset within the Green Belt or towards locations beyond the outer Green Belt boundary. Even as a headline figure it would be useful to understand the infill capacity of Hitchin within the existing town boundary e.g. redundant employment or industrial land, opportunities for increased density. The land that has been identified falls within the green belt which means that 'very special circumstances' need to be made for development to be acceptable. Mass housing by definition of government policy is unacceptable. Quite clearly the housing in the current policy climate is wholly unacceptable and I object on the basis of green belt policy set out in the National Planning Policy Framework. I therefore assume that the idea of the consultation is to identify areas where the Council are considering amending the green belt boundary as part of the local plan review. The test for the Council is whether there are 'exceptional' circumstances to alter the green belt boundary identified in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). To recap the essential characteristics of a green belt are their 'permanence' and their 'openness'. It is also recorded as having five purposes in the NPPF: * to check the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas; * to prevent neighbouring towns merging into one another; * to assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment; * to preserve the setting and special character of historic towns; and * to assist in urban regeneration, by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land. Against this set of objectives I would expect a number of environmental considerations to have been assessed to help the public form their view including assessments such as visual impact, traffic and transport, microclimate, air quality, noise and vibration, water resources, flood risk, geology, archaeology, cultural heritage, health and well being, ecology, socio economic impacts etc. Although some effort has been made to look at the transport and landscape issues, the study as a whole is inadequate. Furthermore, the exercise undertaken in the strategic environmental assessment does not differentiate between the different character areas that form the whole area identified to the south west of Hitchin. For anyone who knows and uses the area there are many individual character areas within the land identified. Simply put, no evidence has been provided that suggests exceptional circumstances have been identified for any, part or all of the land identified as part of the consultation process. A number of sensitive receptors have been identified including the agriculturaI grade 3 land, AONB, SSSI, etc this in itself is not an assessment of areas that could be appropriate for development bearing in mind the exceptional circumstances test. Therefore I object on the grounds of insufficient evidence to support the exceptional circumstances test as set out in the NPPF. This is a large failure of the consultation. Knowing the area very well it is inconceivable that having undertaken all of the relevant environmental and socio-economic tests that the whole area would be appropriate for development. When questioned on this point Council officers stated that the only exceptional circumstance was the need for housing. Once again I acknowledge the Government's priority for housing, however, this is only one factor in the balance of the overall case which has not been made. In terms of the delivery of the by-pass road I have touched upon the all or nothing approach that Council officers confirmed in relation to the need to deliver the housing to off set the cost of the bypass. Notwithstanding the inadequate consultation in this regard a number of points around the proposed by-pass delivery should be clarified. As you are aware the Government has set out 3 tests for the delivery of planning obligations set out in the Community infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010. It states that a planning obligation may only constitute a reason for granting planning permission for the development if the obligation is: a) necessary to make the development acceptable in planning terms; b) directly related to the development; and c) fairly and reasonably related in scale and kind to the development. Is it the developer's case that the whole of the by-pass is necessary for the delivery of the housing or is it the case as set out in the transport documentation that there are acknowledged transport issues on the routes into Hitchin? I would question the appropriateness of the developer funding the road if this is disproportionate to the level of traffic that would be generated by the development area. In this instance I would like to understand the actual requirements for the by-pass derived from the development and the transport alternatives that have been assessed e.g. it is known that a route to the north of Hitchin has also been tabled that would also remove heavy goods traffic travelling through the town centre to access the town's industrial area. This benefit in terms of industrial traffic would not be delivered by a route to the south-west of Hitchin. This issue is linked with a lack of clarity within the consultation information about whether any part, or all of the land identified is appropriate for development. It may be the case that the level

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent of development that is actually appropriate does not warrant such large amounts of transport infrastructure. Furthermore, if the developer is proposing to provide funding for the by-pass in relation to the demand created by the housing what other elements of the proposal are being off set to pay for the road e.g. education, health, open space, play space, community facilities etc. It is important that the Council has a clear understanding of the form of scheme that is viable and deliverable. Viability is a key issue identified in the NPPF. I would question the ability of the proposed development to meet the exceptional circumstances test if e.g. it lacked supporting infrastructure such as the uses listed above. In the absence of information clarifying this issue I therefore object to the principle of linking the delivery of the by-pass with the housing areas to the south-west of Hitchin. There are also a number of areas that are sadly lacking from the developer's comments. It appears that the delivery of the road is the be all and end all. Is there no vision for how this quantity of housing would integrate with the rest of the town or headline design objectives for the quality of the architecture and 'place-making' of the area. These are important issues that should be addressed from the outset of considering the release of Green Belt because they are fundamental to the Council's understanding of whether exceptional circumstances exist for any part or all of the land identified. They are also enshrined in national planning policy guidance. Whilst this is not addressed in the consultation exercise there is not a sufficient level of evidence to understand the proposal and therefore I object on these grounds as well. Whilst I have no issue with the fundamental issues identified in this letter being passed on to other stakeholders and would be happy to clarify any of the points set out above with Council officers, I do not want my contact information being passed on to any third parties.

LDF/8129 4 Ashby Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8130 4 Wright Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8131 4 Ashby Document Section: South West of Hitchin

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LDF/8132 1 Collyer Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following: The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the area have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command high house prices and i do not think that is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the Council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the District, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population, such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7,400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to b built in one location, namely South West of Hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would change completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely Market Town. As a resident of Charlton, i am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the South West of Hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the South, but that will not prevent traffic problems within Hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become and environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this South West of Hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making Hitchin into a so called "dormitory town". This details of some of the proposed sites, i see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrap yard and there must be other sites around the area which are "brownfield" so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but i believe it is the Council's job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, i see that there are a number of non-strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely Ref nos. 133, H/m02, H/m03, H/r28. H/r48 and H/r50 ( and there may be others that i do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so-called "town sites" that have not "failed" there would be land available for 1,531 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case i should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that i should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the District, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites.

Printed: 28/06/2013 09:12:56 Representations for Housing Options Growth Levels and Locations 2011-2031

Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent disappear, another nail in the coffin of declining farmland birds. In this area is an obervatory owned and operated by a resident who holds the world record, as an individual amateur astronomer, for discovering the greatest number of variable stars. The proposed development would cause a source of light pollution and would make it much more difficult for him to continue with this work. The areas around Charlton and Temple End are used extensively by people from Hitchin town and others for recreational use as an amenity. There are number walkers, joggers, dog walkers, bird watchers, horse riders etc. who enjoy using the area and who would be deprived of the beauty of the landscape and surrounding countryside and of its special wildlife, were the South West of Hitchin proposal adopted. Finally, the implementation of this proposal, even with the suggested "buffer of undeveloped land" around the village of Charlton itself, would be an encroachment on the ancient and historic villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St Ippolyts. This would undoubtedly be the "thin end of the wedge" and leave he door open to loss of identity and full subsumption within Hitchin itself at some time in the future. Therefore, on all the above grounds, i wish to register my objection to the South West of Hitchin housing proposal.

LDF/8133 1 Collyer Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following: The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the area have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command high house prices and i do not think that is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the Council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the District, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population, such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7,400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to b built in one location, namely South West of Hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would change completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely Market Town. As a resident of Charlton, i am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the South West of Hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the South, but that will not prevent traffic problems within Hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become and environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this South West of Hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making Hitchin into a so called "dormitory town". This details of some of the proposed sites, i see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrap yard and there must be other sites around the area which are "brownfield" so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but i believe it is the Council's job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, i see that there are a number of non-strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely Ref nos. 133, H/m02, H/m03, H/r28. H/r48 and H/r50 ( and there may be others that i do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so-called "town sites" that have not "failed" there would be land available for 1,531 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case i should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that i should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the District, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites.

Printed: 28/06/2013 09:12:56 Representations for Housing Options Growth Levels and Locations 2011-2031

Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent (57%) plus a further 14 species of birds on the Amber List, including nesting Barn Owl, Kestrel and Whitethroat. If building was allowed on the adjacent fields, birds would all but disappear, another nail in the coffin of declining farmland birds. In this area is an obervatory owned and operated by a resident who holds the world record, as an individual amateur astronomer, for discovering the greatest number of variable stars. The proposed development would cause a source of light pollution and would make it much more difficult for him to continue with this work. The areas around Charlton and Temple End are used extensively by people from Hitchin town and others for recreational use as an amenity. There are number walkers, joggers, dog walkers, bird watchers, horse riders etc. who enjoy using the area and who would be deprived of the beauty of the landscape and surrounding countryside and of its special wildlife, were the South West of Hitchin proposal adopted. Finally, the implementation of this proposal, even with the suggested "buffer of undeveloped land" around the village of Charlton itself, would be an encroachment on the ancient and historic villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St Ippolyts. This would undoubtedly be the "thin end of the wedge" and leave he door open to loss of identity and full subsumption within Hitchin itself at some time in the future. Therefore, on all the above grounds, i wish to register my objection to the South West of Hitchin housing proposal.

LDF/8134 1 Hills Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following: The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the area have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command high house prices and i do not think that is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the Council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the District, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population, such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7,400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to b built in one location, namely South West of Hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would change completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely Market Town. As a resident of Charlton, i am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the South West of Hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the South, but that will not prevent traffic problems within Hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become and environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this South West of Hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making Hitchin into a so called "dormitory town". This details of some of the proposed sites, i see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrap yard and there must be other sites around the area which are "brownfield" so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but i believe it is the Council's job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, i see that there are a number of non-strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely Ref nos. 133, H/m02, H/m03, H/r28. H/r48 and H/r50 ( and there may be others that i do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so-called "town sites" that have not "failed" there would be land available for 1,531 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case i should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that i should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the District, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites.

Printed: 28/06/2013 09:12:56 Representations for Housing Options Growth Levels and Locations 2011-2031

Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent on the fields immediately surround Charlton; Corn Bunting (87%) Grey Partridge (91%) Skylark (63%) Song Thrush (50%) Linnet (76%) Lesser Redpoll (89%) Yellowhammer (57%) plus a further 14 species of birds on the Amber List, including nesting Barn Owl, Kestrel and Whitethroat. If building was allowed on the adjacent fields, birds would all but disappear, another nail in the coffin of declining farmland birds. In this area is an obervatory owned and operated by a resident who holds the world record, as an individual amateur astronomer, for discovering the greatest number of variable stars. The proposed development would cause a source of light pollution and would make it much more difficult for him to continue with this work. The areas around Charlton and Temple End are used extensively by people from Hitchin town and others for recreational use as an amenity. There are number walkers, joggers, dog walkers, bird watchers, horse riders etc. who enjoy using the area and who would be deprived of the beauty of the landscape and surrounding countryside and of its special wildlife, were the South West of Hitchin proposal adopted. Finally, the implementation of this proposal, even with the suggested "buffer of undeveloped land" around the village of Charlton itself, would be an encroachment on the ancient and historic villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St Ippolyts. This would undoubtedly be the "thin end of the wedge" and leave he door open to loss of identity and full subsumption within Hitchin itself at some time in the future. Therefore, on all the above grounds, i wish to register my objection to the South West of Hitchin housing proposal.

LDF/8135 1 Waldock Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following: The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the area have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command high house prices and i do not think that is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the Council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the District, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population, such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7,400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to b built in one location, namely South West of Hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would change completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely Market Town. As a resident of Charlton, i am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the South West of Hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the South, but that will not prevent traffic problems within Hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become and environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this South West of Hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making Hitchin into a so called "dormitory town". This details of some of the proposed sites, i see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrap yard and there must be other sites around the area which are "brownfield" so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but i believe it is the Council's job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, i see that there are a number of non-strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely Ref nos. 133, H/m02, H/m03, H/r28. H/r48 and H/r50 ( and there may be others that i do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so-called "town sites" that have not "failed" there would be land available for 1,531 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case i should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that i should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the District, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites.

Printed: 28/06/2013 09:12:56 Representations for Housing Options Growth Levels and Locations 2011-2031

Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Ornithology. As an example, the date from the Ringing records, the following Red List birds (showing their percentage decline nationally) are present and/or breeding regularly on the fields immediately surround Charlton; Corn Bunting (87%) Grey Partridge (91%) Skylark (63%) Song Thrush (50%) Linnet (76%) Lesser Redpoll (89%) Yellowhammer (57%) plus a further 14 species of birds on the Amber List, including nesting Barn Owl, Kestrel and Whitethroat. If building was allowed on the adjacent fields, birds would all but disappear, another nail in the coffin of declining farmland birds. In this area is an obervatory owned and operated by a resident who holds the world record, as an individual amateur astronomer, for discovering the greatest number of variable stars. The proposed development would cause a source of light pollution and would make it much more difficult for him to continue with this work. The areas around Charlton and Temple End are used extensively by people from Hitchin town and others for recreational use as an amenity. There are number walkers, joggers, dog walkers, bird watchers, horse riders etc. who enjoy using the area and who would be deprived of the beauty of the landscape and surrounding countryside and of its special wildlife, were the South West of Hitchin proposal adopted. Finally, the implementation of this proposal, even with the suggested "buffer of undeveloped land" around the village of Charlton itself, would be an encroachment on the ancient and historic villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St Ippolyts. This would undoubtedly be the "thin end of the wedge" and leave he door open to loss of identity and full subsumption within Hitchin itself at some time in the future. Therefore, on all the above grounds, i wish to register my objection to the South West of Hitchin housing proposal.

LDF/8136 1 Hills Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following: The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the area have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command high house prices and i do not think that is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the Council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the District, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population, such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7,400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to b built in one location, namely South West of Hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would change completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely Market Town. As a resident of Charlton, i am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the South West of Hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the South, but that will not prevent traffic problems within Hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become and environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this South West of Hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making Hitchin into a so called "dormitory town". This details of some of the proposed sites, i see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrap yard and there must be other sites around the area which are "brownfield" so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but i believe it is the Council's job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, i see that there are a number of non-strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely Ref nos. 133, H/m02, H/m03, H/r28. H/r48 and H/r50 ( and there may be others that i do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so-called "town sites" that have not "failed" there would be land available for 1,531 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case i should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that i should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the District, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites.

Within Charlton, there are on-going studies of national concern such as;

Printed: 28/06/2013 09:12:56 Representations for Housing Options Growth Levels and Locations 2011-2031

Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent on-going study to monitor birds (and other wildlife) on a site via licensed Bird Ringing and Garden Birdwatch, both of which are carried under the auspices of the British Trust for Ornithology. As an example, the date from the Ringing records, the following Red List birds (showing their percentage decline nationally) are present and/or breeding regularly on the fields immediately surround Charlton; Corn Bunting (87%) Grey Partridge (91%) Skylark (63%) Song Thrush (50%) Linnet (76%) Lesser Redpoll (89%) Yellowhammer (57%) plus a further 14 species of birds on the Amber List, including nesting Barn Owl, Kestrel and Whitethroat. If building was allowed on the adjacent fields, birds would all but disappear, another nail in the coffin of declining farmland birds. In this area is an obervatory owned and operated by a resident who holds the world record, as an individual amateur astronomer, for discovering the greatest number of variable stars. The proposed development would cause a source of light pollution and would make it much more difficult for him to continue with this work. The areas around Charlton and Temple End are used extensively by people from Hitchin town and others for recreational use as an amenity. There are number walkers, joggers, dog walkers, bird watchers, horse riders etc. who enjoy using the area and who would be deprived of the beauty of the landscape and surrounding countryside and of its special wildlife, were the South West of Hitchin proposal adopted. Finally, the implementation of this proposal, even with the suggested "buffer of undeveloped land" around the village of Charlton itself, would be an encroachment on the ancient and historic villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St Ippolyts. This would undoubtedly be the "thin end of the wedge" and leave he door open to loss of identity and full subsumption within Hitchin itself at some time in the future. Therefore, on all the above grounds, i wish to register my objection to the South West of Hitchin housing proposal.

LDF/8137 1 Waldock Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following: The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the area have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command high house prices and i do not think that is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the Council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the District, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population, such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7,400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to b built in one location, namely South West of Hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would change completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely Market Town. As a resident of Charlton, i am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the South West of Hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the South, but that will not prevent traffic problems within Hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become and environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this South West of Hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making Hitchin into a so called "dormitory town". This details of some of the proposed sites, i see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrap yard and there must be other sites around the area which are "brownfield" so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but i believe it is the Council's job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, i see that there are a number of non-strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely Ref nos. 133, H/m02, H/m03, H/r28. H/r48 and H/r50 ( and there may be others that i do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so-called "town sites" that have not "failed" there would be land available for 1,531 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case i should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that i should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the District, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites.

Printed: 28/06/2013 09:12:56 Representations for Housing Options Growth Levels and Locations 2011-2031

Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Within Charlton, there are on-going studies of national concern such as; on-going study to monitor birds (and other wildlife) on a site via licensed Bird Ringing and Garden Birdwatch, both of which are carried under the auspices of the British Trust for Ornithology. As an example, the date from the Ringing records, the following Red List birds (showing their percentage decline nationally) are present and/or breeding regularly on the fields immediately surround Charlton; Corn Bunting (87%) Grey Partridge (91%) Skylark (63%) Song Thrush (50%) Linnet (76%) Lesser Redpoll (89%) Yellowhammer (57%) plus a further 14 species of birds on the Amber List, including nesting Barn Owl, Kestrel and Whitethroat. If building was allowed on the adjacent fields, birds would all but disappear, another nail in the coffin of declining farmland birds. In this area is an obervatory owned and operated by a resident who holds the world record, as an individual amateur astronomer, for discovering the greatest number of variable stars. The proposed development would cause a source of light pollution and would make it much more difficult for him to continue with this work. The areas around Charlton and Temple End are used extensively by people from Hitchin town and others for recreational use as an amenity. There are number walkers, joggers, dog walkers, bird watchers, horse riders etc. who enjoy using the area and who would be deprived of the beauty of the landscape and surrounding countryside and of its special wildlife, were the South West of Hitchin proposal adopted. Finally, the implementation of this proposal, even with the suggested "buffer of undeveloped land" around the village of Charlton itself, would be an encroachment on the ancient and historic villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St Ippolyts. This would undoubtedly be the "thin end of the wedge" and leave he door open to loss of identity and full subsumption within Hitchin itself at some time in the future. Therefore, on all the above grounds, i wish to register my objection to the South West of Hitchin housing proposal.

LDF/8138 1 Winter Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: We object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following: The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the area have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command high house prices and i do not think that is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the Council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the District, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population, such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7,400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to b built in one location, namely South West of Hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would change completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely Market Town. As a resident of Charlton, i am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the South West of Hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the South, but that will not prevent traffic problems within Hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become and environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this South West of Hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making Hitchin into a so called "dormitory town". This details of some of the proposed sites, i see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrap yard and there must be other sites around the area which are "brownfield" so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but i believe it is the Council's job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, i see that there are a number of non-strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely Ref nos. 133, H/m02, H/m03, H/r28. H/r48 and H/r50 ( and there may be others that i do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so-called "town sites" that have not "failed" there would be land available for 1,531 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case i should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that i should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the District, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites.

Printed: 28/06/2013 09:12:56 Representations for Housing Options Growth Levels and Locations 2011-2031

Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent

LDF/8138 6 Winter Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8139 1 Winter Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following: The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the area have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command high house prices and i do not think that is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the Council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the District, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population, such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7,400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to b built in one location, namely South West of Hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would change completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely Market Town.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent As a resident of Charlton, i am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the South West of Hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the South, but that will not prevent traffic problems within Hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become and environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this South West of Hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making Hitchin into a so called "dormitory town". This details of some of the proposed sites, i see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrap yard and there must be other sites around the area which are "brownfield" so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but i believe it is the Council's job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, i see that there are a number of non-strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely Ref nos. 133, H/m02, H/m03, H/r28. H/r48 and H/r50 ( and there may be others that i do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so-called "town sites" that have not "failed" there would be land available for 1,531 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case i should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that i should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the District, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites.

LDF/8139 6 Winter Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent

LDF/8140 1 Saunders Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following: The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the area have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command high house prices and i do not think that is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the Council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the District, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population, such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7,400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to b built in one location, namely South West of Hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would change completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely Market Town. As a resident of Charlton, i am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the South West of Hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the South, but that will not prevent traffic problems within Hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become and environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this South West of Hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making Hitchin into a so called "dormitory town". This details of some of the proposed sites, i see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrap yard and there must be other sites around the area which are "brownfield" so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but i believe it is the Council's job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, i see that there are a number of non-strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely Ref nos. 133, H/m02, H/m03, H/r28. H/r48 and H/r50 ( and there may be others that i do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so-called "town sites" that have not "failed" there would be land available for 1,531 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case i should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that i should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the District, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Therefore, on all the above grounds, i wish to register my objection to the South West of Hitchin housing proposal.

LDF/8141 1 Saunders Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following: The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the area have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command high house prices and i do not think that is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the Council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the District, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population, such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7,400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to b built in one location, namely South West of Hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would change completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely Market Town. As a resident of Charlton, i am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the South West of Hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the South, but that will not prevent traffic problems within Hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become and environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this South West of Hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making Hitchin into a so called "dormitory town". This details of some of the proposed sites, i see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrap yard and there must be other sites around the area which are "brownfield" so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but i believe it is the Council's job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, i see that there are a number of non-strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely Ref nos. 133, H/m02, H/m03, H/r28. H/r48 and H/r50 ( and there may be others that i do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so-called "town sites" that have not "failed" there would be land available for 1,531 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case i should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that i should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the District, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent subsumption within Hitchin itself at some time in the future. Therefore, on all the above grounds, i wish to register my objection to the South West of Hitchin housing proposal.

