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I support the local development plan proposed, especially with regard to allocating some development in the larger villages in the north of the borough, in particular site 076 in Blackmore, land south of Red Rose Lane, north of Orchard Piece as a self-contained village extension. The development of site 076 supports strategic objectives SO3, SO5, SO6, SO8, SO12. The most recent development in the village took place in the 1960s. The plan indicates the current pressures on housing supply across the borough. For Blackmore to remain a viable and vibrant community it would be reasonable to release a modest area of green belt land in a limited, controlled and managed way. Site 076 provides a natural boundary to the village, with Red Rose Lane as a northern limit. Historically this lane was used as an outer boundary to the village (according to some local historians since the time of the Black Death). In fact the latest development of land at Orchard Piece can be said to have stopped half way across the last field before that natural boundary. As a child I benefited from being able to move to one of the « new » housing estates in the 1960s which enabled me to be close to my grandparents, then owners of Red Rose Farm. The land upon which Orchard Piece was built had formed part of Red Rose Farm, i.e. it had previously been designated as farmland, but was, judiciously, released to meet the housing needs at that time. A modest development on site 076 could now provide the mixed housing that Blackmore & Hook End Parish have recognized is currently needed. My grandparents and parents having lived in Blackmore for many years, I am sensitive to the historical heritage and natural beauty of the area. For this reason we (joint owners of site 076) chose to give an option agreement to Crest Nicholson who have an excellent reputation as house builders, with thoughtful designs and landscaping. The proposal is for a modest number of homes to be delivered in a short timeframe. This would be with the aim of helping to relieve some of the most pressing need for housing. The site has been left fallow with this in mind. Development on site 076 would have the benefit of improving water drainage issues present in the adjacent land where the river Wid flows. While site 076 does not have a problem with flooding itself, landscaping as part of development could improve the water concerns close by. However, in this context, if there were a major issue the County Council would have been called upon to intervene should flooding on Red Rose Lane have been recognized as a significant and persistent problem. Besides affording a greater mix of housing, built to current sustainable standards, the proposed development at site 076 in Blackmore would also make the provision of services and amenities more commercially viable and by increasing the number of children in the local primary school would vouchsafe its future and ensure a well-balanced community. To conclude I fully support the proposed local development plan and in particular with respect to site 076 at Blackmore.