THANKS to last week's Echo I learned there were just six days left to register an objection to the policy to further develop Haverhill towards Kedington.
The tortuous consultation website revealed it was now intended policy to use the land between the Wratting Road and the Coupals Road to deliver 2,500 Houses, plus a by-pass relief road. A policy (CS12) supported by the town council.
This policy wo
uld urbanise a large section our Haverhill country walks (circular route from East Town Park via Stour Valley Way and back via Great Wilsey Farm).
I know this is a popular and valued recreational area, easily accessed from the town centre along the railway walk.
The town council used to promote these walks for our benefit, but they are now quietly supporting a policy which will take away a lot of the 'country' in our country walks.
Also what about our East Town Park and our wildlife? There is nothing in the policy about parks in the southwest of the county.
However the by-pass relief road in the policy will cut off the East Town Park from the wildlife corridor which runs along the Stour Brook, through the golf course, and Woodlands Hotel and green, through to Calford Green. No route has been given for this relief by-pass road in the policy but it must pass through the railway walk and through the stour brook area at the back of Sturmer to get from the roundabout at the end of the bypass on its way to join the A143.
This land is valuable recreational and wildlife habitat.
Why does the policy 'require the release of this strategic greenfield site' to deliver 2,500 homes? Why one big site?
Perhaps If I were cynical, I might say that this would give the greatest chance of the developer’s paying for the new relief by-pass road.
This would not happen if the policy had released a number of smaller sites.
A limited number of smaller sites would protect the separate integrity of Calford Green, Kedington and Withersfied. It is the large sites which threaten them.
Thanks to last week’s Echo, I have had the opportunity to have my say before it is too late, but sadly despite a massive consultation exercise, how many people were not aware of this policy for Haverhill’s strategic growth.
IAN JOHNSON,
Marcus Close,
Haverhill.