LDF/8142 1 Chaudhry Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following: The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the area have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command high house prices and i do not think that is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the Council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the District, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population, such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7,400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to b built in one location, namely South West of Hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would change completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely Market Town. As a resident of Charlton, i am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the South West of Hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the South, but that will not prevent traffic problems within Hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become and environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this South West of Hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making Hitchin into a so called "dormitory town". This details of some of the proposed sites, i see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrap yard and there must be other sites around the area which are "brownfield" so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but i believe it is the Council's job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, i see that there are a number of non-strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely Ref nos. 133, H/m02, H/m03, H/r28. H/r48 and H/r50 ( and there may be others that i do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so-called "town sites" that have not "failed" there would be land available for 1,531 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case i should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that i should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the District, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent ancient and historic villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St Ippolyts. This would undoubtedly be the "thin end of the wedge" and leave he door open to loss of identity and full subsumption within Hitchin itself at some time in the future. Therefore, on all the above grounds, i wish to register my objection to the South West of Hitchin housing proposal.

LDF/8143 4 Plant Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8144 6 Gorowski Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development south west hitchin will subsume charlton and narrow the strategic green belt hap between hitchin, gosmore, and st ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm area of high landscape value.

LDF/8145 4 Ivanoski-Nichol Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8146 6 Ostrowski Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development south west hitchin will subsume charlton and narrow the strategic green belt hap between hitchin, gosmore, and st ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent area of high landscape value. The scale of development proposed is disproportionate to the size of Hitchin.

LDF/8147 2 French Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: The amenity of the woodland running parallel with Burford Way must be preserved as it is home to wildlife such as various wood peckers, migrating birds, jays, amphibians, roe deer, foxes etc. The oasis is a green lung providing oxygen to the area as its residents. I do hope that you will be able to protect this tiny piece of woodland with its mature trees and wildlife.

LDF/8148 4 Kelly Document Section: South West of Hitchin Support Representation: Large site - could provide almost all houses needed - offer flexibility within site as to where development could take place permitting protection of areas of particular sensitivity or special interest. Developers offer of by-pass would reduce congestion within Hitchin. This development would help sustainability of Hitchin.

LDF/8165 6 Hewitt Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development south west hitchin will subsume charlton and narrow the strategic green belt hap between hitchin, gosmore, and st ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm area of high landscape value. The scale of development proposed is disproportionate to the size of Hitchin.

LDF/8169 6 Parker Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development south west hitchin will subsume charlton and narrow the strategic green belt hap between hitchin, gosmore, and st ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm area of high landscape value. The scale of development proposed is disproportionate to the size of Hitchin.

LDF/8170 4 Pickett Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected.

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LDF/8170 7 Pickett Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Hitchin recently noted in one national paper as a top ten town to live. Development on this scale would totally ruin the character of the town. We have already had a large set of developments, particularly flats. There are already few area of accessible green space locally and these plans would impact on what there is. A significant number of new residents would not doubt which to commute from Hitchin station. Our roads is a 10 min walk at most to the station and already has significant issues with commuter parking, as restrictions are imposed elsewhere, such a plan would exacerbate such problems.

LDF/8171 3 Prutton Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I strongly oppose the proposed developmenton the strategic site South West of Hitchinwhich would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way ¿ increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000 The Hitchin site would significantly undermine the rural nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected The proposed Hitchin development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollits and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin

LDF/8175 1 Clarke Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The preparation of the documents has clearly involved an enormous amount of work, for which you are to be commended.

2. However, while this is a first draft, based only on what developers and landowners suggest is possible, and desirable from their business and profit orientated situation, I believe that it would have been better to have made clearer that there are other ways to think about it.

3. This approach may seem desirable to NHDC if the main criterion is getting over the first hurdle of land availability, but it seems to ignore a wider perspective.

4. When I read the Landscape Sensitivity Study I thought you had there many reasons not to build the South Hitchin Suburb.

5. When I read the figures on 'relative self containment' with so many Hitchin residents travelling out of the town to work I thought you would be suggesting more initiatives to attract businesses to Hitchin, not building more houses so that a higher percentage would have to commute.

6. The building of a South Hitchin Suburb would lead to a conurbation extending from Stevenage to Luton, as infilling would continue. That would lead to an unhealthy environment for all residents. How can there be 'health walks' if the countryside becomes remote.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent

7. The arguments about the spoiling of the nature of the historic town of Hitchin remain ¿ and once that is done it cannot be corrected.

8. The argument for thinking about and discussing a new settlement needs to be made now. This should be the start of a process of seeking a sensible answer to a difficult question. Some blue sky thinking before the green fields and green belt in the south west of the district are built on. All of the options should be considered, not just the one which seems easier.

LDF/8177 4 Eayrs Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: It seems quite staggering that this site is even being considered as part of the SHMA. The "strengths" listed in the "summary of findings" for the site are all purely based on the fact that this is a large site and they could all apply equally to any large area of green belt land randomly selected by a developer for their next project. The "weaknesses" however are all very real and relate specifically to the area of land in question. The proposed development would increase the number of dwellings in Hitchin by up to 8000, equating to an expansion of approximately 50%. This would clearly have a huge impact on the nature of what is currently a historic market town. The edge of the town is currently well defined by a greenbelt boundary, with beautiful views and well separated local villages. The proposed development would expand Hitchin towards Luton, engulfing the villages of Gosmore, St Ippolyts and Charlton in the process, with devastating effects on the areas character. The proposed development would also encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chilterns Area of outstanding natural beauty with adverse effects on both. Furthermore, the site contains a number of wildlife sites, a site of specific scientific interest ( which should give legal protection for wildlife and geology in England under the Wildlife and Countryside act 1981), sites designated Archeological areas and also has the potential to impact on adjacent conservation areas. The landscape (particularly to the north of the A505) is also assessed as highly sensitive to development. Even if development on greenbelt land is to be deemed permissible by NHDC (which is a worrying development in planning) the very specific issues with development on this site should surely rule it out of consideration. In addition to this Hitchin is already grid locked by traffic at rush hour, particularly along the A505 from Luton into the town and around the Three Moorhens roundabout. A development of this size would put even greater strain on the road infrastructure which a bypass would be unlikely to full relieve. In the interim, the additional construction traffic would essentially bring the west side of the town to a standstill which could further endanger the commercial viability of the town centre.

LDF/8182 7 Mahoney Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development south west hitchin will subsume charlton and narrow the strategic green belt hap between hitchin, gosmore, and st ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm area of high landscape value.

LDF/8183 4 Knowles Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any

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LDF/8184 6 Parker Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development south west hitchin will subsume charlton and narrow the strategic green belt hap between hitchin, gosmore, and st ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm area of high landscape value. The scale of development proposed is disproportionate to the size of Hitchin. Development north east stevenage is poorly related to meet north herts needs, is of ecological, archaeological importance, and is of high landscape value. Access to the site is wholly inadequate and any new link road would have many other negative impacts.

LDF/8185 1 Newcombe Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following; The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the areas have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command higher house prices and i do not think that this is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the district, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to be built, in once location, namely south west of hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would chance completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely market town. As a resident of Charlton i am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the south west of hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the south, but that will not prevent traffic problems within hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become and environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this south west of hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making hitchin into a so called "dormitory town". The details of some of the proposed sites, i see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrapyard and there must be other sites around the area which are brownfield so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but i believe it is the councils job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, i see that there are a number of non strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely ref nos 133,H/m02, H/m03, H/R28, H/r48 and H/r50 (and there may be others that i do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so called "town sites" that have not "failed" there would be land available for 1,51 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case, i should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that it should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the district, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites. The proposal to develop from north east of stevenage site seems best suited for the implied dwelling proposals because of the service base in stevenage to accommodate such growth. Houses there would also be more affordable and therefore more likely to sell, given that the current economic climate is not likely to improve extensively in the

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent foreseeable future. Within Charlton, there are on-going studies of national concern such as; On-going study to monitor birds (and other wildlife) on a site via licensed bird ringing and garden bird watch, both of which are carried under the auspices of the british trust for ornithology. As an example, the date from the ringing records, the following red list birds (showing their percentage decline nationally) are present and/or breeding regularly on the fields immediately surround Charlton: Com Buting (87%) Grey Partridge (91%) Skylark (63%) Song Thrush (50%) Linnet (76%) Lesser Redpoll (89%) Yellowhammer (57%) plus a further 14 species of birds on the Amber list, including nesting Barn Owl, Kestrel and Whitethroat. If building was allowed on the adjacent fields, birds would all but disappear another nail in the coffin of declining farmland birds. In this area is an observatory owned and operated by a resident who holds the world record, as an individual amateur astronomer, for discovering the greatest number of variable stars. The proposed development would cause a source of light pollution and would make it much more difficult for him to continue in this work. The area around Charlton and Temple End are used extensively by people from Hitchin town and others for recreational use as an amenity. There are numerous walkers, joggers, dog walkers, bird watchers, horse riders etc. who enjoy using the area and who would be deprived of the beauty of the landscape and surrounding countryside and of its special wildlife, were the south west of hitchin proposal adopted. Finally, the imptemenration of this proposal, even with the suggested buffer of undevelopment land around the village of charlton itself, would be an encroachment on the ancient and historic villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St Ippolyts. This would undoubtedly by the then end of the wedge and leave the door open to loss of identity and full subsumption within hitchin itself at sometime in the future.

Therefore on all the above grounds, i wish to register my objection to the South West of Hitchin housing proposal.

LDF/8186 1 Newcombe Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following; The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the areas have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command higher house prices and i do not think that this is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the district, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to be built, in once location, namely south west of hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would chance completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely market town. As a resident of Charlton i am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the south west of hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the south, but that will not prevent traffic problems within hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become and environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this south west of hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making hitchin into a so called "dormitory town". The details of some of the proposed sites, i see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrapyard and there must be other sites around the area which are brownfield so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but i believe it is the councils job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, i see that there are a number of non strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely ref nos 133,H/m02, H/m03, H/R28, H/r48 and H/r50 (and there may be others that i do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so called "town sites" that have not "failed" there would be land

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent available for 1,51 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case, i should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that it should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the district, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites. The proposal to develop from north east of stevenage site seems best suited for the implied dwelling proposals because of the service base in stevenage to accommodate such growth. Houses there would also be more affordable and therefore more likely to sell, given that the current economic climate is not likely to improve extensively in the foreseeable future. Within Charlton, there are on-going studies of national concern such as; On-going study to monitor birds (and other wildlife) on a site via licensed bird ringing and garden bird watch, both of which are carried under the auspices of the british trust for ornithology. As an example, the date from the ringing records, the following red list birds (showing their percentage decline nationally) are present and/or breeding regularly on the fields immediately surround Charlton: Com Buting (87%) Grey Partridge (91%) Skylark (63%) Song Thrush (50%) Linnet (76%) Lesser Redpoll (89%) Yellowhammer (57%) plus a further 14 species of birds on the Amber list, including nesting Barn Owl, Kestrel and Whitethroat. If building was allowed on the adjacent fields, birds would all but disappear another nail in the coffin of declining farmland birds. In this area is an observatory owned and operated by a resident who holds the world record, as an individual amateur astronomer, for discovering the greatest number of variable stars. The proposed development would cause a source of light pollution and would make it much more difficult for him to continue in this work. The area around Charlton and Temple End are used extensively by people from Hitchin town and others for recreational use as an amenity. There are numerous walkers, joggers, dog walkers, bird watchers, horse riders etc. who enjoy using the area and who would be deprived of the beauty of the landscape and surrounding countryside and of its special wildlife, were the south west of hitchin proposal adopted. Finally, the imptemenration of this proposal, even with the suggested buffer of undevelopment land around the village of charlton itself, would be an encroachment on the ancient and historic villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St Ippolyts. This would undoubtedly by the then end of the wedge and leave the door open to loss of identity and full subsumption within hitchin itself at sometime in the future.

Therefore on all the above grounds, i wish to register my objection to the South West of Hitchin housing proposal.

LDF/8192 4 Hazelwood Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: As discussed in previous questions little town planning seems to be critically analysed. Hitchin will become a grid-locked town unattractive to residents/visitors/commuters! Limited mobility/infrastructure will develop and foster logistical chaos for all.

LDF/8193 5 Mahoney Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development south west hitchin will subsume charlton and narrow the strategic green belt hap between hitchin, gosmore, and st ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm area of high landscape value.

LDF/8197 4 Mitchell Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up

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LDF/8199 1 Sheldon Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1.Out of proportion to the size of the town - 7000 new dwellings would accomodate about 1500 people - just under half the current population of the town 2.Increased traffic, especially between the new development and the Railway Station, which is on the opposite side of the town 3.Strain on infrastructure of town - parking, for example 4.Loss of visual amenity and recreational area - the area is one of the most pleasant and picturesque areas of countryside around Hitchin and is used extensively by walkers, cyclists, dog owners and riders 5.Loss of wildlife habitat - area is home to species including the rare red kite, buzzards, deer and polecats 6.Irreversible change to character of town - Hitchin town centre is currently only a few hundred metres from open country, which under these plans will be replaced by housing as far as the foot of the Chilterns 7.Loss of village of Charlton, irreversible change to character of St Ippolyts and Gosmore 8.The need for a Southern Bypass does not justify infilling with housing and is doubtful anyway. Much of the congestion between the A505 and A602 could be mitigated by upgrading Willow Lane and the junctions at either end 9.I believe the Council's argument about proposed housing growth, essentially that Central Government will not accept lower numbers, is a poor one. The council should be representing the views of their electorate even when these conflict with Central Government, and I doubt that there is much local support for these proposals

LDF/8200 4 Fowler Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8201 4 Duncan Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation:

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LDF/8202 4 Duncan Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8206 1 Metcalfe Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We strongly disagree with the proposed development on the greenbelt land near Oughton Head Common, whilst Hitchin may need more affordable housing, the proposed development on Greenbelt land is unacceptable. Further consideration must be given to developing brownfield sites and to preserving Hitchin's existing greenbelt which is both a haven for wildlife and enables many people to enjoy the country side. This proposed development would have considerable access problems as existing residential roads already suffer from congestion problems( and lack of maintenance!!). This would also have a knock on effect on the existing sports facilities that take place on the sports field , this would go against the North Herts own policy on preserving such recreational facility's.

LDF/8207 3 Perry Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I strongly oppose the proposed developmenton the strategic site South West of Hitchinwhich would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way ¿ increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000 The Hitchin site would significantly undermine the rural nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally

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LDF/8209 4 Harrop Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8210 6 Parker Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development south west hitchin will subsume charlton and narrow the strategic green belt hap between hitchin, gosmore, and st ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm area of high landscape value. The scale of development proposed is disproportionate to the size of Hitchin. Development north east stevenage is poorly related to meet north herts needs, is of ecological, archaeological importance, and is of high landscape value. Access to the site is wholly inadequate and any new link road would have many other negative impacts.

LDF/8213 4 Wilcockson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development. 6. If this goes ahead then the green belt legislation ceases to have any meaning. The quality of life for people living in the areas will diminish. They will have a roof over their head so that they are able to work in or around local and rent is all!

LDF/8214 5 Tapfield

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development south west hitchin will subsume charlton and narrow the strategic green belt hap between hitchin, gosmore, and st ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm area of high landscape value.

LDF/8216 4 Lampard Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8216 8 Lampard Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Building this many dwellings will ruin hitchin- especially the plans for south west of hitchin- this is greenbelt land that should be protected. You will turn Hitchin from a market town thats residents care about into a place overcrowded and common and rough! Such a large amount of dwellings being aded to an already over populated small town will ruin all of hitchins uniqure character and charm. Lastly Hitchin, the surrounding villades and towns will extremely struggle with the extra traffic this will cause.

LDF/8217 4 Passmore Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8217 8 Passmore

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: I strongly oppose the development of this many dwellings in Hitchin. Hitchin is already struggling with the amount of traffic passing through it. Not only will an influx of new residents add to this it will diminish what hitchin is- a market town. The character and identity will be destroyed.

LDF/8220 8 Arnold Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development south west hitchin will subsume charlton and narrow the strategic green belt hap between hitchin, gosmore, and st ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm area of high landscape value. The scale of development proposed is disproportionate to the size of Hitchin. Development north east stevenage is poorly related to meet north herts needs, is of ecological, archaeological importance, and is of high landscape value.

LDF/8223 4 Cowie Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8223 8 Cowie Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Hitchin is a market town with beautiful nature reserves and green belt land which should be preserved. As highlighted in the comet newspaper this week pollution is aleady an issue and this development would further add to the problem. School places are already full. Hitchins roads are already gridlocked at times. We should be celebrating our "9th best town" in the country not seeking to ruin it.

LDF/8224 4 Lawther Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000.

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LDF/8224 8 Lawther Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Hitchin is a wonderful small town, many residents know one another due to its history and size. It has 3 schools which belong to a consortium which adds to the young peoples sense of belonging and gibes them security. We already have building- particularly flats on any brown site going- this already is changing hitchin- heading towards becoming another unipersonal sprawling urban town!!

LDF/8227 4 James Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8227 8 James Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: If these houses were built in the area south west of hitchin where would these residents work? It wont be hitchin and the trains to london or the local roads couldn't take the strain. Rush hour in Hitchin is already a nightmare as it is. Also the strain on Hitchins schools, doctors, roads, amenities would be considerable, as well as the damage to countryside and the rural nature of hitchin (as well as the surrounding towns) This isn't an appropriate place to build 10700 dwelling and it isn't NIMBYism, its logic and common sense!!

LDF/8228 6 Parker Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development south west hitchin will subsume charlton and narrow the strategic green belt hap between hitchin, gosmore, and st ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent area of high landscape value. The scale of development proposed is disproportionate to the size of Hitchin.

LDF/8230 4 Georgiou Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8230 8 Georgiou Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: South west Hitchin- already congested road at 3 moorhen roundabout asume acceptable levels. Would see massive ncrease in road use and traffic. Would expand hitchin another 1/3 of original size. Hitchin is an historic markey town which owuld loose its unique character if such an expansion was carried out.

LDF/8234 4 Dawson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: West of hitchin too large. Will create new town in sensitive area with no access to local amenities.

LDF/8238 4 Mills Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/8239 4 Mills Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8240 4 Mills Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8241 4 Mills Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8248 1 Spicer Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation:

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent We object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following; The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the areas have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command higher house prices and i do not think that this is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the district, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to be built, in once location, namely south west of hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would chance completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely market town. As a resident of Charlton i am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the south west of hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the south, but that will not prevent traffic problems within hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become and environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this south west of hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making hitchin into a so called "dormitory town". The details of some of the proposed sites, i see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrapyard and there must be other sites around the area which are brownfield so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but i believe it is the councils job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, i see that there are a number of non strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely ref nos 133,H/m02, H/m03, H/R28, H/r48 and H/r50 (and there may be others that i do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so called "town sites" that have not "failed" there would be land available for 1,51 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case, i should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that it should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the district, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites. The proposal to develop from north east of stevenage site seems best suited for the implied dwelling proposals because of the service base in stevenage to accommodate such growth. Houses there would also be more affordable and therefore more likely to sell, given that the current economic climate is not likely to improve extensively in the foreseeable future. Within Charlton, there are on-going studies of national concern such as; On-going study to monitor birds (and other wildlife) on a site via licensed bird ringing and garden bird watch, both of which are carried under the auspices of the british trust for ornithology. As an example, the date from the ringing records, the following red list birds (showing their percentage decline nationally) are present and/or breeding regularly on the fields immediately surround Charlton: Com Buting (87%) Grey Partridge (91%) Skylark (63%) Song Thrush (50%) Linnet (76%) Lesser Redpoll (89%) Yellowhammer (57%) plus a further 14 species of birds on the Amber list, including nesting Barn Owl, Kestrel and Whitethroat. If building was allowed on the adjacent fields, birds would all but disappear another nail in the coffin of declining farmland birds. In this area is an observatory owned and operated by a resident who holds the world record, as an individual amateur astronomer, for discovering the greatest number of variable stars. The proposed development would cause a source of light pollution and would make it much more difficult for him to continue in this work. The area around Charlton and Temple End are used extensively by people from Hitchin town and others for recreational use as an amenity. There are numerous walkers, joggers, dog walkers, bird watchers, horse riders etc. who enjoy using the area and who would be deprived of the beauty of the landscape and surrounding countryside and of its special wildlife, were the south west of hitchin proposal adopted. Finally, the imptemenration of this proposal, even with the suggested buffer of undevelopment land around the village of charlton itself, would be an encroachment on the ancient and historic villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St Ippolyts. This would undoubtedly by the then end of the wedge and leave the door open to loss of identity and full subsumption within hitchin itself at sometime in the future.

Therefore on all the above grounds, i wish to register my objection to the South West of Hitchin housing proposal.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/8249 1 Spicer Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: We object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following; The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the areas have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command higher house prices and i do not think that this is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the district, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to be built, in once location, namely south west of hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would chance completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely market town. As a resident of Charlton i am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the south west of hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the south, but that will not prevent traffic problems within hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become and environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this south west of hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making hitchin into a so called "dormitory town". The details of some of the proposed sites, i see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrapyard and there must be other sites around the area which are brownfield so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but i believe it is the councils job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, i see that there are a number of non strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely ref nos 133,H/m02, H/m03, H/R28, H/r48 and H/r50 (and there may be others that i do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so called "town sites" that have not "failed" there would be land available for 1,51 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case, i should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that it should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the district, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites. The proposal to develop from north east of stevenage site seems best suited for the implied dwelling proposals because of the service base in stevenage to accommodate such growth. Houses there would also be more affordable and therefore more likely to sell, given that the current economic climate is not likely to improve extensively in the foreseeable future. Within Charlton, there are on-going studies of national concern such as; On-going study to monitor birds (and other wildlife) on a site via licensed bird ringing and garden bird watch, both of which are carried under the auspices of the british trust for ornithology. As an example, the date from the ringing records, the following red list birds (showing their percentage decline nationally) are present and/or breeding regularly on the fields immediately surround Charlton: Com Buting (87%) Grey Partridge (91%) Skylark (63%) Song Thrush (50%) Linnet (76%) Lesser Redpoll (89%) Yellowhammer (57%) plus a further 14 species of birds on the Amber list, including nesting Barn Owl, Kestrel and Whitethroat. If building was allowed on the adjacent fields, birds would all but disappear another nail in the coffin of declining farmland birds. In this area is an observatory owned and operated by a resident who holds the world record, as an individual amateur astronomer, for discovering the greatest number of variable stars. The proposed development would cause a source of light pollution and would make it much more difficult for him to continue in this work. The area around Charlton and Temple End are used extensively by people from Hitchin town and others for recreational use as an amenity. There are numerous walkers, joggers, dog walkers, bird watchers, horse riders etc. who enjoy using the area and who would be deprived of the beauty of the landscape and surrounding countryside and of its special wildlife, were the south west of hitchin proposal adopted. Finally, the imptemenration of this proposal, even with the suggested buffer of undevelopment land around the village of charlton itself, would be an encroachment on the ancient and historic villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St Ippolyts. This would undoubtedly by the then end of the wedge and leave the door open to loss of identity and full

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent subsumption within hitchin itself at sometime in the future.

