Northill plans to protect and grow its village with neighbourhood plan

An ambitious plan to protect and grow Northill has been unveiled by the parish council.
Northill and Ickwell Scarecrow Festival PNL-140925-150820001Northill and Ickwell Scarecrow Festival PNL-140925-150820001
Northill and Ickwell Scarecrow Festival PNL-140925-150820001

It’s draft Neighbourhood Plan describes a vision of “a place where the attractive rural nature of its various settlements will continue to be cared for by preserving and protecting our historic sites; including our village greens, our medieval fishponds, our historic Maypole and Old Smithy.”

But there will also be an increase in new housing, with a mix for older residents, and affordable housing to enable young and lower income residents to remain in the parish, along with a limited amount of housing with preferential access to current parish residents.

The plans calls for small scale developments of 10 houses or less.

Allotment plots and a community orchard are also being considered, along with a range of play equipment suitable for all ages and new sites for play areas being identified.

Existing community facilities such as the schools, church, village hall and pub will be registered as community assets.

Improving broadband and encouraging industry to use sites with easy access to the A1 to reduce heavy traffic through the village are also being considered.

The draft plan has been put together following extensive consultation with residents.

It will be on show at the Parish May Day celebrations on Monday, May 2 at Ickwell Green and the full report and the opportunity to comment can be seen at http://www.northill-parish.info/