An Approved District Plan

Buntingford Civic Society is convinced that there is a real need for Buntingford Town Council to engage professional help in preparing their response to the EHC District Plan. The role is to express in National Planning Policy Framework terms the expectations of our community through to 2031 and beyond.

BCS would look for at least the following in an approved District Plan:

a. Housing for young local people that they can afford.

b. Houses that older people who wish to stay in Buntingford can 'downsize' to and continue to be part of the community.

c. A range of family homes with 3, 4 and 5 bedrooms.

d. Some 'homes for life' which are suitable for people who become disabled in later life and need entrances and facilities accessible with wheelchairs.

e. Houses that are environmentally sound, well insulated and economic to run.

f. Together with the above, which is by no means complete in its aspirations, all the infrastructure consistent with a sustainable town that we can be proud of and for which those who follow us will say 'well done and thank you'.

The Town Plan is up and running once more. There is a need for an action based plan. BCS recommends that, once the District Plan has been adopted, there should be a published appendix to the current Town Plan which captures the key elements of the District Plan and a commitment by the Town Council to monitor on a regular basis the implementation of the plan as it affects Buntingford and surrounding villages.

Derek K Cooper,

Chairman, Buntingford Civic Society

P.S. If, as it looks highly probable, the District Plan is further delayed there is a strong case to engage professional help to challenge the large development applications attempting to crash the gap in the new planning regulations.