Therefore on all the above grounds, i wish to register my objection to the South West of Hitchin housing proposal.

LDF/8250 1 Hale Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following; The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the areas have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command higher house prices and i do not think that this is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the district, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to be built, in once location, namely south west of hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would chance completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely market town. As a resident of Charlton i am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the south west of hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the south, but that will not prevent traffic problems within hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become and environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this south west of hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making hitchin into a so called "dormitory town". The details of some of the proposed sites, i see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrapyard and there must be other sites around the area which are brownfield so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but i believe it is the councils job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, i see that there are a number of non strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely ref nos 133,H/m02, H/m03, H/R28, H/r48 and H/r50 (and there may be others that i do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so called "town sites" that have not "failed" there would be land available for 1,51 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case, i should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that it should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the district, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites. The proposal to develop from north east of stevenage site seems best suited for the implied dwelling proposals because of the service base in stevenage to accommodate such growth. Houses there would also be more affordable and therefore more likely to sell, given that the current economic climate is not likely to improve extensively in the foreseeable future. Within Charlton, there are on-going studies of national concern such as; On-going study to monitor birds (and other wildlife) on a site via licensed bird ringing and garden bird watch, both of which are carried under the auspices of the british trust for ornithology. As an example, the date from the ringing records, the following red list birds (showing their percentage decline nationally) are present and/or breeding regularly on the fields immediately surround Charlton: Com Buting (87%) Grey Partridge (91%) Skylark (63%) Song Thrush (50%) Linnet (76%) Lesser Redpoll (89%) Yellowhammer (57%) plus a further 14 species of birds on the Amber list, including nesting Barn Owl, Kestrel and Whitethroat. If building was allowed on the adjacent fields, birds would all but disappear another nail in the coffin of declining farmland birds. In this area is an observatory owned and operated by a resident who holds the world record, as an individual amateur astronomer, for discovering the greatest number of variable stars. The proposed development would cause a source of light pollution and would make it much more difficult for him to continue in this work. The area around Charlton and Temple End are used extensively by people from Hitchin town and others for recreational use as an amenity. There are numerous walkers,

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent joggers, dog walkers, bird watchers, horse riders etc. who enjoy using the area and who would be deprived of the beauty of the landscape and surrounding countryside and of its special wildlife, were the south west of hitchin proposal adopted. Finally, the imptemenration of this proposal, even with the suggested buffer of undevelopment land around the village of charlton itself, would be an encroachment on the ancient and historic villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St Ippolyts. This would undoubtedly by the then end of the wedge and leave the door open to loss of identity and full subsumption within hitchin itself at sometime in the future.

Therefore on all the above grounds, i wish to register my objection to the South West of Hitchin housing proposal.

LDF/8251 1 Hale Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following; The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the areas have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command higher house prices and i do not think that this is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the district, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to be built, in once location, namely south west of hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would chance completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely market town. As a resident of Charlton i am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the south west of hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the south, but that will not prevent traffic problems within hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become and environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this south west of hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making hitchin into a so called "dormitory town". The details of some of the proposed sites, i see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrapyard and there must be other sites around the area which are brownfield so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but i believe it is the councils job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, i see that there are a number of non strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely ref nos 133,H/m02, H/m03, H/R28, H/r48 and H/r50 (and there may be others that i do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so called "town sites" that have not "failed" there would be land available for 1,51 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case, i should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that it should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the district, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites. The proposal to develop from north east of stevenage site seems best suited for the implied dwelling proposals because of the service base in stevenage to accommodate such growth. Houses there would also be more affordable and therefore more likely to sell, given that the current economic climate is not likely to improve extensively in the foreseeable future. Within Charlton, there are on-going studies of national concern such as; On-going study to monitor birds (and other wildlife) on a site via licensed bird ringing and garden bird watch, both of which are carried under the auspices of the british trust for ornithology. As an example, the date from the ringing records, the following red list birds (showing their percentage decline nationally) are present and/or breeding regularly on the fields immediately surround Charlton: Com Buting (87%) Grey Partridge (91%) Skylark (63%) Song Thrush (50%) Linnet (76%) Lesser Redpoll (89%) Yellowhammer (57%) plus a further 14 species of birds on the Amber list, including nesting Barn Owl, Kestrel and Whitethroat. If building was allowed on the adjacent fields, birds would all but

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent disappear another nail in the coffin of declining farmland birds. In this area is an observatory owned and operated by a resident who holds the world record, as an individual amateur astronomer, for discovering the greatest number of variable stars. The proposed development would cause a source of light pollution and would make it much more difficult for him to continue in this work. The area around Charlton and Temple End are used extensively by people from Hitchin town and others for recreational use as an amenity. There are numerous walkers, joggers, dog walkers, bird watchers, horse riders etc. who enjoy using the area and who would be deprived of the beauty of the landscape and surrounding countryside and of its special wildlife, were the south west of hitchin proposal adopted. Finally, the imptemenration of this proposal, even with the suggested buffer of undevelopment land around the village of charlton itself, would be an encroachment on the ancient and historic villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St Ippolyts. This would undoubtedly by the then end of the wedge and leave the door open to loss of identity and full subsumption within hitchin itself at sometime in the future.

Therefore on all the above grounds, i wish to register my objection to the South West of Hitchin housing proposal.

LDF/8252 1 Destro Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following; The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the areas have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command higher house prices and i do not think that this is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the district, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to be built, in once location, namely south west of hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would chance completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely market town. As a resident of Charlton i am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the south west of hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the south, but that will not prevent traffic problems within hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become and environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this south west of hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making hitchin into a so called "dormitory town". The details of some of the proposed sites, i see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrapyard and there must be other sites around the area which are brownfield so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but i believe it is the councils job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, i see that there are a number of non strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely ref nos 133,H/m02, H/m03, H/R28, H/r48 and H/r50 (and there may be others that i do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so called "town sites" that have not "failed" there would be land available for 1,51 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case, i should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that it should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the district, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites. The proposal to develop from north east of stevenage site seems best suited for the implied dwelling proposals because of the service base in stevenage to accommodate such growth. Houses there would also be more affordable and therefore more likely to sell, given that the current economic climate is not likely to improve extensively in the foreseeable future. Within Charlton, there are on-going studies of national concern such as;

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent On-going study to monitor birds (and other wildlife) on a site via licensed bird ringing and garden bird watch, both of which are carried under the auspices of the british trust for ornithology. As an example, the date from the ringing records, the following red list birds (showing their percentage decline nationally) are present and/or breeding regularly on the fields immediately surround Charlton: Com Buting (87%) Grey Partridge (91%) Skylark (63%) Song Thrush (50%) Linnet (76%) Lesser Redpoll (89%) Yellowhammer (57%) plus a further 14 species of birds on the Amber list, including nesting Barn Owl, Kestrel and Whitethroat. If building was allowed on the adjacent fields, birds would all but disappear another nail in the coffin of declining farmland birds. In this area is an observatory owned and operated by a resident who holds the world record, as an individual amateur astronomer, for discovering the greatest number of variable stars. The proposed development would cause a source of light pollution and would make it much more difficult for him to continue in this work. The area around Charlton and Temple End are used extensively by people from Hitchin town and others for recreational use as an amenity. There are numerous walkers, joggers, dog walkers, bird watchers, horse riders etc. who enjoy using the area and who would be deprived of the beauty of the landscape and surrounding countryside and of its special wildlife, were the south west of hitchin proposal adopted. Finally, the imptemenration of this proposal, even with the suggested buffer of undevelopment land around the village of charlton itself, would be an encroachment on the ancient and historic villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St Ippolyts. This would undoubtedly by the then end of the wedge and leave the door open to loss of identity and full subsumption within hitchin itself at sometime in the future.

Therefore on all the above grounds, i wish to register my objection to the South West of Hitchin housing proposal.

LDF/8253 1 Dewhurst Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following; The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the areas have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command higher house prices and i do not think that this is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the district, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to be built, in once location, namely south west of hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would chance completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely market town. As a resident of Charlton i am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the south west of hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the south, but that will not prevent traffic problems within hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become and environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this south west of hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making hitchin into a so called "dormitory town". The details of some of the proposed sites, i see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrapyard and there must be other sites around the area which are brownfield so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but i believe it is the councils job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, i see that there are a number of non strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely ref nos 133,H/m02, H/m03, H/R28, H/r48 and H/r50 (and there may be others that i do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so called "town sites" that have not "failed" there would be land available for 1,51 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case, i should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that it should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the district, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent The proposal to develop from north east of stevenage site seems best suited for the implied dwelling proposals because of the service base in stevenage to accommodate such growth. Houses there would also be more affordable and therefore more likely to sell, given that the current economic climate is not likely to improve extensively in the foreseeable future. Within Charlton, there are on-going studies of national concern such as; On-going study to monitor birds (and other wildlife) on a site via licensed bird ringing and garden bird watch, both of which are carried under the auspices of the british trust for ornithology. As an example, the date from the ringing records, the following red list birds (showing their percentage decline nationally) are present and/or breeding regularly on the fields immediately surround Charlton: Com Buting (87%) Grey Partridge (91%) Skylark (63%) Song Thrush (50%) Linnet (76%) Lesser Redpoll (89%) Yellowhammer (57%) plus a further 14 species of birds on the Amber list, including nesting Barn Owl, Kestrel and Whitethroat. If building was allowed on the adjacent fields, birds would all but disappear another nail in the coffin of declining farmland birds. In this area is an observatory owned and operated by a resident who holds the world record, as an individual amateur astronomer, for discovering the greatest number of variable stars. The proposed development would cause a source of light pollution and would make it much more difficult for him to continue in this work. The area around Charlton and Temple End are used extensively by people from Hitchin town and others for recreational use as an amenity. There are numerous walkers, joggers, dog walkers, bird watchers, horse riders etc. who enjoy using the area and who would be deprived of the beauty of the landscape and surrounding countryside and of its special wildlife, were the south west of hitchin proposal adopted. Finally, the imptemenration of this proposal, even with the suggested buffer of undevelopment land around the village of charlton itself, would be an encroachment on the ancient and historic villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St Ippolyts. This would undoubtedly by the then end of the wedge and leave the door open to loss of identity and full subsumption within hitchin itself at sometime in the future.

Therefore on all the above grounds, i wish to register my objection to the South West of Hitchin housing proposal.

LDF/8255 1 Jones Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following; The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the areas have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command higher house prices and i do not think that this is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the district, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to be built, in once location, namely south west of hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would chance completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely market town. As a resident of Charlton i am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the south west of hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the south, but that will not prevent traffic problems within hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become and environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this south west of hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making hitchin into a so called "dormitory town". The details of some of the proposed sites, i see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrapyard and there must be other sites around the area which are brownfield so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but i believe it is the councils job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, i

Printed: 28/06/2013 09:12:56 Representations for Housing Options Growth Levels and Locations 2011-2031

Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent see that there are a number of non strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely ref nos 133,H/m02, H/m03, H/R28, H/r48 and H/r50 (and there may be others that i do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so called "town sites" that have not "failed" there would be land available for 1,51 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case, i should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that it should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the district, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites. The proposal to develop from north east of stevenage site seems best suited for the implied dwelling proposals because of the service base in stevenage to accommodate such growth. Houses there would also be more affordable and therefore more likely to sell, given that the current economic climate is not likely to improve extensively in the foreseeable future. Within Charlton, there are on-going studies of national concern such as; On-going study to monitor birds (and other wildlife) on a site via licensed bird ringing and garden bird watch, both of which are carried under the auspices of the british trust for ornithology. As an example, the date from the ringing records, the following red list birds (showing their percentage decline nationally) are present and/or breeding regularly on the fields immediately surround Charlton: Com Buting (87%) Grey Partridge (91%) Skylark (63%) Song Thrush (50%) Linnet (76%) Lesser Redpoll (89%) Yellowhammer (57%) plus a further 14 species of birds on the Amber list, including nesting Barn Owl, Kestrel and Whitethroat. If building was allowed on the adjacent fields, birds would all but disappear another nail in the coffin of declining farmland birds. In this area is an observatory owned and operated by a resident who holds the world record, as an individual amateur astronomer, for discovering the greatest number of variable stars. The proposed development would cause a source of light pollution and would make it much more difficult for him to continue in this work. The area around Charlton and Temple End are used extensively by people from Hitchin town and others for recreational use as an amenity. There are numerous walkers, joggers, dog walkers, bird watchers, horse riders etc. who enjoy using the area and who would be deprived of the beauty of the landscape and surrounding countryside and of its special wildlife, were the south west of hitchin proposal adopted. Finally, the imptemenration of this proposal, even with the suggested buffer of undevelopment land around the village of charlton itself, would be an encroachment on the ancient and historic villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St Ippolyts. This would undoubtedly by the then end of the wedge and leave the door open to loss of identity and full subsumption within hitchin itself at sometime in the future.

Therefore on all the above grounds, i wish to register my objection to the South West of Hitchin housing proposal.

LDF/8256 1 Wilkins Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following; The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the areas have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command higher house prices and i do not think that this is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the district, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to be built, in once location, namely south west of hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would chance completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely market town. As a resident of Charlton i am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the south west of hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the south, but that will not prevent traffic problems within hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become and environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this south west of hitchin

Printed: 28/06/2013 09:12:56 Representations for Housing Options Growth Levels and Locations 2011-2031

Therefore on all the above grounds, i wish to register my objection to the South West of Hitchin housing proposal.

LDF/8257 1 Wilkins Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following; The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the areas have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command higher house prices and i do not think that this is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the district, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to be built, in once location, namely south west of hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would chance completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely market town. As a resident of Charlton i am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent south west of hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the south, but that will not prevent traffic problems within hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become and environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this south west of hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making hitchin into a so called "dormitory town". The details of some of the proposed sites, i see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrapyard and there must be other sites around the area which are brownfield so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but i believe it is the councils job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, i see that there are a number of non strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely ref nos 133,H/m02, H/m03, H/R28, H/r48 and H/r50 (and there may be others that i do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so called "town sites" that have not "failed" there would be land available for 1,51 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case, i should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that it should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the district, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites. The proposal to develop from north east of stevenage site seems best suited for the implied dwelling proposals because of the service base in stevenage to accommodate such growth. Houses there would also be more affordable and therefore more likely to sell, given that the current economic climate is not likely to improve extensively in the foreseeable future. Within Charlton, there are on-going studies of national concern such as; On-going study to monitor birds (and other wildlife) on a site via licensed bird ringing and garden bird watch, both of which are carried under the auspices of the british trust for ornithology. As an example, the date from the ringing records, the following red list birds (showing their percentage decline nationally) are present and/or breeding regularly on the fields immediately surround Charlton: Com Buting (87%) Grey Partridge (91%) Skylark (63%) Song Thrush (50%) Linnet (76%) Lesser Redpoll (89%) Yellowhammer (57%) plus a further 14 species of birds on the Amber list, including nesting Barn Owl, Kestrel and Whitethroat. If building was allowed on the adjacent fields, birds would all but disappear another nail in the coffin of declining farmland birds. In this area is an observatory owned and operated by a resident who holds the world record, as an individual amateur astronomer, for discovering the greatest number of variable stars. The proposed development would cause a source of light pollution and would make it much more difficult for him to continue in this work. The area around Charlton and Temple End are used extensively by people from Hitchin town and others for recreational use as an amenity. There are numerous walkers, joggers, dog walkers, bird watchers, horse riders etc. who enjoy using the area and who would be deprived of the beauty of the landscape and surrounding countryside and of its special wildlife, were the south west of hitchin proposal adopted. Finally, the imptemenration of this proposal, even with the suggested buffer of undevelopment land around the village of charlton itself, would be an encroachment on the ancient and historic villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St Ippolyts. This would undoubtedly by the then end of the wedge and leave the door open to loss of identity and full subsumption within hitchin itself at sometime in the future.

Therefore on all the above grounds, i wish to register my objection to the South West of Hitchin housing proposal.

LDF/8258 1 Pyefinch Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following; The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the areas have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command higher house prices and i do not think that this is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the district, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent prospective residents of the area. Putting 7400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to be built, in once location, namely south west of hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would chance completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely market town. As a resident of Charlton i am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the south west of hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the south, but that will not prevent traffic problems within hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become and environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this south west of hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making hitchin into a so called "dormitory town". The details of some of the proposed sites, i see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrapyard and there must be other sites around the area which are brownfield so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but i believe it is the councils job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, i see that there are a number of non strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely ref nos 133,H/m02, H/m03, H/R28, H/r48 and H/r50 (and there may be others that i do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so called "town sites" that have not "failed" there would be land available for 1,51 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case, i should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that it should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the district, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites. The proposal to develop from north east of stevenage site seems best suited for the implied dwelling proposals because of the service base in stevenage to accommodate such growth. Houses there would also be more affordable and therefore more likely to sell, given that the current economic climate is not likely to improve extensively in the foreseeable future. Within Charlton, there are on-going studies of national concern such as; On-going study to monitor birds (and other wildlife) on a site via licensed bird ringing and garden bird watch, both of which are carried under the auspices of the british trust for ornithology. As an example, the date from the ringing records, the following red list birds (showing their percentage decline nationally) are present and/or breeding regularly on the fields immediately surround Charlton: Com Buting (87%) Grey Partridge (91%) Skylark (63%) Song Thrush (50%) Linnet (76%) Lesser Redpoll (89%) Yellowhammer (57%) plus a further 14 species of birds on the Amber list, including nesting Barn Owl, Kestrel and Whitethroat. If building was allowed on the adjacent fields, birds would all but disappear another nail in the coffin of declining farmland birds. In this area is an observatory owned and operated by a resident who holds the world record, as an individual amateur astronomer, for discovering the greatest number of variable stars. The proposed development would cause a source of light pollution and would make it much more difficult for him to continue in this work. The area around Charlton and Temple End are used extensively by people from Hitchin town and others for recreational use as an amenity. There are numerous walkers, joggers, dog walkers, bird watchers, horse riders etc. who enjoy using the area and who would be deprived of the beauty of the landscape and surrounding countryside and of its special wildlife, were the south west of hitchin proposal adopted. Finally, the imptemenration of this proposal, even with the suggested buffer of undevelopment land around the village of charlton itself, would be an encroachment on the ancient and historic villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St Ippolyts. This would undoubtedly by the then end of the wedge and leave the door open to loss of identity and full subsumption within hitchin itself at sometime in the future.

Therefore on all the above grounds, i wish to register my objection to the South West of Hitchin housing proposal.

LDF/8259 1 O'Donnell Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: We object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following;

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the areas have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command higher house prices and i do not think that this is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the district, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to be built, in once location, namely south west of hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would chance completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely market town. As a resident of Charlton i am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the south west of hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the south, but that will not prevent traffic problems within hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become and environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this south west of hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making hitchin into a so called "dormitory town". The details of some of the proposed sites, i see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrapyard and there must be other sites around the area which are brownfield so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but i believe it is the councils job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, i see that there are a number of non strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely ref nos 133,H/m02, H/m03, H/R28, H/r48 and H/r50 (and there may be others that i do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so called "town sites" that have not "failed" there would be land available for 1,51 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case, i should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that it should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the district, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites. The proposal to develop from north east of stevenage site seems best suited for the implied dwelling proposals because of the service base in stevenage to accommodate such growth. Houses there would also be more affordable and therefore more likely to sell, given that the current economic climate is not likely to improve extensively in the foreseeable future. Within Charlton, there are on-going studies of national concern such as; On-going study to monitor birds (and other wildlife) on a site via licensed bird ringing and garden bird watch, both of which are carried under the auspices of the british trust for ornithology. As an example, the date from the ringing records, the following red list birds (showing their percentage decline nationally) are present and/or breeding regularly on the fields immediately surround Charlton: Com Buting (87%) Grey Partridge (91%) Skylark (63%) Song Thrush (50%) Linnet (76%) Lesser Redpoll (89%) Yellowhammer (57%) plus a further 14 species of birds on the Amber list, including nesting Barn Owl, Kestrel and Whitethroat. If building was allowed on the adjacent fields, birds would all but disappear another nail in the coffin of declining farmland birds. In this area is an observatory owned and operated by a resident who holds the world record, as an individual amateur astronomer, for discovering the greatest number of variable stars. The proposed development would cause a source of light pollution and would make it much more difficult for him to continue in this work. The area around Charlton and Temple End are used extensively by people from Hitchin town and others for recreational use as an amenity. There are numerous walkers, joggers, dog walkers, bird watchers, horse riders etc. who enjoy using the area and who would be deprived of the beauty of the landscape and surrounding countryside and of its special wildlife, were the south west of hitchin proposal adopted. Finally, the imptemenration of this proposal, even with the suggested buffer of undevelopment land around the village of charlton itself, would be an encroachment on the ancient and historic villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St Ippolyts. This would undoubtedly by the then end of the wedge and leave the door open to loss of identity and full subsumption within hitchin itself at sometime in the future.

