Ickleford Neighbourhood Plan
Pre-Submission Consultation 2022
28th September - 16th November 2022
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The Plan and its associated Design Codes are now ready for formal public consultation. It is essential that everyone who lives, works, owns land, or has an interest in the future development of Ickleford, is aware of the Plan and its contents.
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NB: Following a request by NHDC, the consultation is being extended by one week. This is to allow their feedback to align with the latest version of the Local Plan, which is expected to be adopted imminently.
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We invite your comments on the following documents:
Please comment on these documents here
Associated documents:
What are the consultation documents?
The consultation invites comments on the Plan and its associated Design Codes. The Plan contains policies to guide the assessment of future development proposals in the Parish. The Design Codes support the Neighbourhood Plan policies in encouraging high quality design.
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Further supporting documents are the Housing Needs Assessment, which provides additional information on housing need in the area, and the Consultation Statement. The latter is required by neighbourhood planning regulations and outlines how residents were engaged in the project. It includes the household questionnaire and its findings.
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Why should I be interested in this - what difference can the Neighbourhood Plan make?
The emerging North Herts Local Plan has identified Ickleford as a village where higher levels of development will be supported. Although the final Local Plan may be subject to change, it is certain that there will be development in the village - either on Local Plan sites, or on sites such as Ickleford Mill (Bowmans) and smaller infill sites not yet identified.
The Neighbourhood Plan gives residents a say in how the development takes place. It contains policies on the environment, such as maintaining separation from Hitchin, minimum standards for sustainable development, community facilities and other issues important to residents.
Neighbourhood Plan Aims
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Environment
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The countryside setting of the village will be protected and enhanced, by ensuring separation from the urban edge of Hitchin whilst retaining access to the countryside. Green spaces, views and local wildlife habitats, including rare chalk streams will be maintained and enhanced.
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Parish heritage assets and key public spaces will be protected and enhanced, ensuring that any future development enhances the existing character of the village.
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Sustainable Development
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High quality design will be secured in all new development reflecting the character of Ickleford and its rural setting and complying with Ickleford Design Code.
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Future housing will respond to local housing needs, be of a high standard of design and construction, and fit well into the context of the village in terms of type, mix, scale and character.
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New build housing should be constructed to high energy saving standards and be resource efficient in ways which are appropriate to the existing rural environment.
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Traffic and Transport
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The roads in Ickleford will be safe and accessible for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. Improvements to the road network to increase safety and reduce the impact of congestion will be required alongside new development. Beneficial sustainable transport links (including pavements, footpaths, cycle routes and public transport) will be provided and appropriate parking solutions required.
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Community
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Existing community facilities, such as the school, village hall, and sports and recreation centre, will be maintained and improved. Their wider use, and development to meet changing needs will be encouraged.
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The range of commercial activities and services in the village will be sustained and enhanced. Economic activity such as working from home and provision of small-scale business units will be encouraged.
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The leisure and recreation opportunities for residents of all ages will be improved by encouraging community activities, and increasing the provision of open spaces and children’s play facilities.
For more information on the project please CLICK HERE.
Can I see a hard copy?
Hard copies of the consultation documents will be available at the Telephone Box Book Exchange on Upper Green.
They can also be seen on request. Please leave a message on 07398 622 151 with your name and number, and we will contact you to arrange this.’
How can I comment?
We encourage you to use our online form (see link above).
A paper version of the comment form is also available at Ickleford Village Stores, or on request by calling 07398 622 151. This can be returned to a drop-box at the village shop or by arrangement, again using the above number.
What happens next?
After the consultation and any subsequent amendment, the Plan will be submitted to North Hertfordshire District Council for assessment by an independent examiner. Following any further amendment, a final version will be offered to residents to accept or reject in a referendum.
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What if I have a question?
If you have any questions, please contact us at ideas@icklefordnp.com
Thank you
The Ickleford Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group