Land South of A507, West of A10, Buntingford – appeal Inquiry

Planning Inspectorate appeal reference 6009644

Three Rivers District planning application number 3/24/1255/OUT

Speculative application for development of commercial space on 13 hectares of land in the designated Rural Area Beyond the Green Belt and beyond the built-up area of Buntingford.

The proposed development site is not allocated for development in the East Hertfordshire District Plan and conflicts with numerous policies in that Plan. Over 90% of the proposed development site is comprised of Grades 2 and 3a Best-and-Most-Versatile agricultural land which should be maintained in agricultural use for reasons of food security. There would be harmful landscape impact and the site is not in a sustainable location. The site is not accessible by public transport, and a vehicle weight restriction was imposed on the A507 less than two years ago to stop HGV vehicles using the road between Buntingford and Baldock because of its poor geometry and safety record as well as environmental impact. It would be perverse to allow a use which would inevitably permit such traffic back onto this unsuitable route.

Read our full Interested Party Statement using the download button. You can also download our objection to the original planning application.

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