Therefore on all the above grounds, i wish to register my objection to the South West of Hitchin housing proposal.

LDF/8261 3 Wilson

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: The plan has a fundamental flaw in that it is developer and landowner led rather than being a strategic view for the area. Developers and landowners have their own interests to consider and are likely to propose sites which they own and/or maximize their profits. These sites may not best serve the needs of North Hertfordshire. I strongly oppose the proposed development on the strategic site South West of Hitchin which would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way ¿ increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. The Hitchin site would significantly undermine the rural nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. The proposed Hitchin development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. Significant issues with the development are highlighted in the council's own Landscape Sensitivity document.

LDF/8264 3 Dixon Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I strongly oppose the proposed development on the strategic site South West of Hitchin which would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way ¿ increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000 The Hitchin site would significantly undermine the rural nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected The proposed Hitchin development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollits and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin

LDF/8270 1 Childs Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I am responding to your consultation on Housing options in Hitchin. Other than piecemeal 'brownfield regeneration', I vehemently oppose the planned proposals to build new houses on green belt land surrounding Hitchin. We have a very special town here that people cherish dearly. However, such development would change Hitchin beyond all recognition. It is not fair on our children to allow such a desecration on the wonderful countryside surrounding our wonderful and unique town. There is clearly not the infrastructure nor facilities in our town to support such an expansion. This must not be allowed to happen to a town that has just been voted the ninth best town to live in. Surely, a new settlement, away for Hitchin, with a new infrastructure would be a more logical approach if this additional housing is needed?

LDF/8273 3 Wilcockson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any Printed: 28/06/2013 09:12:56 Representations for Housing Options Growth Levels and Locations 2011-2031

Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development. 6. The green belt is designed to prevent urban sprawl into the countryside this requirement is paramount and has not changed. If developments such as this go ahead then the greenbelt legislation ceases to have any meaning. This area is extensively used for recreation which will be lost. Promises of green areas is a mockery as it is already a green area which would be destroyed.

LDF/8276 5 Alderson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8277 8 Kilroy Document Section: South West of Hitchin Support Representation: A very large site offering economies of scale for infrastructure and should reduce the number of off site journeys to access schools and shops, reducing pressure on the heavily congested A1 corridor road network, especially during peak times.

Development of this site would attract support from developers to help finance a bypass on the southern edge of Hitchin, reducing congestion within Hitchin itself and improving the attractiveness of the area for many of the existing residents (which some current planning proposals, most notably the NS3 Roundwood proposal, totally fail to achieve).

Hitchin has its own sewage treatment works and unlike Stevenage related sites would not require a major upgrade in sewage treatment capacity or gas pipeline supplies.

Development on this site would increase shopping activity within the town centre, unlike development of any of the three sites just outside of Stevenage, which clearly would increase shopping activity within Stevenage (and hence outside of the North Hertfordshire district).

LDF/8283 3 Brigginshaw Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I strongly oppose the proposed development on the strategic site South West of Hitchin which would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way ¿ increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent The Hitchin site would significantly undermine the rural nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected The proposed Hitchin development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollits and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin

LDF/8284 1 Griggs Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Like many others, I use the countryside in this area for outdoor activities, such as dog-walking and jogging; and I feel that to build over the open fields would be such a shame. Why are the needs of the birds and animals who would have their habitat destroyed seemingly not considered at all in this process, let alone those of us who love the countryside? The housing targets you are working towards are much too high; but this is, in my view, by far the worst option for a development site. With that in mind, I say to you: please don't build on site Ref 37.

LDF/8285 1 Almond Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Such a massive development would ruin Hitchin for those of us who already live there, and I feel it is only being suggested as it is in the interest of the landowners. The current housing targets are vastly over-inflated, and I think they should be downgraded to a much smaller number.

LDF/8287 4 Evans Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: If this area was built on the market town ambience of Hitchin would be destroyed as well as a significant recreational area for walkers. Most residents of Hitchin can access the area without requiring transport to get there. Hitchin would certainly drop down The Times league table of Best Places to Live. The context and setting of The Priory would be ruined.

LDF/8296 1 Palfreyman Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: As a Westmill resident and living with Oughtonhead Common on my door step we are concerned about the impact the additional housing will have on the wildlife, flora and environment of the area. This area has been protected for centuries and we feel that housing is already too close to the area. Secondly the additional housing will potentially double the population of the town, these extra people will add to town traffic (where will they park?) and will add to congestion on trains to and from the town (which are already pack to capacity during rush hour), these extra people will need jobs (where are they to work)? We do not think that building a bypass around Hitchin will reduce town traffic, and building schools, shops etc. in these new proposed areas will not be able to sustain enough work for these extra people.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Please stop these plans now and listen to the people of the town.

LDF/8300 1 Coyne Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the areas have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command higher house prices and I do not think that this is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the Council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the District, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population, such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7,400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to be built, in one location, namely South West of Hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would change completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely Market Town. As a resident of Charlton, I am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the South West of Hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the South, but that will not prevent traffic problems within Hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become an environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this South West of Hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making Hitchin into a so-called 'dormitory town'. The details of some of the proposed sites, I see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrapyard and there must be other sites around the area which are 'brownfield' so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but I believe it is the Council's job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, I see that there are a number of non-strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely Ref nos. 133, H/m02, H/m03, H/r28, H/r48 and H/r50 (and there may be others that I do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so-called 'town sites' that have not 'failed' there would be land available for 1,531 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case, I should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that it should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the District, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites. The proposal to develop from the North East of Stevenage strategic site seems best suited for the implied dwelling proposals because of the service base in Stevenage to accommodate such growth. Houses there would also be more affordable and therefore more likely to sell, given that the current economic climate is not likely to improve extensively in the foreseeable future. Within Charlton, there are on-going studies of national concern such as; on-going study to monitor birds (and other wildlife) on a site via licensed Bird Ringing and Garden BirdWatch, both of which are carried under the auspices of the British Trust for Ornithology. As an example, the data from the Ringing records, the following Red List birds (showing their percentage decline nationally) are present and/or breeding regularly on the fields immediately surrounding Charlton; Corn Bunting (87%); Grey Partridge (91%); Skylark (63%); SongThrush (50%); Linnet (76%); Lesser Redpoll (89%); Yellowhammer (57%) plus a further 14 species of birds on the Amber List, including nesting Barn Owl, Kestrel and Whitethroat. If building was allowed on the adjacent fields, birds would all but disappear, another nail in the coffin of declining farmland birds. In this area is an observatory owned and operated by a resident who holds the world record, as an individual amateur astronomer, for discovering the greatest number of variable stars. The proposed development would cause a source of light pollution and would make it much more difficult for him to continue with his work. The areas around Charlton and Temple End are used extensively by people from Hitchin town and others for recreational use as an amenity. There are numerous walkers, joggers, dog walkers, bird watchers, horse riders etc. who enjoy using the area and who would be deprived of the beauty of the landscape and surrounding countryside and of its special wildlife, were the South West of Hitchin proposal adopted. Finally, the implementation of this proposal, even with the suggested 'buffer of undeveloped land' around the village of Charlton itself, would be an encroachment on the ancient

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent and historic villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St. Ippolyts. This would undoubtedly be the 'thin end of the wedge' and leave the door open to loss of identity and full subsumption within Hitchin itself at some time in the future.

LDF/8304 1 Wingstedt Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I have lived as a resident in Hitchin for 45 years and Hitchin has always been protected by its Green Belt¿¿no development, no more housing¿¿.when our family first came to Hitchin ¿.it was promised by a certain Councillor that the Green Belt would never be built upon¿¿but obviously that is going to change if you have your way. I object most strongly to the proposal of 6000 homes being built in west of Hitchin. No to building on the Green Belt. The current planning minister also agreed that the Green Belt should not be built on.

The land is currently enjoyed by walkers, hikers, bikers, and horse riders and the occasional hunt.

I live on the west side of Hitchin, and are very fortunate to have green fields, agricultural, with Oughtonhead Common, with its wildlife area¿..when we first came to Hitchin, There was plenty of wildlife, foxes, hares (aren't they protected??), rabbits, deer, bats but due to the intensive farming, we have lost the wildlife and such birds as the skylark, yellowhammer, lapwing and cuckoo and the tiny sparrows¿.. Foxholes in Pirton Road has become a wildlife haven, otherwise they would be Lost forever¿.especially if the land is to built on, but you do not care ¿..as long as the Developers have their way, it won't matter if certain species of birds become extinct in North Herts¿..concrete will be more important than green fields to you and the developers.

Infrastructure is a problem, in west Hitchin, and a bypass will not solve the problem, when the Priory bypass was built, it was going to be dual carriageway, but the landowner at the time, refused to sell his land,

I have worked in various locations in Hertfordshire, and Hitchin is always a traffic black spot, how you think you are going to alleviate the problem, with the addition of 7000 homes to the west of Hitchin, will make matters worse, not better.. The car is king, you cannot make people use public transport, in the 1980s, they trialled a bus scheme, to serve people of west Hitchin, but did not succeed, hardly anyone used it, so it was scrapped..

In the 1980s it was also proposed to build a golf course between Luton and Pirton Roads, but Was scrapped, due to the additional traffic, parking and access to Offley Bottom farm where the clubhouse was to be built.

No matter what you propose in the way of infrastructure, the roads will become jammed elsewhere in Hitchin. The slightest road disruption currently, can cause a traffic jam in Hitchin.

The proposal for this housing and schools is no good for the future in west Hitchin.. The economy is not doing very well presently, industry does not exist and it will not improve in the next 5 years, so how can you justify building these houses and schools. How can you justify building schools in the middle of nowhere¿.schools which will be large academies with 2000 pupils each¿¿¿where are the children going to come from, unless you intend to bus the children from Hitchin and Letchworth to the middle of nowhere¿¿ ¿I thought we were trying to encourage children to walk to school, as exercise is good for them (I use to walk 2 miles a day to my school and back).

I realise that you will probably ignore my letter, as I am a tiny fish in a very big pond, and the developers are certainly more powerful than me¿.and money speaks better than

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent what I Think¿¿¿.please do not build on the Green Belt.

LDF/8311 8 Cherry Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: As proposed this site is much too large. The prospect of a decent Hitchin by-pass is enticing, but almost doubling the size of Hitchin is too high a price to pay. There is scope for a more nuanced development here, but I appreciate you're not asking that question.

LDF/8312 1 Burstow Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: With regards to the proposed "strategic sites" suggested in your Housing Options Growth Levels and Locations 2011-2031 Consultation, having never lived in or near many of the sites, I would not and do not feel comfortable discussing their suitability for development and am of the belief that residents local to these areas would be far more suited to comment on any such plans and it is for this reason that I cannot fairly complete the questionnaire provided with a clear conscience and suggest sites of "preference". I do, however, live on the outskirts of Hitchin in the area adjacent to Oughtonhead Common in the South West of Hitchin (Also one of your "strategic sites".) and frequently spend many hours of my weeks, whenever i can, appreciating the space and landscape and its beauty etc etc. Putting aside for a moment the obvious complications and problems associated with developments put forward by land owners and interested parties as opposed to appropriate development in the most suitable areas (Best Practice), I cannot help but feel that considering Oughtonhead Common for development as a thoughtless and careless wrong foot. Besides the blatant lack of infrastructure in the area and the chaos and collapse of the existing infrastructure that would inevitably ensue if the population of Hitchin were to expand by 50% with the thousands of additional vehicles piggybacking on an already to-the-hilt, congested network (Which would also probably be enough to immediately clog up any such proposed by-pass.), I am of the belief that any such development would butcher one of the last few landscapes and ecosystems in our area. I feel the Hitchin Forum have a more strong understanding of the local politics but your environmental surveys themselves identify Oughtonhead as an area sensitive to development and if you frequented the site often you would soon realise that it is one of only a handful of local sites remaining that can even attempt to provide a safe-haven for our wildlife fauna and flora (You would have to go as far as Hitchwood if you wanted to experience or show anyone what a woodland actually was/can be.). Any developments, especially of the scale proposed, would most likely be the final nail-in-the-coffin for our local wildlife, particularly the more sensitive species and those already under threat; especially in conjunction with the imminent loss of unique habitats such as the Gaping Lane allotments and its associated protected species (Slow-worms) and the knock-on effects of the loss of this rare habitat. Where is our wildlife supposed to live? It is truly a shame and quite embarrassing for our county! As it stands there is a small buffer-zone between the edges of urban Hitchin and the sensitive habitats of Oughtonhead Common, enough to separate the spaces and provide some protection and respite from human interference, and in encroaching in this area or building right up to the edge of the nature reserve, you will invariably increase the presence and activities associated with humans in the area along with all the direct and in-direct potential problems and risks that can be associated with such a presence. Nature and wildlife tends not to survive being forced in to small, restricted spaces and requires such room to breathe. Threats to such spaces would not only be detrimental for our local wildlife but also to local residents who require such green spaces for recreation, holistic interaction with our landscape and escapism, to name but a few. In other words, the loss of such spaces could have equally damaging but potentially less obvious effects on the health of local residents. I for one do not know how I would function without such spaces but could potentially be losing one nearest and dearest to my heart to inappropriate, ill-conceived development. Having observed the area since my childhood, I have often seen areas go neglected - abused -, have watched the gradual decline in wildlife species and biodiversity and waded in the river to clean out the man-made detritus at my own volition. Far from development, such sites need protecting and nurturing, not jeopardy. I implore you to have the guts, heart and sense to realise the importance of such habitats and spaces as well as the lack of sense in threatening such sites.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/8312 5 Burstow Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8322 4 Cooper Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development. Development south west hitchin will subsume charlton and narrow the strategic green belt hap between hitchin, gosmore, and st ippolyts to an unacceptable level. The preferred location for strategic housing growth should be accessible to stevenage, as new houses will be able to utilize its infrastructure, transport, and facilities, which have the capacity to take further growth.

LDF/8323 4 Cooper Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development. Development south west hitchin will subsume charlton and narrow the strategic green belt hap between hitchin, gosmore, and st ippolyts to an unacceptable level.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/8324 6 Norgan Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: A very large site, in addition to offering flexibility as to where development takes place permitting the protection of areas of particular sensitivity or interest. The proximity of some large Priority 3 non-strategic sites could permit additional development within the area utilizing the site's infrastructure.

It offers economies of scale for infrastructure and should reduce the number of off site journeys to access schools and shops, reducing pressure on the heavily congested A1 corridor road network, especially during peak times.

Hitchin has its own sewage treatment works and unlike Stevenage related sites would not require a major upgrade in sewage treatment capacity or gas pipeline supplies.

LDF/8325 3 Young Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I strongly oppose the proposed developmenton the strategic site South West of Hitchin which would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way ¿ increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000 The Hitchin site would significantly undermine the rural nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected The proposed Hitchindevelopment would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollits and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin

LDF/8328 3 Caswell Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: The excess need related to Hitchin of about 2,150 homes is minor in the context of the scale of the strategic site shown south and west of Hitchin (for 6,000 to 7,400 homes) that has been put forward as one alternative to address the needs of the District as a whole. My view is that development of all or part of this area of Green Belt would be totally unacceptable in relation to three of the purposes of the Green Belt (National Planning Policy

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Framework 2012 page 19): * To preserve the setting and special character of historic towns Hitchin has been recognised by English Heritage as an important historic town (Urban Panel Review July 2012) and by the Council for British Archaeology as of national importance. Hitchin is unusual in the retention of an extensive medieval street pattern and the close relationship of that core to the countryside. The development of the strategic site would sever the centre from its rural setting, double the physical extent of the town and increase its population by 50%. The pressure on services, facilities and the transport network would entail significant changes to the physical fabric of the town which would have a much greater impact than any benefits that might be claimed from the associated construction of a bypass. *To assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment Land Use Consultant's Landscape Sensitivity Study (LSS 2012) makes clear the significance and sensitivity of this attractive area of countryside as an open undulating valley with its small villages and isolated farms lying between the historic town and the Chilterns AONB and Langley Scarp. The town has a very clear edge along the ridge line to west and south so that even partial development into the valley would have very significant impact (which by the nature of the area could not be successfully mitigated by tree planting). The area also provides an extremely important setting for informal recreation for a town with limited open space within its built up area. * To prevent neighbouring towns merging into one another Part of the site area is also crucial in providing separation between Hitchin and Stevenage (LSS page 39); and much of it is also vital in retaining separation between Hitchin and the villages of Charlton, Gosmore, St Ippollytts, Titmore Green and Little Wymondley (LSS pages 38 and 48). 6. Alternative solutions I strongly believe that Hitchin is reaching its environmental capacity, with significant constraints in terms of its historic centre and setting. I'm astonished that the proposals envisage doubling the area of the town and increasing its population by 50%. The character of the town as a coherent community would be destroyed, and there is no way that its infrastructure would be able to cope. My argument is that the excess needs have to be met beyond Hitchin's Green Belt, particularly having regard to the contribution the town has made to the District's growth in the last ten years. If Stevenage were to seek housing sites outside its own built up area either adjacent to or within North Hertfordshire in the period up to 2031, then there could be an argument that the additional housing need from Hitchin (and Letchworth) would contribute to a sustainable development adjacent to Stevenage, depending on its location. But there are significant reasons why extensive development of two of the sites shown close to Stevenage would be undesirable: I therefore support Hitchin Forum's suggestion that development of a new settlement further north in a sustainable location with associated rail links would be worth considering. Such consideration would seem to be appropriate in the context of the government's espousal of the building of new settlements built on Garden City principles (NPPF page 13), and its expectation that Local Authorities will be co-operating: * The Stevenage and A1(M) housing sub-market area includes much of Bedfordshire (SMHA page 7) and there could be an argument for needs to be met at a new settlement elsewhere in the same functional sub-market. *Or NHDC could take account of the growing economic base of Cambridge and the related employment opportunities. It might then be appropriate to look for a new settlement in the north east of the District to meet these opportunities. A new settlement could also provide for any additional needs not met by other towns or villages in the District. I therefore urge NHDC to take the significant opportunity provided by the government's support for new settlements and co-operation between authorities, in order to break the cycle of continuous recourse to the most congested part of the District, and to undertake a more strategic planning approach to housing needs.

LDF/8329 6 Rigg Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: A very large site, in addition to offering flexibility as to where development takes place permitting the protection of areas of particular sensitivity or interest. The proximity of

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent some large Priority 3 non-strategic sites could permit additional development within the area utilizing the site's infrastructure.

Hitchin has its own sewage treatment works and unlike Stevenage related sites would not require a major upgrade in sewage treatment capacity or gas pipeline supplies.

LDF/8330 3 Caswell Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: The excess need related to Hitchin of about 2,150 homes is minor in the context of the scale of the strategic site shown south and west of Hitchin (for 6,000 to 7,400 homes) that has been put forward as one alternative to address the needs of the District as a whole. Hitchin Forum's view is that development of all or part of this area of Green Belt would be totally unacceptable in relation to three of the purposes of the Green Belt (National Planning Policy Framework 2012 page 19): To preserve the setting and special character of historic towns Hitchin has been recognised by English Heritage as an important historic town (Urban Panel Review July 2012) and by the Council for British Archaeology as of national importance. Hitchin is unusual in the retention of an extensive medieval street pattern and the close relationship of that core to the countryside. The development of the strategic site would sever the centre from its rural setting, double the physical extent of the town and increase its population by 50%. The pressure on services, facilities and the transport network would entail significant changes to the physical fabric of the town which would have a much greater impact than any benefits that might be claimed from the associated construction of a bypass. To assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment Land Use Consultant's Landscape Sensitivity Study (LSS 2012) makes clear the significance and sensitivity of this attractive area of countryside as an open undulating valley with its small villages and isolated farms lying between the historic town and the Chilterns AONB and Langley Scarp. The town has a very clear edge along the ridge line to west and south so that even partial development into the valley would have very significant impact (which by the nature of the area could not be successfully mitigated by tree planting). The area also provides an extremely important setting for informal recreation for a town with limited open space within its built up area. To prevent neighbouring towns merging into one another Part of the site area is also crucial in providing separation between Hitchin and Stevenage (LSS page 39); and much of it is also vital in retaining separation between Hitchin and the villages of Charlton, Gosmore, St Ippollytts, Titmore Green and Little Wymondley (LSS pages 38 and 48). 4. ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent A case can be made for Hitchin that it is reaching its environmental capacity, with significant constraints in terms of its historic centre and setting. The argument would be that the excess needs have to be met beyond its Green Belt. It is not yet clear how far Stevenage may be seeking housing sites outside its own built up area either adjacent to or within North Hertfordshire in the period up to 2031 (see 1.1 above). If it is, then there could be an argument that the additional housing need from Hitchin (and Letchworth) would contribute to a sustainable development adjacent to Stevenage, depending on its location. In fact the Letchworth/Hitchin/Stevenage area as a whole is becoming increasingly congested with significant difficulties in providing infrastructure and services, and with very fragile gaps between settlements. It may therefore be worth considering the development of a new settlement further north in a sustainable location with associated rail links. Such consideration would seem to be appropriate in the context of the government's espousal of the building of new settlements built on Garden City principles (NPPF page 13), and its expectation that Local Authorities will be co-operating: The Stevenage and A1(M) housing sub market area includes much of Bedfordshire (SMHA page 7) and there could be an argument for needs to be met at a new settlement elsewhere in the same functional sub market. Or NHDC could take account of the growing economic base of Cambridge and the related employment opportunities. It might then be appropriate to look for a new settlement in the north east of the District to meet these opportunities. A new settlement could also provide for any additional needs not met by other towns or villages in the District. Hitchin Forum therefore urges NHDC to take the significant opportunity provided by the government's support for new settlements and co-operation between authorities, in order to break the cycle of continuous recourse to the most congested part of the District, and to undertake a more strategic planning approach to housing needs.

