Have a Voice - it's Essential!

We have entered the cycle of consultation by EHC on development in East Herts and specially for us in Buntingford and surrounding villages.

As we understand it, Buntingford is classed as "too small" by EHC for a report on our future transport needs. This is a poor decision for although our population is in excess of 5000 the Town serves a wide area with a population of more than 10000.

This is a further example of EHC overlooking Buntingford and we question whether the fact that long standing Councillors feel invulnerable to the choices made by the local electorate contributes to their behaviour.

To come back to the consultation process. Buntingford Civic Society has willingly accepted an invitation to share our views with EHC planners.

In a nutshell, we advocate gradual development in Buntingford, new dwellings that have a good 'carbon footprint', a mix of affordable starter homes and family homes,very significant improvements in infrastructure and public transport also real evidence of Section 106 Agreement money being spent in the Town. In other words a Town to be proud of in 2031 and meets the needs of our children and grandchildren.

What is so distressing is the tone of EHC planners documents which describe Buntingford in attractive and sensitive terms and then permit the Barratt development to grow from c 68 dwelling to 149 dwellings which grossly impacts on Fairfield residents. If it has happened there it can happen elsewhere!

Please become engaged in the consultation process and influence the Local Development Framework planners. Look out for and beware a broadcast mailing by North Harlow Joint Venture. They imply that by endorsing Harlow North development EHC targets will be met and there will be no need to develop elsewhere. Believe that and you will believe anything!

Remember the East of England Plan enquiry in Letchworth? The Inspector rejected the Harlow North proposals on numerous counts only for it to be overturned by the then Housing Minister Ruth Kelly and her successor Yvette Cooper.

A closing comment. Challenge any suggestion for a large supermarket in Buntingford as it would destroy our excellent High Street which is damned with feint praise by EHC consultants. (just look at Royston and Hertford)

Derek K Cooper, Chairman.

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