On Thursday afternoon people from around Kedington gathered at the legion hall to view the proposed Local Development Framework for the area that if adopted will be the basis of building in the area for the next 20 years.
Turn out was described by the borough council staff who organised the event as "Constant" and those who attended raised many concerns on various issues. One of the most prominent was the expansion of Haverhill towards Kedington with many being afraid of Kedington becoming engulfed by the town's expansion. The framework does propose a buffer zone between town and village but is very vague on an exact dividing line as shown by the their map which can be seen in the top right of this article (click on it for a larger version). Although those representing the LDF said the principle that Haverhill should not be visible from Kedington was part of the framework many present felt that without a definite line developers would eventually push Haverhill over the ridge towards Kedington leaving villagers feeling like just another estate. Also concerns were raised about light pollution from the encroachment of Haverhill which would blot out stars from the view of Kedington Folk who currently can enjoy a most enviable view of the night sky on a clear night as this weeks full moon may have reminded many.
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Both specific area's currently up for discussion also raised specific comments. Most comments regarding the proposed development of the area behind Keepers Cottage on Sturmer Road were either with regard to how access would be provided to the site and wether it would contribute to the unwanted linking of Haverhill and Kedington from the Kedington end.
The most passionate comments were reserved for the proposed development of the field beside Church Walk in the centre of the Village. Many objected out right to any thought of a housing estate along what many see as one of the villages beauty spots and a public amenity. The shaded grove leading up to the School and the Church holds an important place in the hearts of many villagers and several claimed to be horrified that another attempt to develop it was being made. Planning permission has been sought on this site before and each time refused because it is seen as an important place in the centre of the village defining the feel of the village for many. Concerns about the site were also raised with regard to access to the area given the already difficult traffic situation for that part of the village around the proposed access point where the Silver Street garage currently stands, just up from one of the most dangerous corners in the village where Silver St meets Rectory Road. Traffic along that strech frequently gets backed up and this could get worse if a proposed plan to narrow the road and put in a priority system to allow space for a path comes in to being (yes we are planning a piece on this for the near future). Also the part of West End Lane from where traffic exits the Westward Deals estate to where it joins Hundon Road is so narrow that if two cars wish to pass each other one frequently has to pull over and stop to let the other pass. It was noted at the drop in session that an increase in traffic could make this intolerable.
Church Walk Now And In The Early 20th Centuary.
Many will also be aware of proposed development next to Dash End Lane running up to Taylor's Farm Road. This was apparently covered in a previous part of the Frameworks Development and is not up for discussion at this stage. However all comments received with regard to the other current proposals will come to bare on the Borough's "Preferred Framework document" Who's release in 2010 will mean we get to do this all over again, but do not delay in making your comments to the the LDF as comments now will be far more effective. To comment visit The St Edmundsbury Borough Council website. Look for the "Local Development Framework consultations" page an online response form is on the page behind a link marked "online consultation system", but several folk have had difficulties with this so be aware there are other options on the site.
The Parish council have also voiced great concern about the plans and have called a public meeting To make sure Kedington's response is as strong as possible. However, After two attempts to find a suitable night a suitable date has yet to be found for the event. Keep checking our Events Page for details.
If you have news of interest to Kedington or a response or further information on existing articles please contact News@KedingtonNews.co.uk