LDF/8342 1 Duffy Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: As a concerned Hitchin resident, I wish to register my disagreement to the proposed house-building sites surrounding Hitchin - in particular, the land between Pirton Road and Oughtonhead Nature Reserve, and the area of land around the villages of Charlton, Gosmore and Preston. These should not be built on as they are the green 'lungs' of Hitchin and the environmental impact survey which you yourselves commissioned details this same conclusion.

LDF/8352 4 ATO Holdings Ltd Document Section: South West of Hitchin Support Representation: ATO Holdings Ltd owns approximately 170 acres within the Strategic Housing Site South West Hitchin. The company supports an allocation of South West Hitchin and, if allocated, will make its land available for development, subject to the agreement of terms. A single strategic growth allocation at South West Hitchin will, with other Non-Strategic Sites, meet the suggested housing target of 10,700 in the plan period. It also provides flexibility for greater numbers if that were required following an Inspector's Report without the need to find another location should an Inspector decide that 10,700 were insufficient. The Hitchin Strategic Location will have the critical mass to deliver improved sustainable development, provide a phased level of housing provision throughout the Plan period, and deliver long-term traffic improvements to the benefit of the Town Centre by relieving congestion.

LDF/8354 1 Dewhurst and Evison Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation:

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the areas have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command higher house prices and I do not think that this is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the Council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the District, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population, such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. ¿ Putting 7,400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to be built, in one location, namely South West of Hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would change completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely Market Town. ¿ As residents of Gosmore I am aware of increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the South West of Hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the South, but that will not prevent traffic problems within Hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become an environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. ¿ I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this South West of Hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making Hitchin into a so-called 'dormitory town'. ¿ The details of some of the proposed sites, I see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrapyard and there must be other sites around the area which are 'brownfield' so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but I believe it is the Council's job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, I see that there are a number of non-strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely Ref nos. 133, H/m02, H/m03, H/r28, H/r48 and H/r50 (and there may be others that I do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so-called 'town sites' that have not 'failed' there would be land available for 1,531 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case, I should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that it should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the District, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites. ¿ The proposal to develop from the North East of Stevenage strategic site seems best suited for the implied dwelling proposals because of the service base in Stevenage to accommodate such growth. Houses there would also be more affordable and therefore more likely to sell, given that the current economic climate is not likely to improve extensively in the foreseeable future. ¿ Within Charlton, there are on-going studies of national concern such as; ¿ on-going study to monitor birds (and other wildlife) on a site via licensed Bird Ringing and Garden BirdWatch, both of which are carried under the auspices of the British Trust for Ornithology. As an example, the data from the Ringing records, the following Red List birds (showing their percentage decline nationally) are present and/or breeding regularly on the fields immediately surrounding Charlton; Corn Bunting (87%); Grey Partridge (91%); Skylark (63%); SongThrush (50%); Linnet (76%); Lesser Redpoll (89%); Yellowhammer (57%) plus a further 14 species of birds on the Amber List, including nesting Barn Owl, Kestrel and Whitethroat. If building was allowed on the adjacent fields, birds would all but disappear, another nail in the coffin of declining farmland birds. ¿ In this area is an observatory owned and operated by a resident who holds the world record, as an individual amateur astronomer, for discovering the greatest number of variable stars. The proposed development would cause a source of light pollution and would make it much more difficult for him to continue with his work. ¿ The areas around Charlton and Gosmore and surrounding lanes are used extensively by people from Hitchin town and others for recreational use as an amenity. There are numerous walkers, joggers, dog walkers, bird watchers, horse riders etc. who enjoy using the area and who would be deprived of the beauty of the landscape and surrounding countryside and of its special wildlife, were the South West of Hitchin proposal adopted. ¿ Finally, the implementation of this proposal, even with the suggested 'buffer of undeveloped land' around the village of Charlton itself, would be an encroachment on the ancient and historic villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St. Ippolyts. This would undoubtedly be the 'thin end of the wedge' and leave the door open to loss of identity and full subsumption within Hitchin itself at some time in the future.

LDF/8358 1 Cannon

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Hasn't Hitchin already been taking most of the development in the District over the last 10 years and more? I believe that between 2001 and 2011 over 60% of the population increase in the four N Herts towns was within Hitchin. In my opinion this past development has incorporated a far too great proportion of flats to family houses & has been imbalanced. Most of the current proposed housing sites are on Hitchin's fringes & in the Green Belt . Of the current proposed housing sites, one in particular, termed a 'strategic' site because it could provide up to 7,400 houses, covers over 1000 acres around Hitchin and in the parishes of St Ippollitts and Preston. 2. Hasn't Hitchin's environmental capacity been reached? The pressure on services, facilities and the transport network would entail significant changes to the physical fabric of the town which would have much greater negative impact than any benefits that might be claimed from the possible construction of a by-pass . 3. Won't the strategic site south and west of Hitchin have significant detrimental impact on the fabric and environment of the historic town (more than would be addressed by a by-pass)? One of the purposes of the Green Belt is to preserve the setting and special character of historic towns. Hitchin is unusual in the retention of an extensive medieval street pattern in its town centre and the close relationship of that core to the countryside. Development of the so called 'strategic site' stretching from Oughtonhead Common around the west and south sides of the town right up to the Stevenage Road and potentially beyond to the railway lines site would surely sever the centre from its rural setting and increase the physical size of the town and its population by 50%. 4. Won't it also destroy the outstanding landscape, as fully set out in the Council's own landscape report? A purpose of the Green Belt is to assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment. The council's own Landscape Sensitivity Study for this area makes clear the significance and sensitivity of this attractive area of countryside as an open undulating valley with its small villages and isolated farms lying between the historic town and the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Langley Scarp. The area also provides an extremely important setting for informal recreation for a town with limited open space within its built up area. 5. Won't it also close the fragile gaps between Hitchin and the villages (and Stevenage and Letchworth?) Doesn't the Council's own report suggest that all the Green Belt sites have problems with access and/or closing the gaps? A purpose of the Green Belt is to prevent neighbouring towns merging into each other. Part of the proposed site area is crucial in providing separation between Hitchin and Stevenage, and much of it is also vital in retaining separation between Hitchin and the villages of Charlton, Gosmore, St Ippollitts, Titmore Green and Little Wymondley. Indeed, this applies equally to another proposed site, West of Stevenage which has been opposed for over a decade. 6 Some of the sites in the town may not be appropriate for the number of homes suggested (e.g. Churchgate).

LDF/8361 3 Bagenal Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: This is a massive - out of proportion development to the size of this historic market town.

LDF/8366 2 Davies Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: I believe a development on this scale would have a major impact on Pirton. General - The proposal states that this site could accommodate between 6,000 and 7,400 dwellings. This would seem to suggest increasing the size of Hitchin by around one third, which we believe would be totally unreasonable and destroy the ambiance of a desirable market town. The proposal would destroy large areas of green belt land, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Conservation Areas and several historic Rights of Way. It is a massive expansion, destroying a vast area of important countryside between Hitchin and the Hitchin Road out of Pirton. I also note that parts of the site fall within flood plains, and previous experience throughout the country would indicate that it is not very sensible to build on historic flood plains. Roads - Without a major re-design and investment in road building, the impact of this increase in the population and therefore car usage, coupled with the proposed expansion

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent of Luton Airport would be absolutely catastrophic, especially with regards to the approach to Hitchin on the A505 and B655 which at peak times, is already dreadful. Facilities ¿ The nearest Hospital is around 5½ miles away and would come under extreme pressure with this potential increase on its capacity. The accident and emergency service at the hospital is already unsatisfactory from a waiting time aspect, not helped of course by the decision to close these facilities at Welwyn Garden City. I believe that a major development of this nature will destroy important countryside, and would have an extremely negative impact on Hitchin's current character.

LDF/8368 3 Wilson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: The plan has a fundamental flaw in that it is developer and landowner led rather than being a strategic view for the area. Developers and landowners have their own interests to consider and are likely to propose sites which they own and/or maximize their profits. These sites may not best serve the needs of North Hertfordshire. I strongly oppose the proposed development on the strategic site South West of Hitchin which would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way ¿ increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. The Hitchin site would significantly undermine the rural nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. The proposed Hitchin development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. Significant issues with the development are highlighted in the council's own Landscape Sensitivity document.

LDF/8369 1 Burden Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Firstly I agree that the target of 10700 new homes built by 2031 is a realistic figure based on natural growth and the balance of likely immigration over emigration. Secondly while I support the majority of non-strategic sites in areas known to me (e.g. Hitchin, Pirton and Ickleford), I am opposed to the larger strategic sites as they would have too great an impact on the countryside and further erode the Green Belt. In particular, I am opposed to the proposed large developments to the SW and South of Hitchin (areas around Charlton and St Ippolitts). These would increase the size of the town enormously and put pressure on services and infrastructure - even a new by-pass would soon clog up with traffic at peak times surrounded by such a large development and funnelling traffic from Stevenage to Luton..

LDF/8383 3 Andrews Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: This proposal for a major urban extension to Hitchin of between 6000 & 7400 dwellings and associated infrastructure is both unsustainable and unviable as a serious option to meet NHDC housing numbers. The information set out in the options paper under Sustainability Appraisal & Strategic Environmental assessment, clearly shows that the site has far more weaknesses than strengths in terms of credentials for a viable site, but I would like to reinforce the following points;

The site is situated within a major green landscape buffer between the South west approach to Hitchin and adjacent villages. This buffer has safeguarded the surrounding countryside from encroachment and has served to preserve the historic setting of Hitchin town. The site is a designated Greenfield site, of Grade 3 Agricultural merit which is currently farmed. The combination of SSSI's, 6 wildlife sites and the site bordering the Chilterns AONB should be enough to reinforce the importance of this area to remain as a greenbelt buffer

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent to the South West of Hitchin. The proposal for a new bypass to Hitchin town, would result in a currently thriving town centre being effectively 'bypassed' by traffic which would have a detrimental impact on its vitality and commercial viability. It is worth noting that despite its proximity to both Luton and Stevenage and the many out of town shopping locations/superstores, Hitchin remains a successful and thriving shopping destination, and this is mainly due to the level of vehicular traffic able to access the town centre. To propose a bypass and consider commercial development on the edge of this town goes against both government guidance and common sense. Further, any bypass does not have the effect of acting as a defined perimeter to further growth but instead acts as the conduit for further and wider development beyond that currently envisaged. A development of this size would also impact on Junction 7&8 of the A1 north, which is already at maximum capacity at peak flows. It would further provide Luton with an excuse to seek to develop its proposed east of Luton mega-development.

LDF/8386 4 Johnstone Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8394 3 Taylor Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: The Hitchin site would significantly undermine the rural nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected · The proposed Hitchin development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollits and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin · The other proposed strategic sites are not as large in relation to the established residential areas as the proposed development for Hitchin.

LDF/8397 1 Creasey Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following: The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the area have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command high house prices and i do not think that is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the Council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the District, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population, such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent prospective residents of the area. Putting 7,400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to b built in one location, namely South West of Hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would change completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely Market Town. As a resident of Charlton, i am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the South West of Hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the South, but that will not prevent traffic problems within Hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become and environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this South West of Hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making Hitchin into a so called "dormitory town". This details of some of the proposed sites, i see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrap yard and there must be other sites around the area which are "brownfield" so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but i believe it is the Council's job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, i see that there are a number of non-strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely Ref nos. 133, H/m02, H/m03, H/r28. H/r48 and H/r50 ( and there may be others that i do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so-called "town sites" that have not "failed" there would be land available for 1,531 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case i should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that i should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the District, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites.

LDF/8398 4 Cowley Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: The following comments relate to the South West Hitchin proposal only I strongly oppose the proposed development on the strategic site South West of Hitchin which would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way ¿ increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000 (~50%) The Hitchin site would significantly undermine the rural nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected The proposed Hitchin development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollits and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin It seems inevitable that transportation costs will rise due to increased fuel costs, which brings into doubt the sustainability of the current commuter-driven model. This is not a joined up proposal in terms of housing & employment ¿ to consider each independently seems very short sited. I am concerned that the train station and associated road networks do not have sufficient capacity at present to cope with the current volume of traffic and commuters, let alone the additional volume of commuters that would be generated by the proposed substantial increase in housing. Rail transport does not appear to have been considered in this review, only road. I am concerned how the new development would affect the catchment areas for the schools, both in Hitchin presently and the new ones that will be built as part of the strategic development. Will some of the current catchment areas be altered to take account of the new schooling provision? As I believe that myself and other new parents that currently live in the town would wish their children to attend one of the current schools in Hitchin as their reputation is well known and guaranteed, rather than allow them to attend a new school with an unproven track record. I am concerned at the probable lack of control that the council will have on the aesthetics of the houses, and other buildings, which will be built. I cite Great Ashby as an example of what I would NOT wish to see on the outskirts of Hitchin ¿ high density & poor provision for parking of cars (a must as there will be no local employment). Hitchin has a distinctive and well preserved style of building and to develop any new housing which is incongruent with this established style would serve to diminish and devalue Hitchin as an exemplar and highly respected historic market town.

LDF/8500 8 North Hertfordshire District Council (Estates) Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: The District Council owns freehold land HD1991 and HD489272 of approximately 3.15 hectares that is within the location of proposal site south west of Hitchin. The District Council owns other land in the immediate area that is outside the proposal for south west of Hitchin. The District Council has not yet considered options for disposal of the 3.15 acre site that is within proposal site south west of Hitchin. If it was agreed to sell some or all of the 3.15 acre site access could be provided between numbers 76 and 78 Hine Way and 110 and 112 Hine Way, Hitchin.

LDF/8502 1 Clarke Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Such an enormous development in the Green Belt here would place an intolerable burden on the environment, the residents bordering the development, the infrastructure and the whole of the town. It involves building right up to the edge of Oughtonhead Common, a Local Nature Reserve which has recently been transformed thanks to the voluntary efforts of many local people. While we are sure that the other North Hertfordshire towns would be delighted for Hitchin to be trashed so that their town could remain largely unchanged, this does not reflect any form of planning sense let alone strategic planning. Equally unpersuasive is the notion that if the developer promises a bypass we should fall into his arms - it is nonsensical.

LDF/8503 1 Scoot Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We decided to write to you rather than fill in your questionnaire because basically we disagree with most of the proposals put forward by the local council. My husband and I

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent have always regarded Hitchin as a little gem of a town surrounded by what has been regarded as some of the finest countryside in the whole of Hertfordshire. I am a fourth generation resident of Hitchin and was shocked and extremely disappointed to learn of the vast swather of beautiful local countryside that is being proposed for redevelopment. This is why we must list the following objections to any expansion of Hitchin:- 1. Hitchin has always been regarded as a quaint, unique market town with many historic streets, houses and historic connections, not forgetting that it was here before the Doomsday book. Because of its unique position in Hertfordshire it would be totally spoilt if turned into a concrete jungle like so many other towns. We believe Hitchin would lose its identity completely. 2. In our opinion within 20 years the town would be linked too closely with both Stevenage and Luton. Two towns that do not resemble at all with the historic setting of the town of Hitchin. God forbid this should happen! (as you are proposing to do with many small hamlets and villages). 3. Wildlife would be badly affected for years to come. 4. Who are these houses for? This needs to be fully explained to all the residents of Hitchin. Our town is not growing as the rate of the amount of houses that are proposed. There was a time when local communities built properties for local resident. 5. Why cross the natural barrier between Hitchin and Stevenage i.e. the A1(M)? 6. Never heard of New Road Developments Ltd. Who say they own some of the land. Who are they and what land do they own? 7. Villages and hamlets would be swallowed up. They undoubtedly would not want to be surrounded by large areas of houses, community centres, schools etc, etc. They are part of the charm of Great Britain. 8. How is it that the High Court over through the planning application of the West of Stevenage and all of a sudden is back on the drawing board. How can this possibly happen? 9. Green Belt land should be the last resort of any development. Once it's gone it's gone for good. All brownfield land should be exhausted first. In conclusion Hitchin has just been named as the 9th best town in the country (mentioned in the comet 21/3/1013). If your proposals were fully carried out Hitchin would just become an urban sprawl.

LDF/8504 7 Barker Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Development South West Hitchin will subsume Charlton and narrow the strategic Green Belt gap between Hitchin, Gosmore and St Ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm areas of high landscape value. Development North East Stevenage is poorly related to meet North Herts needs, is of ecological, archaeological importance and is of high landscape value. Access to the site is wholly inadequate and any new link road would have many other negative impacts.

LDF/8505 6 Barker Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Development South West Hitchin will subsume Charlton and narrow the strategic Green Belt gap between Hitchin, Gosmore and St Ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm areas of high landscape value. Development North East Stevenage is poorly related to meet North Herts needs, is of ecological, archaeological importance and is of high landscape value. Access to the site is wholly inadequate and any new link road would have many other negative impacts.

LDF/8506 4 Lipinski Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation:

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Development South West Hitchin will subsume Charlton and narrow the strategic Green Belt gap between Hitchin, Gosmore and St Ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm areas of high landscape value. Development North East Stevenage is poorly related to meet North Herts needs, is of ecological, archaeological importance and is of high landscape value. Access to the site is wholly inadequate and any new link road would have many other negative impacts.

LDF/8507 1 Mander Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We do not accept there is a major need for more housing. The government should be reducing immigration and encouraging smaller families, especially at a time of such major world wide recession. What are those elected doing to safeguard our Countryside and National Heritage? We do not believe the figure of around 10,700 dwellings is necessary. But if additional housing is required then it should NEVER encroach on precious Green Belt land. This should be protected at all cost. The last fifty years of growth has seen our countryside eroded at an alarming rate. Villages have been lost to sprawling urban developments and now small towns are becoming engulfed in larger metropolises. Hitchin will grow in size by 50% and our once picturesque market town will soon become a mere suburb of Stevenage in the same way that, say Bletchley is merely a part of the sprawling monstrosity that is Milton Keynes. Hitchin will soon be engulfed by Stevenage to the East, and once the Airport grows, it will soon merge into Luton. If development continues as it has since the war, another fifty years time, Hertfordshire will simply be part of North London. We are simply caretakers of this once Green and Pleasant Land for future generations to come and our forefathers died fighting to protect it. Apart from the destruction of the environment, and the loss of our valuable Green Belt, there is never any consideration for the wildlife that will suffer as the concrete invasion spreads ever closer to the anticipated expansion of Luton Airport - one can only wonder how long it will be before the two developments meet in the middle. The B656 cannot handle this increase. This country lane is a major commuter route which is extremely busy during the morning and evening rush hours. It is used by commuter travelling South who are forced to avoid an already over crowded A1. Bottlenecks already exist in Codicote and Welwyn where commuters struggle to join the A1 further south, and Langley and the hamlets on route will suffer. As a dormitory town, Hitchin cannot offer employment to the major parts of its residents and its current catchment area, therefore it isn't rocket science to see that with these ridiculous new proposals, the area will see a massive increase in the volume of commuter traffic. Hitchin's infrastructure simply cannot support such a huge increase. The Pressure on services, facilities and the transport network would entail significant changes to the town. This would have a worse impact than any benefit from the construction of a bypass, ruining yet more Green Belt. If those who have drawn up these plans feel there is a need for extra housing, then it should be within existing urban developments. There is sufficient in-fill land in this County to satisfy any new building requirements without further encroachment on our valuable Green Belt. Frankly these plans send shivers down my spine as they resemble a cancer eating its way through the heart of this land. Unfortunately I believe this whole exercise is a futile waste of time, designed to placate the protesters and in the end, unfortunately, common sense will never prevail when there is money to be made. While the decision on whether or not to desecrate Green Belt is in the lands of Fat Cat Developers and Councillors happy to accept a back-hander in order for these plans to go through, the future of our Green Belt Heritage is in danger of going the same way as the Dinosaurs. For the sake of future generations the erosion of our Green Belt must stop - and it must stop NOW!

LDF/8509 7 Barker Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Development South West Hitchin will subsume Charlton and narrow the Strategic greenbelt gap between Hitchin, Gosmore and St Ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent areas of high landscape value.

LDF/8511 4 Matthews Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: This area, representing an increase of around 50% in Hitchin would totally destroy the local, market character of Hitchin. It is in the green belt and destroy the rural atmosphere of Hitchin.

