Hitchin new homes: 700 dwellings approved despite traffic fears

Residents were worried about increased traffic in the area

Plans for hundreds of new homes have been approved despite fears about congestion.

Proposals to build 700 new homes in Hitchin was given the green light by North Hertfordshire Council's planning committee after "no legal reason" was found to refuse them.

Councillors raised concerns with one saying residents were already "locked into their driveways" due to gridlock.

Applicant BDW Trading said it would pay £3.3m towards highway improvements.

The site at Highover Farm was earmarked for new housing in a district plan, which the authority formally adopted in November last year.

'Hitchin's biggest new housing development'

Michael Wright, on behalf of the applicant, told councillors the proposal was 100% policy compliant at a meeting on Thursday.

But almost 2,000 people signed a petition, which read: "This will be Hitchin's biggest new housing development in decades and will bring Hitchin's already congested roads to gridlock."

Stotfold Road borders the site

Labour councillor Daniel Wright-Mason, who does not sit on the committee, said neighbours were already "locked into their driveways" due to traffic.

He said: "The reason why this is such an emotive subject and so many of Hitchin's residents have spoken up is because they know the risks this development poses for Hitchin if it goes wrong.

"Anyone who travels on Cambridge Road at peak times knows how overloaded our road system is already."

'Cycle connectivity'

Mr Wright, referring to traffic data, said: "We acknowledge Hitchin, like other towns, has existing highways and mobility challenges.

"Working closely with the county council, a number of potential mitigation schemes have been costed, all involving improvements to active travel and cycle connectivity around Hitchin.

"The precise schemes to be delivered remain at the discretion of the county council, but they can be funded from the proposed … contributions."

Conservative committee member David Levett said: "This is a site in the local plan, the number of houses complies, there were no particular problems with that."

Labour councillor Daniel Allen said: "I know how bad that traffic is and I drive it all the time.

"This is not the best option but legally, as the planning group, we have to follow what is put out and I find no legal reason to say 'no'."

Councillors voted in favour, seven votes to three.