North Mymms Parish Council Address: 1 a Bushwood Close HertfordshireAL9 7YZ Phone: 01707 268418 Email: [email protected] Website: www.northmymms.org Clerk: Christine Wootton

1 October 2020

Mr Melvyn Middleton Planning Inspectorate c/o Programme Officer [email protected]

Dear Mr Middleton,

Welwyn Hatfield Local Plan Examination Matter 4 Objectively Assessed Need (Documents EX203 and EX203A.)

Further to the email from Louise St John Howe (dated 2nd September 2020) in which North Mymms Parish Council (NMPC) is invited to comment on documents submitted to the Examination, the response which follows is the reply to this request.

NMPC note that overall Turley's report- using the Office of National Statistics information - indicates that demographic changes appear to signpost the need for dwellings is reduced in the Borough across the Plan period based on population projections.

Clearly this is somewhat speculative but looking at the numbers included in Hatfield Borough Council (WHBC) Ex193 Housing Trajectory (Draft Local Plan) Site Allocations of July 2020, NMPC support the assumptions particularly in respect of this Parish which will bear the biggest burden of new development in rural areas under the proposals.

It is of concern that North Mymms Parish will have a total of 659 dwellings imposed - including 324 in : which is the largest village expansion in the Borough - and is because developers consider they can sell at higher prices in this area. However, this does not guarantee that local needs will be met.

That said, NMPC have always endeavoured to be pragmatic about the need to build and for growth.

In conclusion, NMPC acknowledge Turley's report (Document 203A), along with the contents of EX203 WHBC letter of 24th August 2020 and the implications for delivery of dwellings for the Plan period, but would ultimately prefer a reduction in the proposed numbers particularly for this Parish.

Yours sincerely - pp Mrs Jacqui Boulton Councillor - North Mymms Parish Council

Copy: Colin Haigh - Borough Council Sue Tiley - Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council Councillor Stephen Boulton - Cabinet member forPlanning