LDF/8519 1 Sander Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following: The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the area have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command high house prices and i do not think that is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the Council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the District, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population, such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7,400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to b built in one location, namely South West of Hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would change completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely Market Town. As a resident of Charlton, i am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the South West of Hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the South, but that will not prevent traffic problems within Hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become and environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this South West of Hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making Hitchin into a so called "dormitory town". This details of some of the proposed sites, i see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrap yard and there must be other sites around the area which are "brownfield" so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but i believe it is the Council's job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, i see that there are a number of non-strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely Ref nos. 133, H/m02, H/m03, H/r28. H/r48 and H/r50 ( and there may be others that i do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so-called "town sites" that have not "failed" there would be land available for 1,531 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case i should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that i should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the District, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites. · The proposal to develop from the North East of Stevenage strategic site seems best suited for the implied dwelling proposals of the service base in Stevenage to accommodate such growth. Houses there would also be more affordable and therefore more likely to sell, given that the current economic climate is not likely to improve extensively in the foreseeable future. · Within Charlton, there are on-going studies of national concern such as; on-going study to monitor birds (and other wildlife) on a site via licensed Bird Ringing and Garden Birdwatch, both of which are carried under the auspices of the British Trust for Ornithology. As an example, the date from the Ringing records, the following Red List birds (showing their percentage decline nationally) are present and/or breeding regularly on the fields immediately surround Charlton; Corn Bunting (87%) Grey Partridge (91%) Skylark (63%) Song Thrush (50%) Linnet (76%) Lesser Redpoll (89%) Yellowhammer

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LDF/8520 1 Rogerson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following: The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the area have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command high house prices and i do not think that is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the Council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the District, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population, such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7,400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to b built in one location, namely South West of Hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would change completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely Market Town. As a resident of Charlton, i am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the South West of Hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the South, but that will not prevent traffic problems within Hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become and environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this South West of Hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making Hitchin into a so called "dormitory town". This details of some of the proposed sites, i see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrap yard and there must be other sites around the area which are "brownfield" so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but i believe it is the Council's job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, i see that there are a number of non-strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely Ref nos. 133, H/m02, H/m03, H/r28. H/r48 and H/r50 ( and there may be others that i do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so-called "town sites" that have not "failed" there would be land available for 1,531 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case i should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that i should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the District, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites. · The proposal to develop from the North East of Stevenage strategic site seems best suited for the implied dwelling proposals of the service base in Stevenage to accommodate such growth. Houses there would also be more affordable and therefore more likely to sell, given that the current economic climate is not likely to improve extensively in the foreseeable future. · Within Charlton, there are on-going studies of national concern such as;

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LDF/8521 1 Thompson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following: The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the area have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command high house prices and i do not think that is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the Council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the District, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population, such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7,400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to b built in one location, namely South West of Hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would change completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely Market Town. As a resident of Charlton, i am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the South West of Hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the South, but that will not prevent traffic problems within Hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become and environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this South West of Hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making Hitchin into a so called "dormitory town". This details of some of the proposed sites, i see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrap yard and there must be other sites around the area which are "brownfield" so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but i believe it is the Council's job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, i see that there are a number of non-strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely Ref nos. 133, H/m02, H/m03, H/r28. H/r48 and H/r50 ( and there may be others that i do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so-called "town sites" that have not "failed" there would be land available for 1,531 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case i should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that i should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the District, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites. · The proposal to develop from the North East of Stevenage strategic site seems best suited for the implied dwelling proposals of the service base in Stevenage to

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent accommodate such growth. Houses there would also be more affordable and therefore more likely to sell, given that the current economic climate is not likely to improve extensively in the foreseeable future. · Within Charlton, there are on-going studies of national concern such as; on-going study to monitor birds (and other wildlife) on a site via licensed Bird Ringing and Garden Birdwatch, both of which are carried under the auspices of the British Trust for Ornithology. As an example, the date from the Ringing records, the following Red List birds (showing their percentage decline nationally) are present and/or breeding regularly on the fields immediately surround Charlton; Corn Bunting (87%) Grey Partridge (91%) Skylark (63%) Song Thrush (50%) Linnet (76%) Lesser Redpoll (89%) Yellowhammer (57%) plus a further 14 species of birds on the Amber List, including nesting Barn Owl, Kestrel and Whitethroat. If building was allowed on the adjacent fields, birds would all but disappear, another nail in the coffin of declining farmland birds. In this area is an obervatory owned and operated by a resident who holds the world record, as an individual amateur astronomer, for discovering the greatest number of variable stars. The proposed development would cause a source of light pollution and would make it much more difficult for him to continue with this work. The areas around Charlton and Temple End are used extensively by people from Hitchin town and others for recreational use as an amenity. There are number walkers, joggers, dog walkers, bird watchers, horse riders etc. who enjoy using the area and who would be deprived of the beauty of the landscape and surrounding countryside and of its special wildlife, were the South West of Hitchin proposal adopted. Finally, the implementation of this proposal, even with the suggested "buffer of undeveloped land" around the village of Charlton itself, would be an encroachment on the ancient and historic villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St Ippolyts. This would undoubtedly be the "thin end of the wedge" and leave he door open to loss of identity and full subsumption within Hitchin itself at some time in the future. Therefore, on all the above grounds, i wish to register my objection to the South West of Hitchin housing proposal.

LDF/8522 1 Thompson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following: The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the area have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command high house prices and i do not think that is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the Council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the District, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population, such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7,400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to b built in one location, namely South West of Hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would change completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely Market Town. As a resident of Charlton, i am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the South West of Hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the South, but that will not prevent traffic problems within Hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become and environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this South West of Hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making Hitchin into a so called "dormitory town". This details of some of the proposed sites, i see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrap yard and there must be other sites around the area which are "brownfield" so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield site, but i believe it is the Council's job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, i see that there are a number of non-strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely Ref nos. 133, H/m02, H/m03, H/r28. H/r48 and H/r50 ( and there may be others that i do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so-called "town sites" that have not "failed" there would be land

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent available for 1,531 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case i should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that i should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the District, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites. · The proposal to develop from the North East of Stevenage strategic site seems best suited for the implied dwelling proposals of the service base in Stevenage to accommodate such growth. Houses there would also be more affordable and therefore more likely to sell, given that the current economic climate is not likely to improve extensively in the foreseeable future. · Within Charlton, there are on-going studies of national concern such as; on-going study to monitor birds (and other wildlife) on a site via licensed Bird Ringing and Garden Birdwatch, both of which are carried under the auspices of the British Trust for Ornithology. As an example, the date from the Ringing records, the following Red List birds (showing their percentage decline nationally) are present and/or breeding regularly on the fields immediately surround Charlton; Corn Bunting (87%) Grey Partridge (91%) Skylark (63%) Song Thrush (50%) Linnet (76%) Lesser Redpoll (89%) Yellowhammer (57%) plus a further 14 species of birds on the Amber List, including nesting Barn Owl, Kestrel and Whitethroat. If building was allowed on the adjacent fields, birds would all but disappear, another nail in the coffin of declining farmland birds. In this area is an obervatory owned and operated by a resident who holds the world record, as an individual amateur astronomer, for discovering the greatest number of variable stars. The proposed development would cause a source of light pollution and would make it much more difficult for him to continue with this work. The areas around Charlton and Temple End are used extensively by people from Hitchin town and others for recreational use as an amenity. There are number walkers, joggers, dog walkers, bird watchers, horse riders etc. who enjoy using the area and who would be deprived of the beauty of the landscape and surrounding countryside and of its special wildlife, were the South West of Hitchin proposal adopted. Finally, the implementation of this proposal, even with the suggested "buffer of undeveloped land" around the village of Charlton itself, would be an encroachment on the ancient and historic villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St Ippolyts. This would undoubtedly be the "thin end of the wedge" and leave he door open to loss of identity and full subsumption within Hitchin itself at some time in the future. Therefore, on all the above grounds, i wish to register my objection to the South West of Hitchin housing proposal.

LDF/8523 1 The Charlton Society Residents Association Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: We object and refute the development proposals to the SW of Hitchin based upon the following: The proposed strategic sites developments are situated in the already heavily developed and congested southern part of the North Herts District. This has resulted from the fact that the area have been suggested by developers who, not surprisingly, would prefer to build in places which would command high house prices and i do not think that is an appropriate way to decide where new housing should be built. It is the duty of the Council to produce a plan which would allocate the areas on a strategic and more equitable basis throughout the District, so as to obviate many of the problems of over-population, such as traffic and water and sewerage problems, both for the existing and the prospective residents of the area. Putting 7,400 houses, which is 83% of the 8,910 houses remaining to b built in one location, namely South West of Hitchin, is out of all proportion. Such a development, adding about 50% to its current size, would change completely the nature of Hitchin as a lovely Market Town. As a resident of Charlton, i am aware of (and affected by) the decreasing supply of water and increasing traffic problems which have come about over the years. I know that the South West of Hitchin proposal includes a huge bypass to the South, but that will not prevent traffic problems within Hitchin being heavily exacerbated even if new smaller roads are built. I believe that the sewage and water problems would become and environmental nightmare were this development to go ahead and one takes into account the huge extra numbers of people living in Hitchin, not to mention the horrendous congestion on the roads that would most certainly follow. I also understand that many of the new dwellings would be expected to accommodate people who are working elsewhere and it would be a disaster if this South West of Hitchin proposal were allowed to happen, thus making Hitchin into a so called "dormitory town". This details of some of the proposed sites, i see that 1000 dwellings are suggested for Rush Green on what is currently a scrap yard and there must be other sites around the area which are "brownfield" so that there would be much less to go on the greenfield sites proposed. For developers it is obviously easier to start from scratch on a greenfield

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent site, but i believe it is the Council's job to find as many brownfield sites as possible to promote and thus to try to preserve as much of the green belt as they can. Further to this, i see that there are a number of non-strategic sites in Hitchin which appear to be brownfield; namely Ref nos. 133, H/m02, H/m03, H/r28. H/r48 and H/r50 ( and there may be others that i do not recognise as such) and these alone make a total of 279 dwellings. Were you to count all the so-called "town sites" that have not "failed" there would be land available for 1,531 dwellings in Hitchin alone. That being the case i should imagine, without going through all the plans in detail, that i should be possible to find the vast majority of new dwellings by doing a similar exercise throughout the District, thus leaving very few houses needing to be built outside of brownfield sites. · The proposal to develop from the North East of Stevenage strategic site seems best suited for the implied dwelling proposals of the service base in Stevenage to accommodate such growth. Houses there would also be more affordable and therefore more likely to sell, given that the current economic climate is not likely to improve extensively in the foreseeable future. · Within Charlton, there are on-going studies of national concern such as; on-going study to monitor birds (and other wildlife) on a site via licensed Bird Ringing and Garden Birdwatch, both of which are carried under the auspices of the British Trust for Ornithology. As an example, the date from the Ringing records, the following Red List birds (showing their percentage decline nationally) are present and/or breeding regularly on the fields immediately surround Charlton; Corn Bunting (87%) Grey Partridge (91%) Skylark (63%) Song Thrush (50%) Linnet (76%) Lesser Redpoll (89%) Yellowhammer (57%) plus a further 14 species of birds on the Amber List, including nesting Barn Owl, Kestrel and Whitethroat. If building was allowed on the adjacent fields, birds would all but disappear, another nail in the coffin of declining farmland birds. In this area is an obervatory owned and operated by a resident who holds the world record, as an individual amateur astronomer, for discovering the greatest number of variable stars. The proposed development would cause a source of light pollution and would make it much more difficult for him to continue with this work. The areas around Charlton and Temple End are used extensively by people from Hitchin town and others for recreational use as an amenity. There are number walkers, joggers, dog walkers, bird watchers, horse riders etc. who enjoy using the area and who would be deprived of the beauty of the landscape and surrounding countryside and of its special wildlife, were the South West of Hitchin proposal adopted. Finally, the implementation of this proposal, even with the suggested "buffer of undeveloped land" around the village of Charlton itself, would be an encroachment on the ancient and historic villages of Charlton, Gosmore and St Ippolyts. This would undoubtedly be the "thin end of the wedge" and leave he door open to loss of identity and full subsumption within Hitchin itself at some time in the future. Therefore, on all the above grounds, i wish to register my objection to the South West of Hitchin housing proposal.

LDF/8527 3 Wilkins Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8528 2 Fraser Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: South/West of Hitchin, and West/North of Stevenage should never even be considered as the destruction of natural beauty and local character, the existing villages, and

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent sustainability are unacceptable and ruinous at these sites.

LDF/8529 5 New Road Property Development Ltd Optimis Consulting Ltd Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: In terms of South West Hitchin we recognise that it is desirable to have further information regarding the site including relating to transport and masterplanning. More technical data will be provided to present a clearer vision of the site and what it can achieve.

Nonetheless it should be noted that the site is 442 hectares and as such is capable of providing a considerable number of dwellings. It is also sufficiently large that it is possible to masterplan around constraints. Part of the site was identified in the CS Preferred options paper.

We support the general comments made about South West Hitchin in the Local Plan 2011-2031 Housing Options Growth Levels and Locations 2011-2031 Consultation Paper February 2013.

This site would constitute an urban extension to Hitchin comprising around 6000-7400 homes. As part of the site new neighbourhood centres, schools, businesses and a southern bypass would be included. It is the only strategic site which is capable of bringing this level of investment to Hitchin and inwards into North Hertfordshire.

South West Hitchin could be developed into a series of new neighbourhoods each with an individual design code which would provide a good environment. This would also enable each new neighbourhood to have a community feel, rather than of disconnected urban sprawl which is the danger of other strategic sites. All of the new development would be close to Hitchin town centre and would provide support for the renaissance of the town centre.

The site would not simply be a huge extension and urban sprawl. Instead it would be carefully and sensitively packaged up into neighbourhoods which have a positive relationship with the wider town. Bypass and Transport South West Hitchin is the only site put forward at this stage which is capable of delivering the bypass between the A505 Offley Road to the A602 Wymondley bypass.

The Stevenage UTP conducted by Aecom in 2008 states that 44% of traffic through Hitchin is through traffic with no destination in Hitchin town. The bypass would therefore have a significant positive impact on the congestion in Hitchin and the positive effects that go hand in hand with that, such as improving the air quality and decreasing pollution.

Although the exact location of the bypass has not been set this is the only site which would be capable of providing the necessary funding for the bypass, unless CIL were used. Currently the bypass is not included on the CIL infrastructure levy and if it were then other forms of needed infrastructure would be jeopardised. The bypass submitted in November 2012 is only indicative.

The bypass would create a natural boundary to Hitchin beyond which it would be illogical to extend. This would therefore create a substantial barrier which when coupled with the green belt designation would help to ensure that Hitchin would not grow uncontrolled.

With or without the bypass the South West Hitchin site is a logical site for development for a number of reasons. Clearly without the bypass there will be a tipping point regarding how much development can take place. It is noted that mitigation works are proposed and more technical analysis will be required to show the quantity of development which can take place without the bypass. Investment into the Town & Connectivity to the Town centre

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent

The Core Strategy Preferred Options Paper of 2007 highlights that the Council believes, based on its Town Centre and Retail Study that 'Expansion of retail in Hitchin and renewal of the town centre would also be healthy to minimise the loss of trade to nearby larger towns'.

Expansion near to the south west around the town centre of Hitchin would rebalance the town centre's location within the town. Currently due to the location of development Hitchin town centre is on the edge of the town, development to the north west would put the town centre back at the heart of the town and make it an inward looking town with the town centre being its core which would help to protect it from the loss of trade to nearby larger towns. Hitchin has recently lost its court forcing reliance on courts in Bedford and Luton which are out of the District. It is important that Hitchin regains a sense of prominence so that it does not suffer from residents being overly outward looking creating a less important centre.

Development around the Westmill Estate of Hitchin will help to provide support from new residents for the regeneration of the John Barker Place on the Westmill Estate which was highlighted as indeed of regeneration in the 2007 Core Strategy Preferred Options Paper.

The connectivity to the railway station is recognised as a priority and further work can be undertaken to address any concerns regarding this matter. Landscaping

Although the site comprises some green wedges, the site does actually offer the opportunity to retain some green wedges and it also offers the opportunity to increase access to the area of outstanding natural beauty and increase footpaths in the area.

Additionally the area is sensitive the scale of it is such that it can provide environmental benefits and the Green Infrastructure identified. It is also possible to split the site into different units as demonstrated by the Landscape assessment. The landscape assessment notes that the sensitivity of the landscape varies and on a site of this scale it is possible to masterplan to take that on board sensitively. Mix of units More housing has been identified as required for affordable housing, the aging population and homes for younger people in the CS Preferred options paper. A site of this scale offers a mixture of housing to be secured without having to rely solely on smaller sites which may not come forward. Of course viability will have to be established, particularly as regards the bypass. Changes since 2007 Preferred Options The Core Strategy Preferred Options Paper of September 2007 discounted the South West Hitchin site because the number of houses required to fund the bypass was considered too high a price, however this location is a suitable location for sustainable growth which brings benefits regardless of the bypass.

It should also be noted that several key factors have changed since 2007 which responds to the issues raised at that date. The East of England Plan has now been revoked and as such the question of spatial planning is one for each district, borough or metropolitan council to consider. Looking at the spatial analysis above, South West Hitchin is in fact a suitable and appropriate site in spatial terms looking at the District as a whole and defined entity.

It was also considered in 2007 that growth at Hitchin was not supported by the East of England Plan and could undermine the proposed growth aspirations of nearby Stevenage. With the revocation of the East of England Plan, South West Hitchin is an entirely appropriate location for development to meet the needs of NHDC. Growth at Hitchin would not undermine the proposed growth aspirations of nearby Stevenage at this point in time.

LDF/8531 3 Childs Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Printed: 28/06/2013 09:12:56 Representations for Housing Options Growth Levels and Locations 2011-2031

Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development. 6. Traffic flow in the area is already very slow during the rush hour. Further housing development would only exacerbate this situation.

LDF/8533 5 Keep Hitchin Special Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: This should NOT be considered one site. Any idea that this band encircling south west Hitchin could form one new community is ludicrous.

The total area should be considered as potentially separate neighbourhoods: Aa)North of Oughtonhead Way Ab)Oughtenhead Way to A505 Luton Ac)A505 to Gosmore Road Ad)London Rd to A602 Ae)North of A602

The prime consideration is the effects of additional internally generated traffic on internal roads in Hitchin as all of the new areas would not offer employment and so would generate commuting, vastly increasing traffic flows to Hitchin Station and onto A602 towards A1(M) at Coreys Mill.

As the background papers inform, traffic is expected to grow by 40 % over 20 years from inceased car ownership and usage. Any additional increase in traffic from West of Hitchin (areas Aa and Ab) seems likely to lead to need to blast Fishponds Rd westwards up Maxwell's Path to create direct access between Area Aa and Hitchin's inner ring road (Fishponds Rd / Verulam Rd / Queens Street / Priory Bypass / Old Park Rd / Bedford Rd). Although creating an inner ring roads in a town is common when traffic increases, a constant stream of traffic around the trown centre would damage the character of Hitchin.

The traffic assessment provided that concludes that increased traffic from a 50% increase in Hitchin's population could be accepted if minor alteration are made to a few key junctions appears ridiculous. Traffic already queues far down the main access roads in rush hours.

Area Aa ¿ north of Oughtonhead Way ¿ wraps around Westmill Estate and would have no access to the main road (A600 Bedford) without using residential estate roads. (Area a would also stress the Nature Reserve without adding significantly to housing).

Area Ab - Oughtenhead Way to A505 Luton ¿ would be served only by Pirton Rd and A505. Leakage to residential roads (Redhill Rd and Grays Lane) would be inevitable. All access into town would be flow through the Library roundabout, already heavily congested. Addition of lights and slip ways could not solve the problems.

Area Ac - A505 to Gosmore ¿ could only be a vast spawling suburb, detrimental to the character of Hitchin.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent

Areas Ad and Ae would have reasonable access into and away from Hitchin but are too far from the town centre to avoid being suburbs. There appear no positive planning reasons for developing those areas.

IN summary, Hitchin cannot offer any strategic site without damage to its character and environmental quality.

LDF/8534 3 Laing, Hill and Hudson Warmingtons Document Section: South West of Hitchin Support Representation: We are supportive of the south-west of Hitchin Strategic Site but note that as shown upon the accompanying plan, there is a very narrow gap between Hitchin and Gosmore in the area of Pound Farm.

LDF/8535 3 Childs Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development. 6. Hitchin is a unique, historical market town. The proposed development would destroy the character of the town. 7. Schools in the area are already heavily over-subscribed.

LDF/8538 1 Hart Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Over the last 10 or more years, Hitchin has taken a disproportionate share of the District's new housing, with more than half the population increase concentrated in the town, most of it in flats. The town is changing, in danger of becoming a dormitory area. It is because of this concentration of the District's recent growth in Hitchin that there are now so few sites available within its borders for the family housing needed. Non strategic sites within Hitchin's built up area are likely to contribute only about 250 homes, leaving the remaining perceived need to be accommodated within the Green Belt. The huge scale of the strategic site shown in the Green Belt to the south and west of Hitchin (for 6,000 to 7,400 homes) that has been put forward as one alternative to address the needs of the District as a whole would be totally unacceptable: It would double the physical extent of the town, increasing its population by 50% and changing its nature for ever. The pressure on services, facilities and the transport network would entail significant changes to the physical fabric of the town which would have a much greater impact than any benefits that might be claimed from the associated construction of a bypass. It would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chilterns AONB and both would be adversely affected.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Part of the site area is crucial in providing separation between Hitchin and Stevenage, and between Hitchin and the villages of Charlton, Gosmore, St Ippollytts, Titmore Green and Little Wymondley. The area includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings, good agricultural land. The Land Use Consultants' Landscape Sensitivity Study makes clear the significance and sensitivity of this attractive area of countryside as an open undulating valley with its small villages and isolated farms lying between the historic town and the Chilterns AONB and Langley Scarp. The town has a very clear edge along the ridge line to west and south so that even partial development into the valley would have very significant impact (which by the nature of the area could not be successfully mitigated by tree planting). The area also provides an extremely important setting for informal recreation for a town with limited open space within its built up area. Alternative solutions A case can be made that Hitchin is reaching its environmental capacity, with significant constraints in terms of its historic centre and setting. The argument would be that the excess needs have to be met beyond its Green Belt. It is not yet clear how far Stevenage may be seeking housing sites outside its own built up area either adjacent to or within North Hertfordshire in the period up to 2031. If it is, then there could be an argument that the additional housing need from Hitchin (and Letchworth) would contribute to a sustainable development adjacent to Stevenage, depending on its location. In fact the Letchworth/Hitchin/Stevenage area as a whole is becoming increasingly congested with significant difficulties in providing infrastructure and services, and with very fragile gaps between settlements.

