Archive for category: News

NOTICE OF VACANCY
IN OFFICE OF COUNCILLOR

Codicote (East) Parish Council

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

that due to the resignation of Councillor Robert Walker, a vacancy has arisen in the Office of
Councillor for the Parish Council.

If by Tuesday, 21 October, 2025 (14 days excluding Dies Non, after the date of this notice) a
request for an election to fill said vacancy is made in writing to the Proper Officer at the address
below by TEN electors for the said Ward, an election will be held to fill the said vacancy, otherwise
the vacancy will be filled by co-option.

If an election is called, it will take place not later than Tuesday, 23 December, 2025.

Dated Wednesday, 1 October, 2025

Melanie Stimpson
Proper Officer
Council Offices
Gernon Road
Letchworth Garden City
Hertfordshire
SG6 3JF

Email Address: Elections@north-herts.gov.uk

Many residents of the Parish will be aware that an outline planning application has been submitted to North Herts Planning department for the residential development of up to 30 dwellings on land to the south side of Cowards Lane. Further information on the application can be found here: –

25/01766/OP | Outline application with means of access for residential development of up to 30 dwellings (including affordable housing); following demolition of all existing structures; associated landscaping, drainage, car parking; infrastructure and all ancillary and enabling works (all matters reserved except means of access) | Land On The South Side Of Cowards Lane Codicote Hertfordshire

The planning application was discussed at the full Council meeting on Tuesday 29^th July with many members of the public present. The Parish Council passed a resolution to call-in the application and support the opposition to this application. The Parish Council objections are: –

1. This development is not in the Local Plan nor the Neighbourhood Plan and is in the Green Belt. The Neighbourhood Plan says that any infrastructure upgrades should be carried out prior to village expansion including sewerage and electricity supply, both of which are under significant pressure already. Areas of the Riddy are flooded with effluent during heavy rainfall events.
2. The approval of the CD1 development by the Local Plan Inspector was contingent upon a “Transport Assessment to consider the cumulative impacts of sites CD1, CD2, CD3 & CD5 on the village centre and minor roads leading to/from Codicote, and secure necessary mitigation or improvement measures”. Cowards Lane is one such minor road: it is very much a country lane and is completely inadequate to handle any increase in traffic. The lane is already subject to width restrictions and is also subject to a 9.5T weight restriction.
3. Insufficient justification has been made for the significant loss of Green Belt and for a development on a site which is recognised and documented as having important wildlife habitat and rare species. As such, this development will represent a net loss of biodiversity, something which runs counter to the NHDC policy of 10% net gain in any new development.
4. The area provides a local green space for residents to use for exercise and general wellbeing.
5. Water retention on site, particularly during the winter period is an issue. It has been noted that the geological survey has been carried out during one of the driest spring and summers on record, with the real concern that normal, wetter, conditions will lead to flooding.
6. The primary School cannot cope with extra children as it is full to capacity despite the recent expansion. Children will therefore need to travel out of Codicote for schooling, which adds to the traffic issues highlighted.
7. There are still no plans for a Doctors or Dentist surgery, necessitating the use of vehicles to travel for appointments.

The Parish Council encourage residents to comment on this application by Thursday 14^th August via the following link: –

25/01766/OP | Outline application with means of access for residential development of up to 30 dwellings (including affordable housing); following demolition of all existing structures; associated landscaping, drainage, car parking; infrastructure and all ancillary and enabling works (all matters reserved except means of access) | Land On The South Side Of Cowards Lane Codicote Hertfordshire

The Parish Council is receiving an increasing number of calls and emails concerning the non-collection of waste bins. Bin collections are under the remit of the District Council, not the Parish Council. Would you please direct your query accordingly. Further information can be found here: –

https://www.north-herts.gov.uk/report-missed-bin

NOTICE OF VACANCY

IN OFFICE OF COUNCILLOR

Codicote Parish Council 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

that a vacancy has arisen in the Office of Councillor for the Parish Council.

The vacancy will be filled by co-option. If you wish to apply, please contact the clerk via email clerk@codicote-pc.gov.uk or by telephone 07754 745830 to confirm your interest. The appropriate paperwork for co-option will then be issued for completion.

Closing Date for application Wednesday 18^th June 2025