What has been achieved so far . . .
Designating an area
The first step was deciding the area to be covered and getting this designated by North Herts District Council (NHDC). This has already been done for Ickleford, with the entire Parish included in the plan area.
Stall at Summer Fair (June 18)
This successful event publicised the project and gave people an opportunity to ask all about it. We undertook a post it note exercise. People told us what they liked about Ickleford and how it might be improved. It was a great way to start to identify issues important to the people who live in and/or use Ickleford.
Start up funding received (June 18)
We received £400 start up funding through District Councillor David Barnard’s Locality grant, for which we are very grateful. This will cover expenditure, such as flyer printing costs, until Neighbourhood Planning grant money is received.
Ickleford Pre-School Halloween on the Green (October 2018)
Thank you to everyone who visited our stall. There was more useful feedback and it was great to be part of such a lovely community event.
Parish wide leaflet distribution (October 2018)
We delivered our information leaflet/feedback form to every household in the Parish.
Stall at St Katharine’s Christmas Fayre (December 2018)
Thank you again to everyone who visited and shared their thoughts with us.
Analysis of feedback
Analysis of all the feedback received has revealed the following themes:
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Roads/transport/safety/access (including buses and cycle paths)
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Housing (including affordability and building design)
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Infrastructure/services
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Amenities
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Maintaining the village identity
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Green spaces (including an appreciation of our countryside and its pathways, and the need for green space in any new developments)
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Commercial properties/creating business opportunities
Engagement of planning consultant - August 2019
We were pleased to engage Sally Chapman, an experienced planning consultant. Sally is providing guidance on the project and will be involved in writing the plan policies.
St Katharine’s Christmas Fayre - November 2019
Our prominent stall allowed visitors to learn all about the project and give their views.
Household questionnaire
October - December 2020
The survey drew on earlier feedback and was available both online and as a paper version. Much of the survey period was during lockdown. Despite this there was a great response rate with people sharing lots of valuable and detailed feedback, which is being used to develop the plan. Findings can be viewed here.
Ickleford Housing Needs Assessment
October 2021
AECOM completed their housing need assessment of Ickleford. Their report is available here (PDF Download). It highlights a significant need for affordable home ownership in the Parish and suggests the likely need for different types and sizes of homes based on demographic change.
Drop-in information session
November 2021
This well-attended event provided details of the project and the questionnaire results. There were also old and new photos from around Ickleford, and information about the local natural environment. Steering group members and Parish Councillors were on hand to answer questions.
Ickleford Design Codes
May 2022
A set of design codes to support the Neighbourhood Plan were completed by AECOM. Their report is available here (PDF Download). This detailed report explains how the codes were developed and how they will support the Neighbourhood Plan policies to guide assessment of future development proposals and encourage high quality design. The report includes a detailed baseline study of the area and masterplans showing the practical application of the design codes to specific sites.
Ickleford Neighbourhood Plan
Pre-Submission Consultation
September - November 2022
The formal consultation on the Draft Neighbourhood Plan and its Design Codes allowed everyone with an interest in the future of the Parish to review the plan and suggest amendments.
Plan Submitted - March 2023
Following amendment in response to the consultation feedback, the Plan has been submitted to North Hertfordshire District Council for further consultation and independent examination.
Regulation 16 Consultation and Examination Completed – December 2023
North Herts ran the Regulation 16 Consultation and appointed an examiner to review the plan. The examiner submitted his report in December 2023. He recommended the plan proceed to referendum, subject to some modifications. His report can be viewed here.
Neighbourhood Plan accepted at referendum March 2024
The Plan was voted in at a referendum held on 14th March 2024, with 379 people voting in favour of the Plan and 32 voting against. Its policies can now be used to guide planning decisions in the Parish.