LDF/8543 8 Gould Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Hitchin is already assessed as a poor self containment area (below 50% of residents work in the town). Housing targets based on employment led strategy must be adhered to in order to prevent Hitchin increasingly becoming a dormitory town. Hitchin has life and character precisely because businesses, in and around the town, together with their employees are active citizens of the town. This development is obviously developer led and would change the nature of the town in which current residents have chosen to live because of its particular character. It is out of all proportion for a town that has successfully grown organically for centuries. The sustainability appraisal summary provided by the LDF Team of NHDC (Land allocation Hitchin site 37 dated July 2009) sets out convincingly that the weakness of the proposal significantly outweigh any advantage. So also do paragraphs 2.10-2.14, 2.16 and 2.17 of the NH Local Plan 2013-2031. Ina addition to the weaknesses set out numerous existing rights of way provide much used informal recreation for a town which possesses very limited open space within its built up area. Being a greenbelt the area covered by this preserves the setting and special character of the historic town of Hitchin. The site is a significant distance from the railway station. Without significant new employment opportunities introduced to the town new residents will drive to the station to commute to London, so creating considerably worse parking issues at and around the station, which the developer will not be addressing/funding solutions. No figures have been presented to show the proportion of traffic on the Wymondley Bypass that subsequently continues to (i) Luton /M1 and (ii) Bedford. It is not therefore possible to know to whether the developer funded bypass would relieve traffic on the Stevenage Road by a significant amount. However, the suggested bypass would create an A1/M1 link of similar length to that at Hatfield, and the final before the A1 and M1 diverge and open up a fast cross county access to the M1 from East Anglia. It would attract an large quantity of traffic very close to a built up area with no economic benefit to North Hertfordshire.

LDF/8545 2 Cooper Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: South West of Hitchin expansion would encroach on the Green belt & encompass several villages. There is already a problem with the capacity of the drainage system in this

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent part of Hitchin. Many of the town's primary schools are already at full capacity & are being expanded as far as practicable in order to accommodate the existing children within the town, which will lead in turn to an overwhelmed senior school sector. The very nature of a Market Town of this size would be severely compromised by an expansion of anything approaching the proposed scale.

LDF/8546 4 Hammond Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: The site proposed in Hitchin is not sustainable. This would completely change the character of this small market town. The road network and associated services are inadequate for this type of development.

LDF/8547 7 Jones Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Rush green village is in commercial and industrial use; its redevelopment with sensitive landscaping will improve the appearance of the area. Its proximity to west stevenage with a road linkage and connectivity will provide a high-level accessibility to amenities, services, and transport

LDF/8551 4 Garrod Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8552 4 Moore Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development

LDF/8553 4 Morgan Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8554 3 Marshall Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8555 3 Worbey Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8556 6 Perrin Document Section: South West of Hitchin

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Comment Representation: Development south west Hitchin will subsume Charlton and narrow the strategic green belt gap between Hitchin, Gosmore, and St Ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm area of high landscape value

LDF/8557 6 Green Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development south west Hitchin will subsume Charlton and narrow the strategic green belt gap between Hitchin, Gosmore, and St Ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm area of high landscape value.

LDF/8558 6 Bury Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development south west Hitchin will subsume Charlton and narrow the strategic green belt gap between Hitchin, Gosmore, and St Ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm area of high landscape value. The scale of development proposed is disproportionate to the size of Hitchin.

LDF/8559 6 Walters Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development south west Hitchin will subsume Charlton and narrow the strategic green belt gap between Hitchin, Gosmore, and St Ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm area of high landscape value.

LDF/8560 6 Coward Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development south west hitchin will subsume charlton and narrow the strategic green belt gap between hitchin, gosmore, and st ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm area of high landscape value.

LDF/8561 6 Green Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development south west hitchin will subsume charlton and narrow the strategic green belt gap between hitchin, gosmore, and st ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm area of high landscape value.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/8562 6 Evans Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development south west hitchin will subsume charlton and narrow the strategic green belt gap between hitchin, gosmore, and st ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm area of high landscape value. The scale of development proposed is disproportionate to the size of Hitchin.

LDF/8563 6 Madgin Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development south west hitchin will subsume charlton and narrow the strategic green belt gap between hitchin, gosmore, and st ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm area of high landscape value.

LDF/8564 6 Madgin Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development south west hitchin will subsume charlton and narrow the strategic green belt gap between hitchin, gosmore, and st ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm area of high landscape value.

LDF/8565 6 Burt Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development south west hitchin will subsume charlton and narrow the strategic green belt gap between hitchin, gosmore, and st ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm area of high landscape value.

LDF/8566 6 Green Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development south west hitchin will subsume charlton and narrow the strategic green belt gap between hitchin, gosmore, and st ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm area of high landscape value.

LDF/8567 6 Whyman Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development south west hitchin will subsume charlton and narrow the strategic green belt gap between hitchin, gosmore, and st ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent area of high landscape value.

LDF/8568 6 Cope Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development south west hitchin will subsume charlton and narrow the strategic green belt gap between hitchin, gosmore, and st ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm area of high landscape value.

LDF/8569 6 Jones Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development south west hitchin will subsume charlton and narrow the strategic green belt gap between hitchin, gosmore, and st ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm area of high landscape value. The scale of development proposed is disproportionate to the size of Hitchin.

LDF/8570 6 Collings Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development south west hitchin will subsume charlton and narrow the strategic green belt gap between hitchin, gosmore, and st ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm area of high landscape value

LDF/8571 6 Holmes Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development south west hitchin will subsume charlton and narrow the strategic green belt gap between hitchin, gosmore, and st ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm area of high landscape value

LDF/8572 6 Madgin Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development south west hitchin will subsume charlton and narrow the strategic green belt gap between hitchin, gosmore, and st ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm area of high landscape value.

LDF/8573 6 Jones Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Printed: 28/06/2013 09:12:56 Representations for Housing Options Growth Levels and Locations 2011-2031

Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Development south west hitchin will subsume charlton and narrow the strategic green belt gap between hitchin, gosmore, and st ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm area of high landscape value.

LDF/8574 6 Heath Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development south west hitchin will subsume charlton and narrow the strategic green belt hap between hitchin, gosmore, and st ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm area of high landscape value.

LDF/8575 6 Heath Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development south west hitchin will subsume charlton and narrow the strategic green belt hap between hitchin, gosmore, and st ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm area of high landscape value.

LDF/8576 6 Stow Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Development South West Hitchin will subsume Charlton and narrow the Strategic Green Belt Gap between Hitchin, Gosmore, and St Ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm areas of high landscape value.

LDF/8577 6 Newell Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development south west hitchin will subsume charlton and narrow the strategic green belt hap between hitchin, gosmore, and st ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm area of high landscape value.

LDF/8578 6 Ramsden Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development south west hitchin will subsume charlton and narrow the strategic green belt hap between hitchin, gosmore, and st ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm area of high landscape value.

LDF/8580 6 Heath

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LDF/8581 6 Heath Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Development south west hitchin will subsume charlton and narrow the strategic green belt hap between hitchin, gosmore, and st ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm area of high landscape value.

LDF/8582 2 Rees Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: I would try and avoid a Hitchin- Luton suburb, west of hitchin, E of luton should be avoided.

LDF/8591 4 Makhija Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Develop around Stevenage and Luton which are already built up areas and not subject o AONB , SSSI and green belt. Hitchin Town needs to be preserved as an historic market town and the special setting it is in. Building around Hitchin will increase traffic within the town, regardless of the proposed bypass, which just because it is an old idea, doesn't make it a good idea.

LDF/8593 4 Salton Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: The only comment i can make apply to the development at south west hitchin and east of luton, the road system could not have the extra cars especially in east of luton with poor roads around wigmore back up past overport, west hitchin potential 10000 cars entering hitchin on the A505 or the hexton/shillington road on rush hour the back up for payne round about is painful at present let alone extra traffic. The jobs situation i have already mentioned. Drainage problem- The drainage from the fields at present is poor, the land known as border/meadow which would border on the proposed development in East Luton from the Wigmore side regularly floods, even with drainage from the luton side which can not take the high volumes. If the fields are developed the run off would be immense and the gravity would take it down to the border path. Sewage has backed out in heavy rain periods. Any development of any size would make that border area a flood plain and consequence for the properties around would undoubtably be flooding with cost to the homeowner this would entail. Just because it is not in north herts patch, north herts can not absolve it responsibilities to the homeowner of wigmore luton.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent The fields south west of hitchin at present runs off to the A505 and water coming down from the luton road collects at the bottom if you put 7000 houses the run off will be enormous added to car congestion the A505 would be seriously blocked and houses around could be a serious risk of flooding. The amenity in the area known as East of luton would be seriously curtailed if the development happens, the area is well served by some very good footpaths and rights of way. Brick kiln wood in spring time is absolutely beautiful. The proposed strategic sites would seriously reduce the amenity for residents both sides of the county border. The education of the children of the proposed strategic site at east luton may be a problem especially at secondary level for the schools as Ashcroft and Putteridge would not able to absorb the potential number of children from 11 to 16.

LDF/8595 6 Draper Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Hitchin and the area of Hitchin is already over populated, it has poor transport and amenities.

LDF/8598 6 Neave Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: If south west hitchin is chosen, Charlton will be consumed and the strategic green belt gap between st ippolyts, gosmore and hitchin will be lowered to an unacceptable level. The landscape of the area will be destroyed.

LDF/8600 4 Moore Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8603 6 Krzackonski Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Development South West Hitchin will subsume Charlton and narrow the strategic green belt gap between Hitchin, Gosmore and St Ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm areas of high landscape value.

LDF/8604 6 Joswiak

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Development South West Hitchin will subsume Charlton and narrow the strategic green belt gap between Hitchin, Gosmore and St Ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm areas of high landscape value.

LDF/8646 1 Horton Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Regarding our own interests as they would affect us directly, we would draw your attention to the demarcations relating to Area 37. The borders currently show that the development would almost entirely obliterate the wildlife site at Folly Alder Swamp, and indicates that land owned by ourselves and other residents in The Paddock would be involved. We would state that any intention to extend development to involve our property will be vigorously resisted. We do accept that they may be indicative, rather the definitive, but seek reassurance that this is the case. 1. If development were to be considered in the South and East of Hitchin, covering the area indicated, it would result in very significant growth, and completely unbalance the historical balance of the town. Such a development not only result in a very large additional population (an estimated 50% increase on current population), but also would require the addition of significant infrastructure in terms of facilities, schools and shops, since the current infrastructure in the town would not be able to absorb such an increase. This, in effect, would make the town consist of town separate centres, one modern and one historically mediaeval. It would therefore undermine the essence of Hitchin as an historical market town, producing imbalance in its landscape that has existed for hundred of year. 2. It has been suggested that the development of the area would be recompensed by the building of a southern bypass to Hitchin, at the expense to the developers. While many, including ourselves, would welcome a bypass to relieve the increasing congestion on the Stevenage Road and elsewhere in Hitchin, this should not be the route by which this is achieved. Indeed, the offer to build a bypass by the potential developers is nothing short of a bribe, and should be seen as such. 3. Any development within this area will inevitably significantly breach green belt areas, with loss of farmland and impact on wildlife. a. On the southeast, the proposed development would border a large local nature site (Folly Alder Swamp) which stretched from St Ippolyts to the Stevenage Road on either side of the St Ippolyts Brook. This is an important area with evidence of ancient woodland and marshland species that exist within an area of alder woodland originally established nearly 200 years ago. The SE border of the woodland is formed of an ancient, originally laid, hornbeam hedgerow that has since grown up as standards, and forms a massive back, holding back the field soil. Any development would seriously impact wildlife in the area which includes mammals such as fox, badger and deer, and has had over 65 different bird species recorded within it, many of which are uncommon within the county. Recently both buzzard and red kite have investigated the wood as a potential nesting site. b. The proposal would not only impinge on the woodland itself, but is indicated to actual cross the woodland two thirds of the distance between St Ippolyts and the Stevenage Road. It should be recognised that this would further influence the nature of the site, and probably substantially alter the flows in the brook. The brook forms a narrow floodplain, and any development could significantly affect the houses within the Paddock and also further downstream along Oakfield Avenue, where there have been problems with overflow of floodwaters in the past. c. Although of lesser significance, the area of alder swamp at Willows farm, along the Charlton Road would be subject to drying out, affecting the local wildlife in that area. d. At the north western end of the proposed development, there would be potentially similar effects on the area of Oughton Head Common and the associated river and nature reserve. This area is already significantly stressed through water abstraction and any development to the south could result in further problems. e. Thus any development in the area would result in severe depletion of environments that are comparatively rare in the South East of England, namely marshy semi-wooded headwaters of river systems. In addition, much of the farmland that would come within the development area is recognised to be breeding territory for increasingly endangered species, such as skylarks. 4. As has been indicated above, we have specific concerns over the impact of any development that would impinge on the eastern side of Folly Alder Swamp, part of which is our property. There are a number of aspects to this.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent a. Direct effects on the nature of the woodland as indicated above. b. Increased risk of flooding by alteration in drainage from the adjacent land. The area along the brook is floodplain, and a number of houses, including our own, lie close to the stream. Although there has not been any significant flooding in recent years, this is largely due to the capacity of the woodland and farmland to absorb heavy rainfall, so that rapid runoff into the stream does not occur. Housing development, especially on the scale envisaged, would significantly alter the situation, to our detriment. Further, drainage control solutions such as are now required for new developments are unlikely to work, since the development would lie within a narrow valley on relatively steep slopes without any obvious exit other than into the brook, thus defeating the object; thus any floodwater would have to be piped away, rather than being retained in balancing reservoirs, again defeating the primary object of SUDS schemes to retain local water flow without rapid release of water over hard surfaces. c. Based on experience with the Broadmeadow Estate development, we have come to recognise that it is likely that housing will come up close to the woodland margin. In the above case, despite our requests that a green space be placed between the houses and the woodland, development was permitted right up to the property boundary. As a result, the members of the Paddock Trust (responsible for the woodland that borders the Broadmeadow Estate) have been put to considerable expense over the past years to ensure that the properties that border the woodland are safe. We believe that a similar situation would occur with any development along the eastern edge of Folly Alder Swamp, and that it would be our responsibility to ensure safety of any development. d. Folly Alder Swamp is private woodland, and measures would be needed to ensure that it remained free of trespass. The solution of building walls and fences to prevent access will alter the movement of wildlife laterally, meaning that it would become a only a narrow natural corridor. The development of the Broadmeadow Estate on the other flank of the wood has lead to deterioration in the quality of wildlife on that side, alteration in drainage patterns and loss of species diversity. 5. Another aspect of this extensive development proposal is the loss of historic landscape, and the potential absorption of three significant settlements into Hitchin. The three villages (St Ippolyts, Gosmore and Charlton) are all ancient with foundations around 1000 years ago, and have developed as nuclear villages throughout the past millennium. It is therefore imperative that these continue as separate communities and are not absorbed into a large development. 6. The roads in the area under consideration are all minor, and would be insufficient to provide access to and from the very extensive development. To achieve a sustainable development, there would therefore have to be major road development which would further impact on the area. The main problem here is that any impact would not only affect the development site itself, but also places along the current edges of Hitchin, most of which are domestic dwellings. Thus the impact would be also distant from the development itself, affecting more directly those already resident in Hitchin. 7. The are 37 development proposal has to be seen in a wider context with a number of other suggested sites either contiguous with it, or very close. In particular, area 098, the priority 3 Pound Farm development, also has a significant border on the west side of Folly Alder Swamp, and the problems there would similar to those already enumerated for Area 37 although by itself, of lesser extent. Were both to go ahead, this would effectively destroy the wildlife site, totally enclosing it. 8. The site north and west of Kingshott School and Oakfield Farm (area 110) is also a priority 3 site, and its development would affect directly those in Oakfield Avenue, since the development would be on the facing slope above the St Ippolyts Brook. Again the issues of flood control come to the fore, and are especially important since the houses on Oakfield Avenue are within floodplain. It would turn what is currently described as a 'pleasant rural walk' along the brook, into another urban path, with loss of amenity. It is a popular area for recreation, and would be sorely missed. 9. If one combines the proposed developments in areas 37 and 110 with the additional proposal for the development of a football stadium and sports facility on the east ridge facing Ashbrook, and the extension indicated on the plans of area 37 across the A602 towards Ashbrook, this severely erodes the greenbelt to the East of Hitchin. Were this to happen, combined with developments associated with Stevenage, the inter-urban gap would be severely compromised. It is also doubtful whether the current road system would be able to withstand such growth. 10. We also note that there is a proposal to develop the scrap yard site and associated areas around Rush Green. The placing of up to 1000 houses on this site would be a problem since the current road between Hitchin and Codicote is essentially a country road which is not suited to heavy traffic. The site itself is probably heavily polluted, since it has been used as a scrap yard for vehicles for many years; disturbance during clearing in preparation for development risks contamination of groundwater down the Langley valley and into the St Ippolyts Brook. A development in this area would also close the gap towards the West of Stevenage proposals, and open up a possible link route. Overall, we are concerned that many of the proposed developments are all-conceived, and are being promoted by landowners and developers who stand to gain from any development. While we accept that some development is needed in the district, we would argue that this needs to be distributed evenly, so that no single community or town bears the brunt of any development. It is especially important that landscape, historical context and wildlife impact be taken into consideration when examining the benefits of any development. Large developments such as Area 37 are to be avoided, since they will severely impact in all of these areas, and also place a significant burden on the

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent current residents of Hitchin, changing the character of the town where many have chosen to live.

LDF/8647 1 Carvell Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Whilst I understand that some new homes will have to be built in North Herts, it does not seem fair that so many are planned for Hitchin. Hitchin is a historic market town with a lovely atmosphere. Its medieval centre with narrow roads and one way centre traffic system would surely not be able to handle an extra 7,000 or more householders especially if they each own one or more cars. People chose to live in Hitchin because of its small market town appeal and this would almost certainly be diminished by an influx of so many people. Why is so much of the development planned for Hitchin? Why is it not more of an equal spread of building, for example the South East and North of the town? I also do not think it's reasonable that a far smaller development is planned for Letchworth, which is a town with a lot more space and a much quieter town centre. There would surely be less environmental impact if the building was spread more across North Herts rather than condensed around one area of Hitchin. I am particularly against the building to the South of the A505 which would swallow up the Priory Park, Charlton Village and surrounding areas. It is a privilege to have such lovely countryside on our doorstep and I cannot begin to imagine how detrimental it will be, not only for us but the natural habitat too, to lose it. I am 27 years old and have lived in Hitchin all my life. It has changed remarkably little in that time and I have benefited very much from the amenities the surrounding countryside has had to offer.

LDF/8701 4 Gale Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8702 4 Down Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent

LDF/8703 4 Boggon Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8704 4 Boggon Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8705 4 Harris Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8706 4 French Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation:

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LDF/8707 4 Cox Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8708 4 French Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8709 4 Cooke Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views.

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LDF/8710 4 Taffel Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8711 4 Anderson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8717 6 Birch Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Development South West Hitchin will subsume Charlton and narrow the Strategic Green Belt Gap between Hitchin, Gosmore and St Ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm areas of high landscape value.

LDF/8720 2 Beach Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Hitchin is a desirable location to live, recently identified by the Times newspaper as the ninth best town to live in the UK. There is no denying the need for additional housing to

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent accommodate people who wish to move into the town. However, the proposed South West of Hitchin strategic area is unsustainably large for the town. Core to the appeal of Hitchin is its historic character and the surrounding open countryside both of which this strategic area would destroy. Hitchin has a population of around 30,000 people. If all the proposed new homes were to be built (including adjoining non-strategic sites), and assuming an occupancy rate of 2 persons per home the population would increase by 16000 people. This is an unacceptable increase. We do not believe that the infrastructure (traffic, public transport, schools, health services, sewage works, emergency services, children's centres, leisure facilities etc) would be able to meet this increase, even with the improvements mentioned in the summary document. It should be noted that the Ashbrook sewage works are currently running almost at capacity as identified in the consultation documentation and this facility would be impacted severely by the Hitchin proposal. Hitchin town centre is already reaching its capacity in terms of the volume of traffic. To create this number of new homes would increase traffic and parking problems to such an extent that visiting the town centre would become incredibly unappealing. The proposed by-pass would alleviate the through traffic by creating an alternative "bottle neck" further along the Stevenage Road. It would do nothing to relieve the traffic in Hitchin town centre or the traffic travelling towards Letchworth through the town. Additionally new home owners would drive into Hitchin town centre increasing the traffic there, which the proposed by-pass does nothing to ease. The real traffic problem in Hitchin is not the Stevenage-Luton traffic but the volume of traffic in the town centre, at the station and in the one way system. The proposed bypass is ill conceived in that there is an assumption of either land owner agreement to sell land or compulsory purchase of land. A bypass would require extensive research and consultation to ensure it would improve traffic issues rather than creating yet another problem area. We view the bypass as a separate issue that should be reviewed by the council and highways agency and not as a benefit of allowing such an extensive and disproportionate development. Hitchin schools are already operating at capacity. The strategic area would include plans to build new primary and secondary schools but we do not believe one secondary school would be enough to relieve demand. Many people moving to Hitchin are families, or couples wanting to start a family. Existing transport (bus) links from the site area are not good enough to support this development, or indeed the West of Stevenage site. A new bus route linking both sites to Hitchin (preferably the station to ease commuting) would be essential for sustainability. The North Herts Housing Strategy 2008-2013 identified the following themes as a high priority: · "sustainable development - challenging development within our green belt and ensuring that any development which does take place is sustainable in the long term". · "Green issues - to include development of our climate change strategy, retention and enhancement of green spaces". Additionally the strategy states that the council's vision for housing is supported by six priorities for action including "to protect the natural and physical environment". The strategy states that the planning authority is expected to "encourage and promote the use of Brownfield land for development". The site is located in the green belt. This was put in place to restrict the growth of Hitchin and preserve the rural character of villages such as Charlton, Gosmore, and St Ippolyts. We believe that a development of this size, on green belt land, is completely inappropriate. it is not sustainable in the long term in that the site will detract from Hitchin's desirability as a place to live. It will not enhance the green space around Hitchin in any way and does not protect the natural environment. The site contains wildlife sites, a site of special scientific significance, and archaeological areas, all of which should be respected and preserved. The development would destroy the agricultural land rural setting of this area as well as having an unacceptable ecological and historical impact.

LDF/8721 4 Luck Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8721 8 Luck Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Hitchin has the benefit of beautiful green land surrounding it, open for all to enjoy enhancing the area and open for visitors to walk in. Once lost it can never be regained. Local schools are already struggling to accommodate the natural increase in population. They cannot cope with so many new houses.

