Topic ID 5527
This has been posted in the blog (http://hertford.net/blog/) but I think some discussion on here and promotion of the consultation is necessary. From previous topics and from a quick scan of the consultation it is obvious to me that Hertford has three major issues namely traffic, lack of family homes and the fact that further building will encroach on the 'green fingers'. The recent riverside developments and even Newland Gdns/Caxton Hill have not 'added' anything to the character of the town in my opinion - they are standard modern apartment blocks - but they do benefit from superb locations and in many cases great views. However I wouldn't like to see any more of these in town. Any other thoughts? I will be registering and giving my opinion on the consultation but thought that a bit of rational ([:D]) discussion on here may help me in commenting.
Reply ID 76992
I don't think you'll find much "rational discussion" on here![:D]
Reply ID 77011
Well, perhaps not from you Nora! The area along the river between Hertford Lock and the new development is perfectly suitable for development. It doesn't encroach onto green belt land and would make an otherwise derelict landscape more enjoyable. The additional traffic may be a consideration, but, I would venture, not insurmountable
Reply ID 77013
The market for flats in the town appears to have stalled. The new development along the river, Elder Court in Mead Lane, was completed during the Summer, yet a significant number of flats are still unsold. This does not bode well for the neighbouring riverside site to the east, which has planning permission for over 100 flats on land that is currently occupied by industrial and commercial units. To the east of Marshgate Drive along the river is the old gasworks, which is currently being decontaminated and yet to attract the interest of developers (as far as I'm aware). The District Council acknowledge that there is no solution to the access problems in the area, which might explain why it is not featured in the consultation for housing expansion in the next 20 years.
Reply ID 77031
You say that Steve, but the 9 flats at the old St Andrews Rectory have all sold, despite being sandwiched between 2 major roads and next to the hospital.
Reply ID 77038
I think that the constant hum from the electricity station bang in the middle of the Mead Lane development has put off a great number of people. I for one wouldn't want to live next door to so much electricity. I believe the developers wanted the electricity station moving but their request was denied.
Reply ID 77039
quote:Only 14 units left to sell on Friday this week - not bad going considering the recession, lack of mortgage choices etc. The problem is there if they build any more 2 bed flats this town will be awash with them. It's houses we need now - 2/3 bed and larger. The road network in Hertford is now gridlock at all times of the day, not just rush hour and Mill Road/Mead Lane is a nightmare.
Originally posted by Steve
The market for flats in the town appears to have stalled. The new development along the river, Elder Court in Mead Lane, was completed during the Summer, yet a significant number of flats are still unsold. This does not bode well for the neighbouring riverside site to the east, which has planning permission for over 100 flats on land that is currently occupied by industrial and commercial units. To the east of Marshgate Drive along the river is the old gasworks, which is currently being decontaminated and yet to attract the interest of developers (as far as I'm aware). The District Council acknowledge that there is no solution to the access problems in the area, which might explain why it is not featured in the consultation for housing expansion in the next 20 years.
Reply ID 77041
and it is some 2 bed flats in the mix they have just got permisson for in Bengeo!
Reply ID 77044
quote:Absolute rubbish, you obviously don't drive all day. The traffic flows freely outside of school-run and 'leaving work' times. Affordable houses were needed years ago. If people think that this recession is going away then stick £10 under the mattress. I reckon it will be 2016 until we get out of this mess that red Blair started.
Originally posted by Kitty Katquote:Only 14 units left to sell on Friday this week - not bad going considering the recession, lack of mortgage choices etc. The problem is there if they build any more 2 bed flats this town will be awash with them. It's houses we need now - 2/3 bed and larger. The road network in Hertford is now gridlock at all times of the day, not just rush hour and Mill Road/Mead Lane is a nightmare.