LDF/8722 4 Saville Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8722 8 Saville Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: The infrastructure will not support this scale of development. Please consider using brownfield sites as a priority.

LDF/8723 4 Luck Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8723 8 Luck

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: As the required housing can be accommodated within brownfield sites already identified within the Hitchin area i believe that these should be utilized trather than the proposed green belt land.

LDF/8724 4 Deboise Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8725 4 Saville Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8726 4 Smith Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development. Printed: 28/06/2013 09:12:56 Representations for Housing Options Growth Levels and Locations 2011-2031

Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent

LDF/8727 4 Bone Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8728 4 Simpson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8729 4 Hartley Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8730 4 Bone Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation:

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Congestion and traffic. Hospital A+E etc struggle to cope.

LDF/8731 4 Day Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8731 8 Day Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Hitchin is a historic market town and should remain so. It doesn't have the infrastructure to support such growth. The roads cant cope with traffic at present with pollution and nitrogen dioxide already a concern in areas. Also, where are all the extra children going to get school places and doctors heavily subscribed. This amount of development is ludicrous. Not in our town, please!!

LDF/8732 4 Saunders Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8732 8 Saunders Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: I would not support any building into green space around Hitchin, but i do support re-development of the town itself near fairfield or henlow.

LDF/8733 7 Woodcock Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Too much traffic already, takes me 20 mins to drive through Hitchin during rush hour.

LDF/8734 4 Doe Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8734 8 Doe Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: The infrastructure in Hitchin is already over stretched. The last thing needed in Hitchin is more people and high density housing. Additional taffic will also be a problem on our overcrowded roads.

LDF/8735 4 Lambert Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any

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LDF/8736 4 Smith Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8737 4 Smith Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8738 4 Hester Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/8739 4 Underhill Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8740 4 Roberts Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

No infrastructure to deal with this size expansion already struggling now!! Need to prioritise compulsory purchase on empty properties, move people with too many rooms into smaller dwellings Need to build on brown sites first, including industrial units and allow change of use.

LDF/8741 4 Lucock Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/8742 4 Heads Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8743 4 Hook Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8744 4 Martin Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8744 8 Martin Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation:

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Currently we keep bees on a waterboard site just beyond Charlton- it is difficult to see how they can forage for sufficient food. The are around charlton is visually attractive and a fantastic space with public footpaths that are accessible from the town centre.

LDF/8745 4 Minter Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8746 4 Massie Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8746 8 Massie Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: The town has already absorbed a large amoutn of infill in the town. Most small industrial areas and green spaces have been developed as housing. The proposed out of town development would destroy a lively small town and become a dormitary town like stevenage new town. The Charlton valley where i keep my bees is a characterful walking area for the town i.e the lungs of the town. This is an awful proposal.

LDF/8747 4 MacSweeney Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up

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Keep Hitchin green!

LDF/8748 4 Hester Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8749 4 Heads Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

Hitchin is a small market town would love to keep it that way. Have lived here all my life and parents before me we do not have the infrastructure for all those homes

LDF/8750 4 Beardsley Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up

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The proposal is far too large for the existing infrastructure- schools/roads etc

LDF/8751 4 Haywood Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

The town will not have the infrastructure to cope with additional number of people. it will ruin the green belt and destroy lovely countryside.

LDF/8752 4 Rawson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

The area to the sout west gosmore/st ipplyts/charlton is one of the most beautiful area of countryside in herts. It is well used agricultural land and well used by walkers, cyclists, horse riders, joggers etc. Hitchin is unique in many ways and has fantastic rural area surrounding the town.

LDF/8753 4 Radmall Document Section: South West of Hitchin

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LDF/8754 4 Lucock Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development

LDF/8755 4 Lucock Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8756 4 Rawson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any

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Hitchin is a distinct and charming town. Recently listed as one of the top 30 best places to live in by the times. Any of this proposed development would drastically alter the make-up and personailty of the town in a negative way.

LDF/8757 4 Starkey Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8758 4 Scott Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8759 4 Gulliver Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected.

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LDF/8760 4 Parker Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8765 6 Winsley Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Development South West Hitchin will subsume Charlton and narrow the strategic green belt gap between Hitchin, Gosmore and St Ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm areas of high landscape value.

LDF/8766 4 Peters Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8767 4 Gilson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000.

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LDF/8768 4 Hathaway Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8769 4 Thompson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8770 4 Hornby Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent 6. To running over these fields, which are stunning full of deer and other wildlife. Building in Charlton or St Ipployts would destroy character villages and the feel of the area. Hitchin is too urban already and just a commuter settlement.

LDF/8771 4 Nourse Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8772 4 Carter Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8773 4 Carter Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8774 4 Carter

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LDF/8775 4 Muche Latta Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8776 4 Hunter Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8777 4 Redd Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. Printed: 28/06/2013 09:12:56 Representations for Housing Options Growth Levels and Locations 2011-2031

LDF/8778 4 Rouget Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8779 4 Oughton Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8780 4 Barton Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent

LDF/8781 4 Lucock Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8782 4 Huckett Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8783 4 Carpenter Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8784 4 Aldous Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation:

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LDF/8785 4 Bevan Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8785 8 Bevan Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Hitchin cannot support any more housing. It would change the nature of it to build.

LDF/8786 4 Mitchell Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8787 4 Cave Document Section: South West of Hitchin

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LDF/8787 8 Cave Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: I have recently moved to Hitchin. The town appealed to me because it is not yet another urban sprawl but a town with a sense of community, which has been compromised in so many urban areas. Like many in Hitchin i commute to London. West Hitchin is not an ideal location for the bus service to the station and as a result i walk 2 miles a day. At the moment the extra effort to get to work is worth it because i live in such a peaceful area. If this part of town or indeed Hitchin itself, loses its wonderful feeling of community- the idea of paying high train fares and travelling further will fail to atract many commuters ( and families).

LDF/8788 4 Flower Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8789 4 Eva Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected.

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LDF/8789 8 Eva Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Please could you consider somewhere, where it would have far less devastating effect on a small market town.

LDF/8790 4 Harrison-Webb Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8791 4 Blazekovic Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8792 4 Brown Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any

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LDF/8792 8 Brown Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Congestion issues- especially west of hitchin. Loss of access to countrysde Loss of recreation space Parking and access issues

LDF/8793 4 Garner Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8793 8 Garner Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: I feel that Hitchin will lose its historic appeal and the new developments will ruin this fabulous market town. There should be more efford made to utilise brownfield sites- preserve the greenbelt!

LDF/8794 4 Garner Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any

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LDF/8794 8 Garner Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Hitchin does not have the infrastructureto support additional housing nor should it have significant build which changes the nature of the town. Greenbelt should not be built on as the UK needs agricultural land to provide food production security to the same was as it needs enegery security.

LDF/8795 4 Lampard Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8795 8 Lampard Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Green belt land should not be built on!

LDF/8796 4 Bond Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8796 8 Bond Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: All the sites, strategic or otherwise, that are beyond the green belt boundary around Hitchin town should be protected from development; in particular to the scale proposed and without proper strategic justification.

LDF/8797 4 Boyd-Bell Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8798 4 Mitchell Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8799 4 Ketcher Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any

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LDF/8800 4 Obradovic Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8801 4 Godfrey Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8803 4 Looker Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/8804 4 Anderson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8805 4 Barrell Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8806 4 Price Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8807 4 Collins Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation:

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LDF/8808 2 White Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8809 3 White Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

I do not understand why HITCHIN has to have the "lion's-share" of the necessary development!

LDF/8810 2 Luton Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000.

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LDF/8811 3 Plum Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8812 3 Doggrell Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8813 4 Cooke Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent

LDF/8814 3 MacDonald Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8815 2 Winn Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8816 3 Smith Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8817 3 Symonds Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation:

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LDF/8818 2 Martin Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8819 2 Martin Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8820 3 Paterson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views.

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LDF/8821 2 Duff Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8822 3 Whybrow Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8823 4 Swan Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/8824 2 Street Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8825 3 Glazebrook Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8826 2 Glazebrook Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8827 4 Wainwright Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation:

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I have moved back to Hitchin from London having grown up here. Hitchin is a wonderful town, but is already at capacity - there is no space on trains from the station into London, nursery places have year long waiting lists and car parking in the town is at capacity. In addition to this the surrounding countryside is vital to the town's character and appeal. The planned development is not sustainable on this scale and I totally object to this development.

LDF/8828 4 Lucock Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8829 4 Stubbins Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8830 3 Stubbins Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation:

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LDF/8831 4 Bowe Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8832 3 Catchpole Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

This is a beautiful part of Hitchin, it was bad enough building Cheshire Home there, but this is ridiculous as its the most greenest part of Hitchin.

LDF/8833 4 Worbey Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000.

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Hitchin is a Historic Market Town. This should be retained and any changes should be sympathetic to the town. Over expansion/development will ruin the town.

LDF/8834 3 Cole Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8835 4 Mace Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8836 3 Dunne Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected.

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LDF/8837 4 Robinson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8838 3 Mulley Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8839 4 Mulley Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8840 4 Lesnick

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LDF/8841 4 Mudie Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8842 4 Richards Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8843 4 Edwards Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. Printed: 28/06/2013 09:12:56 Representations for Housing Options Growth Levels and Locations 2011-2031

LDF/8844 4 Price Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. I strongly oppose the proposed development on the strategic site South West of Hitchin which would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way ¿ increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000 2. The Hitchin site would significantly undermine the rural nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected 3. The proposed Hitchin development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin.

LDF/8845 4 Wilson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8846 4 Hilleard Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/8847 4 Meek Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8848 4 Stevenson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8849 4 Kirbyshire Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8850 4 Dean Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation:

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LDF/8851 4 Greenham Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8852 4 Finch Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8853 4 Morgan Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views.

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LDF/8854 4 Harley Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8854 7 Harley Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Town is very congested, infrastructure is insufficient. We need this countryside for exercise and clear air. This development (any of it) will destroy the character and sustainability of this town.

LDF/8855 4 Drew Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8856 4 Baker Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up

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LDF/8857 4 Burns Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8858 4 Day Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8859 4 Princeton Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8859 8 Princeton Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Absolutely NOT!! NO!

LDF/8860 4 Butler Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8860 6 Butler Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Green belt was set up for a purpose. It should be respected.

LDF/8861 4 Kedge Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8862 4 Anderson Document Section: South West of Hitchin

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LDF/8863 4 Dear Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8864 4 Stephens Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8865 4 Sumner Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any

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LDF/8865 8 Sumner Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: The whole area is already too congested and over populated!

LDF/8866 4 John Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8866 8 John Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: We moved to Hitchin as we liked the community feel of the town and also the closeness to the countryside. If this goes agead we will be a mile or more away from the countryside and would consider moving from the area. Hitchin is a lovely town, please do not spoil it.

LDF/8867 2 Down Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8868 3 Merigan Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8869 4 Mills Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

Don't do it! Hitchin is too individual and beautiful.

LDF/8870 3 Daen Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/8871 3 Cooper Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8872 2 Merigan Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8873 2 Wearing Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8874 2 Preston Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation:

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LDF/8875 3 Webb Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8876 4 Swainston Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8877 3 Hammacott Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views.

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LDF/8878 2 Harrison Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8879 3 Howden Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8880 2 Edwards Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/8881 3 Shearing Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8882 2 Williams Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8883 2 Robertsow Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8884 3 Price Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation:

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I don't believe Hitchin can support all the planned new housing. Too many people are moving in from London - trains for commuters are too busy. Road are too busy.

LDF/8885 2 Furr Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8886 2 Harrison Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8887 3 Whitehead Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000.

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LDF/8888 2 Pike Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8889 3 Webb Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

Agree with all points above underlining the points most important to me, my family and the residents of Hitchin and surrounding villages.

LDF/8890 3 Webb Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected.

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How will Hitchin's infrastructure cope with this huge % increase in Hitchin's size? Building across some of the most picturesque land for miles seems to be shooting the whole community in the foot - such a large increase in population will also lead to an increase in folk looking for more natural surroundings - Oughtonhead already gets pretty damn busy, and this will only be made worse by shrinking the area available and supplying large numbers more people seeking to use it. What's the point in green belt land, if it can be built on. Totally crazy!

LDF/8891 4 Richardson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8892 3 Palmer Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

Hitchin is a small market town, does not have the infrastructure to support such growth. This will RUIN Hitchin and must not go ahead.

LDF/8893 3 Skinner Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any

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LDF/8894 3 Brackin Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

If the boundary of Hitchin is extended further on the Stevenage Road side in bad weather ie much rain the water will run down the banks into the brook which will not be able to take the water owing to the culvert under the road having difficultly now. Even now flooding takes place at the junctions of The Willows, Stevenage Road and Oakfield Road in a downpour. The traffic on Stevenage Road has increased more than 10 fold in the last 25 years and is at a standstill most mornings with people coming into and leaving the town via cars and lorries (scrap).

LDF/8895 4 Brackin Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

If the land to the West of Stevenage Road to St Ippolyts is developed, during periods of prolonged or heavy rain the water will run into the Brook. No's 1 to 4 The Willows will flood, the water will flow over Stevenage Road and flood Oakfield, Ninesprings, the lower part of the Poets down to Walsworth. DISASTER!!

LDF/8896 3 MaGrath Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation:

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LDF/8897 2 Newey Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8898 3 Newey Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8899 4 Markham Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views.

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LDF/8900 3 Webb Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

Oughtonhead has rare butterflies and moths which would soon disappear if build went ahead. So leave it as it is! Thanks!

LDF/8901 3 Manning Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

I cannot stress strongly enough my opposition to building on our precious green belt land.

LDF/8902 3 Deamer Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected.

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As we live on the proposed area off of Pirton Road, I am surprised to hear that it could be up for sale, as we have not heard anything about it being approved for housing growth.

LDF/8903 4 Haigh Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8904 3 Pike Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8905 4 More Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent

LDF/8906 4 Verlaecke-Williams Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8907 4 Trifilo Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8908 4 Trifilo Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8909 4 Maclay Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation:

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LDF/8910 4 Wallach Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. This lies in the Green Belt and should therefore not be included as a Priority 2 site 2. At present the site provides recreational space for football, people walking their dogs, joggers, golfers, kite flyers, picnics, children's parties 3. The area to the west of Hitchin has always had limited road access, with a pinch point at the Oughtonhead Road junction with the Bedford Road. Access through Crow Furlong is equally problematic because of the unsafe junction with the Pirton Road. Lucas Lane is an unadopted, unmade lane/track affording very limited access. 4. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape with tree and hedge planting including rural green lanes such as Lucas Lane, Crow Furlong and Oughtonhead Lane. Any extension of this urban edge would damage the topography and the extensive views to the opposite valley. 5. Blue Harts Bonfire Night would have to be relocated even if only part of the site were developed, for safety reasons and because of the difficulty of parking.

LDF/8911 4 Moir Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8912 4 Rivenell Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any

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LDF/8913 4 Colledge Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8914 4 Thomas Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation:

LDF/8915 4 Thomas Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8916 4 Crouch Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up

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LDF/8917 4 Attwood Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8918 4 Appleton Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8919 4 Bishop Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8920 2 Coleman Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8921 3 Pickard Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8922 3 Morley Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8923 2 Morley Document Section: South West of Hitchin

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LDF/8924 3 Edwards Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8925 4 Goldsmith Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8926 4 Pawar Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any

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LDF/8927 4 Pawar Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8928 4 Korek Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8929 4 Hay Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/8930 4 Duff Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8931 4 Jones Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8932 4 Parkhouse Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8933 4 Crane Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation:

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LDF/8934 4 Webb Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8935 4 Deller Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8936 4 Alderson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views.

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LDF/8937 4 Scutchings Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8938 4 Dell'Aquila Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8939 4 Brooke Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/8940 3 Franklin Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

With mass increases in housing/population it has been shown there is little to no provision with regard to safety of vulnerable road users. Infrastructure of existing towns is already poor and increases danger to the likes of cyclists. Additional housing increases the motor traffic and thus further problems arise. As a keen cyclist all over the UK I have experienced expanded towns after and the dangers have increased considerably.

LDF/8941 3 Chismon Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

Hitchin does not have the employment opportunities to support the increase in housing. This would mean even more folk on the train to London which are currently struggling to cope with the capacity.

LDF/8942 4 Plain Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

Hitchin is a great market town and would be spoilt by expansion.

LDF/8944 3 Surrey Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8945 3 Harrison Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8946 5 Hathaway Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/8948 3 Foster Zulus Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

This is a disgusting proposal. This will destroy valuable recreational space.

LDF/8949 2 Smiler Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8950 3 Simpson-Rooke Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8951 2 Cooper Document Section: South West of Hitchin

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LDF/8952 3 Halpin Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8953 4 Homan-Smith Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

I walk my dog up the Blue Harts as she broke her leg and she can brake on unstable ground.

LDF/8954 3 Valentim Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up

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LDF/8955 4 Jacobson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8956 3 Dufou Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

Hitchin does not have the facilities to cope with expansion, schools to full, no parking, pot holes on over used roads.

LDF/8957 3 Jones Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views.

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LDF/8958 3 Blais Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8959 4 Howell Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8960 3 Atkinson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/8961 2 Ospalak Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8962 3 Starkey Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8963 4 Macsweeney Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

Its wet ground, its very well used by residents in Hitchin. There are good alternatives.

LDF/8964 4 McGill Document Section: South West of Hitchin

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LDF/8965 2 Dimond Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8966 3 Jones Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

All irreplaceable - preserver stated Hitchin was best town - keep it and surrounding greenway as it is for future generations.

LDF/8967 4 Ireland Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up

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Keep Hitchin, Keep Green safe.

LDF/8969 4 Morley Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8970 4 Thompson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8971 4 Slade Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views.

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LDF/8972 4 Thompson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8973 4 Conetta Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8973 8 Conetta Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: As a resident of a market town the character and personal ambience will be ruined by these large developments. The underground pipes and sewage systems etc are not able to cope and roads not suitable.

LDF/8974 4 Hanna Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up

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LDF/8974 8 Hanna Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Hitchin is a great little market town, development is a danger of destroying the towns ambience some of the flats that are proliferating in the town centre are already affecting the town but this development will change the town to the detriment forever.

LDF/8975 4 Masters Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8976 4 Sims Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8977 4 Sims Document Section: South West of Hitchin

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LDF/8978 4 Boag Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8978 7 Boag Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Any large development will destroy the character of Hitchin taking away its uniqueness. I moved here five months ago for this reason.

LDF/8979 4 Boag Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/8979 8 Boag Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: I moved into Hitchin 5 months ago for the reason of its size and quaintness.

LDF/8980 3 Appleton Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8980 7 Appleton Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Hitchin schools are already over subscribed, and i have not seen where in the plans schooling is. Expanding these areas will cause more issues to the whole town.

LDF/8981 4 Howe Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8982 4 Masters Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation:

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LDF/8983 4 Roberts Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8984 4 Piper Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8984 8 Piper Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Hitchin's unique character is related to its rural setting within green belt land. Any development of green belt land greatly reduces the quality of life for all inhabitants and visitors and should not be allowed at any price.

LDF/8985 4 Piper

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LDF/8985 8 Piper Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Hitchin's appeal is its unique market town appeal. Adding more houses would increase footfall which could affect Hitchin's appeal.

LDF/8986 4 Crouch Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8986 8 Crouch Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: Do not spoil our wonder hitchin herts

LDF/8987 4 Woodbridge Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up

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LDF/8987 8 Woodbridge Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: I've lived here all my life! where do the people live who want to do this to my town, not round here i bet!

LDF/8988 4 Cole Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8989 4 Wilson Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8990 4 Russell Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation:

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LDF/8991 4 Bishop Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8992 4 Maybank Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8993 4 Cottey Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views.

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LDF/8994 4 Kirby Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8995 4 Hughes Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8996 4 Daye Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/8997 4 Winn Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8998 4 Clark Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/8999 4 Cannon Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/9000 4 Rundle Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation:

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LDF/9001 4 Jury Document Section: South West of Hitchin Comment Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/9002 2 Esuruoso Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/9003 3 Eldret Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views.

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LDF/9004 3 Gruca-McGill Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

Agree with no Housing Development around Hitchin.

LDF/9005 4 Harrican Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: The area to the west of Hitchin has always had limited road access, with a pinch point at the Oughtonhead Road junction with the Bedford Road. Access through Crow Furlong is equally problematic because of the unsafe junction with the Pirton Road. Lucas Lane is an unadopted, unmade lane/track affording very limited access. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape with tree and hedge planting including rural green lanes such as Lucas Lane, Crow Furlong and Oughtonhead Lane. Any extension of this urban edge would damage the topography and the extensive views to the opposite valley.

LDF/9006 3 Fell-Goron Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent LDF/9007 4 Whan Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/9008 3 Garad Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/9010 4 Newcombe Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

Destruction of Pirton Road allotments contrary to local provision of allotments.

LDF/9011 3 Occupier Document Section: South West of Hitchin

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Save this green market town. Leave it alone.

LDF/9012 3 Fry Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: 1. The proposed development in the strategic site South West of Hitchin would increase the size of the town in an unacceptable way increasing the number of dwellings by up to 8,000. 2. This would change the nature of the town. The urban edge of Hitchin is currently well defined, situated on higher ground and generally integrated with the landscape. Any intervention beyond this green boundary would damage the topography and the extensive views. 3. The proposed development would encroach on Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both would be adversely affected. 4. The proposed development would also encroach on the villages of Gosmore, St Ippollyts and Charlton which would lose their identity and coalesce with Hitchin. 5. This is an area which includes SSSIs, archaeological sites, listed buildings and good agricultural land. The landscape is assessed as highly sensitive to development.

LDF/9013 6 Skippin Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Development South West Hitchin will subsume Charlton and narrow the Strategic Green Belt Gap between Hitchin, Gosmore, and St Ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm areas of high importance value.

LDF/9015 4 Murphy Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: Development South West Hitchin will subsume Charlton and narrow the strategic green belt gap between Hitchin, Gosmore, and St Ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm area of high landscape value.

LDF/9100 7 Moules Document Section: South West of Hitchin

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Ref. Rep No. Applicant Agent Object Representation: Development South West Hitchin will subsume Charlton and narrow the Strategic Green Belt Gap between Hitchin, Gosmore, and St Ippolyts to an unacceptable level. It will harm areas of high landscape value.

LDF/9102 10 Gould Document Section: South West of Hitchin Object Representation: This huge development would swamp Hitchin, destroy its integrity and incur major road and infrastructure costs.

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