Originally posted by Steve
The market for flats in the town appears to have stalled. The new development along the river, Elder Court in Mead Lane, was completed during the Summer, yet a significant number of flats are still unsold. This does not bode well for the neighbouring riverside site to the east, which has planning permission for over 100 flats on land that is currently occupied by industrial and commercial units. To the east of Marshgate Drive along the river is the old gasworks, which is currently being decontaminated and yet to attract the interest of developers (as far as I'm aware). The District Council acknowledge that there is no solution to the access problems in the area, which might explain why it is not featured in the consultation for housing expansion in the next 20 years.
Reply ID 77045
quote:Wot?? Sorry, I was just browsing and I've ignored all the rest of the thread - this just jumped out and hit me in the humerus.
Originally posted by James007 .. red Blair ..
Reply ID 77046
quote:Not your pocket then
Originally posted by CSPquote:Wot?? Sorry, I was just browsing and I've ignored all the rest of the thread - this just jumped out and hit me in the humerus.
Originally posted by James007 .. red Blair ..
Reply ID 77047
Its a little off topic but I think you'll find that banks lending billions of pounds to people who couldn't pay it back and then coming crying to the government when they finally realised the 'bleeding obvious' has something to do with the current state of the economy. In addition the fact that those who seriously make money have inflated the oil prices having a knock on effect across the world. I know the spin doctors are working hard to blame it all on the government but the private sector must take some of the blame.You're right £10 under the mattress won't see the recession go away; neither will £10 in the bank at current interest rates but if our only investment is going to be in bricks and mortar then mass produced two beds aren't the answer either. FFS if you think this is bad then you really need your eyes opening to what is going on around the world, what's going on in the really deprived areas of the country and what happened here in the 70s and 80s! On topic - but almost on the same theme - the glut of two beds is due to developers wanting to make a fast buck as they're easy to build and sell. The planning regulations need to become stronger to get a balance between starter and family homes - I see too many people on here desperate to find 3/4 bed homes in Hertford otherwise this is also going to store up problems for the future. What can be done to improve that situation - maybe a number of us commenting on this aspect in the consultation may have some influence or am I just being naive? Traffic problems are also highlighted - in my experience they are tidal and predominately around school times and the evening rush hour. The other times are when there are problems on the M25 and drivers try and bypass by coming on the A414.
Reply ID 77048
quote:Of course; my pocket is neither deeper nor shallower than that of others. It was the "red" bit that amused me. Never mind, move on.
Originally posted by James007
Not your pocket then
Reply ID 77050
quote:Six words, two LOLs! [:D]
...this mess that red Blair started.
Reply ID 77051
quote:This issue is already recognised in the consultation. From the Sustainability Appraisal, para 9.3.13: Under Options 1, 2 and 4 the restricted number of sites may restrict the range and mix of housing that could be delivered. This is highlighted by a need within Hertford to shift from flatted development towards the promotion of dwellings more suited to family occupation.
Originally posted by Golden
The planning regulations need to become stronger to get a balance between starter and family homes - I see too many people on here desperate to find 3/4 bed homes in Hertford otherwise this is also going to store up problems for the future. What can be done to improve that situation - maybe a number of us commenting on this aspect in the consultation may have some influence or am I just being naive?
Reply ID 77090
I'm with James007 I don't have any problems with traffic but then again I'm up and out early and back after the rush hour. The riverside developments are attractive and more central and if I was in the market for a flat that is where I would buy. The old Addis site is just ugly and totally out of keeping with the rest of the area no wonder the prices there seem to have come down so much given the wider choice consumers in that market now have. What would be handy would be a Street Car type service in Hertford where you can just rent a car for a few hours when you need one. Particularly handy for commuters who use the train all week and just want a car now and again at weekends.
Reply ID 77289
I wrote [url="http://www.wareonline.co.uk/haveyoursay/topic.php?id=4525&whichpage=2#52489"]a comment on the Ware Online forum about this[/url] East Herts "Core Strategy: Issues and Options" consultation. IMHO it's essential that everybody responds to this consultation. There's a lot at stake. As you can see from [url="http://www.wareonline.co.uk/haveyoursay/topic.php?id=4525&whichpage=2#52489"]a comment[/url], there are some concerns about the wording of the questions that make it all the more important that smart folks take the time to respond appropriately.